Auburn’s ESPN FPI ranking falls following week two loss

AUBURN, ALABAMA – SEPTEMBER 07: Head coach Hugh Freeze of the Auburn Tigers reacts to a penalty during the first half of their game against the California Golden Bears at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 07, 2024 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)

The Auburn Tigers are coming off an extremely disconcerting loss in week two against ACC opponent California. Hugh Freeze’s offense came into week two riding a high of scoring 70+ points against Alabama A&M, but could not muster anything of note following an early scripted-drive touchdown. The effort was so sub-par that questions surrounding Payton Thorne’s status as the starting quarterback have risen, and the Tigers chances of going bowling this season seem to be at an all-time low.

Auburn’s week two loss included 5 offensive turnovers (4 interceptions), just 286 offensive yards from scrimmage, and a below-average defensive effort that led Cal quarterback Fernando Mendoza to pass for 233 yards and 2 touchdowns on a near 70% completion percentage. The total breakdown by the Tigers caused them to slide heavily in ESPN FPI, as the ranking now lists Auburn at No. 25 overall, 9 spots below its week one ranking.

The FPI ranks each college football team by a variety of factors; Strength of record, strength of schedule, offensive efficiency, defensive efficiency, and overall efficiency.

Here is where Auburn ranks in each category ahead of the Tigers’ week three matchup with New Mexico at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Overall Ranking: No. 25

Auburn Tigers quarterback Payton Thorne (1) walks off the field after the game as Auburn Tigers take on California Golden Bears at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. California Golden Bears defeated Auburn Tigers 21-14.

Calling Auburn’s week two performance “not good” may be too optimistic of a term….

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/auburns-espn-fpi-ranking-falls-230000840.html

Author : Auburn Wire

Publish date : 2024-09-10 23:00:00

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