Freshman Phenom Hank Brown Leads Auburn to Victory Over New Mexico

AUBURN, Ala. — The anticipation was palpable as Auburn football fans gathered for their matchup against New Mexico. The buzz was largely due to the announcement that redshirt freshman quarterback Hank Brown would make his first career start, stepping in after former starter Payton Thorne’s disappointing performance against Cal.

Auburn managed to bounce back with a 45-19 win over New Mexico. While it wasn’t the cleanest game, it was a much-needed victory for the Tigers.

Hank Brown Impresses in Debut

In his debut, Hank Brown showed composure beyond his years. The Auburn coaching staff initially called for short, quick passes to help Brown find his rhythm. It didn’t take long for him to start making more ambitious throws. On Auburn’s second drive, Brown connected with KeAndre Lambert-Smith on a perfectly placed 45-yard deep ball, setting up a touchdown just a few plays later.

Heavy rain during the first half briefly disrupted Auburn’s offensive momentum. The team was cautious with their passing game in the downpour, and Brown had a few errant throws in the second quarter. However, once the rain subsided, Brown regained his form. He was nearly flawless in the second half, consistently making accurate throws and smart decisions. He completed his first nine passes after halftime, finishing the game with 235 passing yards and four touchdowns on 17-of-25 passing.

Defensive Struggles Persist

Despite the victory, Auburn’s defense had a challenging night. New Mexico’s offense, led by quarterback Devon Dampier, frequently found ways to create big plays, particularly through the air. Dampier’s ability to make throws on the run exposed vulnerabilities in Auburn’s secondary.

The absence of Kayin Lee was felt, as Keionte Scott and Champ Anthony were the starting corners, with Antonio Kite rotating in. Although Kite had an interception, he also struggled in one-on-one situations. Additionally, Auburn’s defense had its first notable struggle against the run this season, with missed tackles being a significant issue.

Concerns Remain

Despite the win, the performance left much to be desired. Auburn did what was necessary to secure the victory, but concerns linger, especially with the start of SEC play looming. The defense’s struggles against New Mexico’s offense and the inconsistency in offensive execution were notable. While Brown’s debut was a bright spot, it alone may not be enough to alleviate concerns about Auburn’s readiness for tougher competition.

Looking Ahead

Auburn will host Arkansas next week as they begin their SEC schedule. The performance against New Mexico showed areas of both promise and concern, leaving fans and coaches eager to see how the team will fare against SEC competition.