As Auburn faces an uphill battle to secure bowl eligibility, the remaining games of this season carry a weight far beyond wins and losses. For the Tigers’ veterans—players who have spent multiple seasons enduring the highs and lows at Auburn—the final games offer a chance to cement their legacy, secure respect, and potentially achieve Auburn immortality.
The Legacy of Jarquez Hunter
When Jarquez Hunter arrived at Auburn, he was seen as a promising back, but his journey has surpassed expectations. Through years of shared carries and opportunities to transfer elsewhere, Hunter has remained dedicated to the Tigers. In an era of frequent player transfers, his loyalty has not only made him a fan favorite but also a historic figure in Auburn’s record books.
Currently, Hunter ranks sixth on Auburn’s all-time yards-from-scrimmage list. With just three games left in his season, he has the chance to climb even higher. He needs 20 yards to overtake Joe Cribbs, 41 to surpass Ben Tate, and 126 to move past James Brooks. If he accomplishes this, the only players left ahead of him on Auburn’s list will be none other than legends Cadillac Williams and Bo Jackson. Though reaching Williams’ spot would require Hunter to average 186 total yards per game—an ambitious goal—such a feat remains within the realm of possibility.
For Hunter, the opportunity to rise among the ranks of Auburn’s all-time greats is a fitting reward for his years of hard work and dedication. Each yard he gains in these last games could further immortalize him as one of Auburn’s most celebrated running backs, a player who persevered through some of the program’s toughest seasons.
A Golden Opportunity: The Alabama Game
Perhaps the biggest opportunity remaining for Auburn this season lies in their chance to defeat Alabama. Auburn heads to Tuscaloosa to face a Crimson Tide team that, for the first time in recent memory, seems vulnerable. With a new head coach and a roster adjusting to numerous changes, Alabama’s performance has not met its usual dominant standard. The Tide’s defense, at times, has looked out of sync, and recent games have shown cracks in their armor, as both Vanderbilt and Tennessee exposed weaknesses with decisive offensive performances.
Auburn’s game against Alabama isn’t just about one win; it’s about pride, bragging rights, and sending a message. A victory in this historic rivalry could provide a jolt of energy to Auburn’s recruiting efforts, swaying undecided prospects toward the Tigers. This is a “litmus test” for Auburn’s future, a game that could shift the program’s direction and provide a foundation for the Hugh Freeze era.
The Impact of a Strong Finish
While winning all three remaining games and clinching bowl eligibility is a tall order, Auburn’s players have everything to gain by finishing the season strong. For seniors and NFL hopefuls, these games offer a final chance to impress scouts and leave a lasting impact. For the team as a whole, each game represents an opportunity to restore some pride and lay down a foundation for the next season.
Ending the season on a high note could also help Auburn’s first-year head coach Hugh Freeze enter the offseason with some stability. The Tigers’ performance in the last few games will either strengthen Freeze’s footing or intensify the scrutiny surrounding his tenure. A string of strong performances could quiet any doubts and generate optimism heading into next year.
Bottom Line: The Stakes Are High
In the end, these last three games aren’t just about salvaging the season. They are about resilience, pride, and the chance to create lasting memories. For players like Jarquez Hunter, it’s a chance to etch their names into Auburn’s history. For the team, it’s an opportunity to restore a sense of respect and identity. And for Auburn’s devoted fans, it’s a chance to witness their Tigers leave everything on the field, fighting for the program’s honor and future.
Whether or not Auburn makes it to a bowl game, these final games will undoubtedly shape the narrative of this season and set the tone for what lies ahead.
