Tigers Could Use Faster Start After Dark” — focusing on Auburn’s struggles in night games and how they can improve.
When the lights go down and the stage is set, the Auburn Tigers often find themselves caught in the shadows before they ever get going. Night games have historically provided the SEC with some of the most electric atmospheres in college football, but for Auburn, the trend in recent seasons has been less about the fireworks and more about fighting uphill battles. Whether it’s a primetime SEC showdown or a late non-conference clash, the Tigers too often appear to sleepwalk through first quarters, leaving fans and coaches alike wondering: why can’t Auburn start faster after dark?
Under the lights, Auburn’s record has been respectable — but deeper analysis reveals troubling signs. In the last two seasons, the Tigers have been outscored in the first quarter of night games 89-45, falling behind early and often. That differential isn’t just a stat; it’s a mindset issue. While Auburn typically rallies with energy in the second half, their early-game passivity has repeatedly cost them momentum, and in the unforgiving SEC, momentum is currency.
Last season’s loss at LSU was a prime example. Auburn went three-and-out on its first three possessions and fell behind 17-0 before the offense even showed signs of life. Despite a valiant effort in the third quarter, the hole was too deep. Against Georgia, the Tigers again failed to find rhythm early under the lights, and by the time the offense woke up, the Bulldogs had dictated the tempo.
“I don’t know if it’s preparation, nerves, or something else,” Auburn offensive coordinator Kent Austin said after last year’s LSU loss. “But we’ve got to fix it. Playing from behind in this league, in these environments, you’re basically asking for trouble.”
There might be more to this than strategy or focus. Sports scientists have long studied the effects of circadian rhythms on athletic performance. Humans tend to peak physically and mentally in the late afternoon to early evening, but high-performance consistency under stadium lights — especially in emotionally charged environments — can be tricky.
“Some athletes thrive at night, but others suffer from the changes in routine,” said Dr. Liana Wren, a sports performance consultant who has worked with Power Five programs. “Pre-game meal timing, adrenaline surges, and even hydration levels can vary dramatically. If your routine is off even slightly, it can affect execution — particularly early in games.”
For a team like Auburn, which features several young starters adjusting to college football’s mental and physical toll, mastering those variables could be the difference between early dominance and late desperation.
Head coach Hugh Freeze has acknowledged the issue and says the staff has been deliberate this offseason in simulating night-game scenarios.
“We’ve been practicing under the lights, changing meeting schedules, and putting our guys in uncomfortable situations late in the evening,” Freeze said. “Our team has to be mentally ready from the first whistle, not just once they’ve been punched in the mouth.”
Part of the adjustment also includes scripting more aggressive opening drives. Freeze, known for his up-tempo offense at Ole Miss and Liberty, has historically leaned conservative in the opening drives of SEC road games. That could be changing.
“We’re going to test defenses early this year,” said offensive analyst Marcus Davis. “It’s about setting the tone — not reacting. We’ve got the talent to do it, now it’s about mindset and preparation.”
If the Tigers are to reverse their trend of sluggish night starts, quarterback play will be essential. In 2024, Payton Thorne and Robby Ashford split time early in the season, which stunted rhythm and delayed momentum in several primetime matchups. By the time a QB settled in, Auburn was often chasing the scoreboard.
This year, Freeze is putting the offense squarely in the hands of redshirt sophomore Hank Brown, a rising star who has drawn comparisons to former Auburn greats for his poise and deep-ball accuracy.
“Hank’s not going to flinch,” said offensive lineman Dillon Wade. “We trust him to come out firing from the first snap, especially in big moments.”
Brown’s quick decision-making and command of the offense are expected to energize Auburn’s opening drives. If he can distribute the ball quickly and avoid three-and-outs early, the Tigers’ tempo could finally match the intensity of their nighttime opponents.
The offensive struggles under the lights have often overshadowed a defense that hasn’t exactly set the tone, either. Defensive coordinator Ron Roberts has been focused on tackling fundamentals and early-drive discipline, after a series of first-quarter breakdowns haunted the Tigers last season.
Against Arkansas and LSU, the defense surrendered explosive touchdowns on their first defensive series — both times off missed tackles and blown coverage.
“You can’t warm into a night game,” Roberts said. “You either hit or you get hit. We’ve had too many guys waiting for someone else to make the first play. That has to change.”
This offseason, Auburn’s defensive units have been drilled to create chaos early. Blitz packages, disguised coverages, and press man schemes have been introduced early in practice reps to simulate game-opening pressure.
The Tigers also brought in leadership from the transfer portal, including former Ohio State linebacker Malik Hartford, who brings energy and experience to Auburn’s linebacker corps.
“Energy is contagious,” Hartford said. “If we can pop someone in the mouth on the first series, it’ll carry into the whole game. That’s the plan.”
Jordan-Hare Stadium remains one of the loudest venues in college football, especially under the lights. But even home-field advantage can feel muted if the team starts slow.
“You can feel the energy dip in the stadium when we go three-and-out twice in a row,” said Auburn fan Kayla Mitchell, a 12-year season ticket holder. “Night games are supposed to be special, but we’ve come out flat too often. The fans want to get loud, but we need something to cheer about early.”
Freeze is urging the Auburn faithful to show up early and be loud — regardless of the start.
“We feed off our fans, and we need them,” he said. “But it’s on us as coaches and players to give them a reason to erupt.”
It’s easy to point to schemes, sleep patterns, and depth charts — but ultimately, Auburn’s ability to start strong after dark will come down to grit.
The SEC doesn’t forgive slow starts. With road night games scheduled at Georgia, Texas A&M, and Ole Miss this season, the Tigers will face raucous environments where hesitation can snowball into disaster.
“The best teams punch first,” said former Auburn linebacker Deshaun Davis. “That’s what separates good from great. You walk into Death Valley or The Swamp at night — it’s not enough to survive. You have to control it.”
For Auburn to reach its ceiling in 2025, the Tigers can’t afford to sleepwalk through the first quarter of night games. The pieces are in place — from a developing quarterback to an energized defense and an elite coaching staff — but early execution remains the missing ingredient.
Auburn has all the talent needed to contend in the SEC. But in a league where every Saturday feels like a heavyweight fight, the Tigers can’t keep waiting until round three to start swinging.
They’ll need to bring the fire from the opening whistle — especially after dark.
Would you like me to add quotes from specific players or coaches, or tweak it to fit a specific game preview?
