The Auburn Observer

Justin and Dan break down Auburn’s Final Four loss to Florida. The guys look at what changed between the first half and the second half for the Tigers and how Walter Clayton Jr. felt virtually unstoppable for most of the game. They talk about fatigue playing a role in the performance, along with the cooled-off 3-point shooting and the injuries to Johni Broome toward the end of the NCAA Tournament.

Toward the middle of the show, the guys look at all of the outgoing seniors on this season’s team and talk about their journeys in this historic season. Justin makes a point about Broome’s GOAT status. Dan shares his thoughts on Dylan Cardwell’s March Madness run and how it will go down in history.

After talking about Auburn basketball’s potential returners — including Tahaad Pettiford — and the new pickup of Big 12 leading scorer Keyshawn Hall, they close with a large list of thank yous and shoutouts. The episode ends with a discussion of jinxes and, of course, food.

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In this special two-part Final Four episode, Justin and Dan lead off by giving the official Observer podcast preview of Auburn’s rematch with Florida in San Antonio.

Then, in the second half of the show, Dave, Pablo and Painter give you their thoughts in a new edition of Friends of the Program.

Two podcasts, one episode. If there was ever a time to do this, it’s right now. Enjoy.

Note: For those who are new to The Observer: Friends of the Program is a freewheeling discussion among three Auburn fans. Their thoughts and opinions do not necessarily reflect the views of Observer management, and some language might not be suitable for all listeners.

The first half of the show at least pretends to be a professional endeavor.

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This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.auburnobserver.com/subscribe

NOTE: The original version of this podcast had some technical difficulties. Those have been fixed in the new file.

Justin settles back home on the Plains briefly as Dan calls in from North Dakota to discuss Auburn basketball’s nearly wire-to-wire Elite Eight win over Michigan State to punch a return trip to the Final Four for the second time in school history.

The guys start by discussing how Auburn was able to win with defense and how it overcame a shaky shooting performance from the field. Dan makes a point about Chaney Johnson and Dylan Cardwell’s performances when Johni Broome went down with an elbow injury. Justin breaks down Broome’s dominance, from the hot start to the dramatic 3-pointer that virtually sealed the victory.

They continue by looking at how Auburn’s guards had their moments of offensive excellence against the Spartans and why that could be a good sign heading toward San Antonio. The episode ends with a salute to the subscribers and Fargo talk. (Not the movie.)

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Follow Dan (@dnpck) and Justin (@JFergusonAU) on Twitter.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.auburnobserver.com/subscribe

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Justin checks in from Atlanta as Dan gets ready to head to North Dakota. The guys discuss Auburn basketball’s massive comeback win over Michigan in the Sweet 16, led by the outstanding shotmaking from Tahaad Pettiford and Denver Jones.

They start by looking at why things were going so poorly for Auburn’s offense for most of the game — and why Johni Broom…

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Justin and Dan preview Auburn basketball’s Sweet 16 showdown with Michigan. They start by making a point about the success for this team before the second weekend begins and how they’ve positioned themselves strongly with what should be a familiar and favorable atmosphere in Atlanta.

The breakdown starts with a look at Tre Donaldson, who has gone to Michigan to run the show at point guard and has led the Wolverines to a great turnaround season. Justin looks at the matchup between Donaldson and Denver Jones. Dan makes a point about what this game means for the other guards on the floor.

Then the guys take a closer look at the matchup of Johni Broome, Dylan Cardwell and Chaney Johnson against Vlad Goldin and Danny Wolf. They look at what it might take for either frontcourt to have success and the keys to victory for Auburn down low. The episode concludes with a rundown of the rest of the Sweet 16, thoughts on Texas’ new men’s basketball coach and Atlanta restaurants to know.

This is a premium podcast for Observer subscribers only. You can join by clicking the button below or going to this link. We’re running a special: Your first full year of the Observer for just $40 — that’s 33% off the regular price.

Justin and Dan break down Auburn's hard-fought win over Creighton to punch its ticket to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2019. The guys discuss how the Tigers spent the 48 hours after the Alabama State game calling each other out and how they showed from the opening tip that things would be different.

They talk about how Auburn’s defense weathered the storm in the first half and wore Creighton’s offense down in the second half. Dan gives props to Dylan Cardwell for arguably his biggest game in an Auburn uniform. Justin takes a closer look at how Tahaad Pettiford showed he — and the rest of the Tigers’ offense — was built for this moment from the beginning.

The guys also take some time toward the end of the show to discuss the hiring of Larry Vickers, Auburn’s new women’s basketball coach. They close with a discussion of Conan O’Brien, outro songs and Lexington eats.

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Photo Credit: Zach Bland/Auburn Tigers

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.auburnobserver.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.auburnobserver.com

Justin and Dan break down Auburn basketball’s underwhelming NCAA Tournament win over Alabama State. The guys start by discussing how the effort and energy just wasn’t consistently there from everybody for the Tigers — and how that prompted Steven Pearl and others to be quite direct with their postgame comments.

They look at why Auburn’s win didn’t do much to ease concerns from fans down the stretch and how this was a missed opportunity for a reset. Justin looks at Johni Broome and Chad Baker-Mazara’s performances. Dan points out how Miles Kelly, Chaney Johnson and Tahaad Pettiford could be great signs moving forward if the Tigers can take advantage of them.

The episode ends with a look at a Creighton squad that torched the nets and took a Louisville team with a clear home-court advantage out of the game Thursday. The guys look at similar opponents that the Tigers have faced this season and what it’s going to take to advance to the Sweet 16.

This is a premium podcast for Observer subscribers only. You can join by clicking the button below or going to this link. We’re running a special: Your first full year of the Observer for just $40 — that’s 33% off the regular price.

Photo Credit: Zach Bland/Auburn Tigers

Justin and Dan open the show by looking back at Auburn basketball’s SEC Tournament semifinal loss to Tennessee. The guys discuss why there’s no need for the No. 1 overall team in the NCAA Tournament to panic after losing three of its last four — but why the Tigers must get better from their final two weeks of the season.

Justin breaks down the two-edged sword of the free-throw difference against Tennessee and why the Tigers’ guards had a harder time scoring in Nashville. Dan looks at Tahaad Pettiford’s recent struggles and Johni Broome’s continued surge.

The guys then spend the rest of the episode looking at Auburn’s first weekend draw in Lexington for an Atlanta regional that might be analytically — and narratively — difficult but might have some stylistic advantages for the Tigers. They also go through every first-round matchup in the tournament and give some of their upset specials.

Observer subscribers can join our official Bracket Challenge at CBS Sports here. The winner will get a free lifetime subscription. There will be other prizes, too.

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Photo Credit: Auburn Basketball/Twitter

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.auburnobserver.com/subscribe

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Justin calls in from the media work room at the SEC Tournament in Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena to break down Auburn basketball’s quarterfinal win over Ole Miss.

The guys talk about how the Tigers were able to win with defense and clutch playmaking late from a number of key guys — most of all, National Player of the Year winner Johni Broome. Justin wonde…

Justin and Dan open the show by breaking down a thrilling matchup between Auburn and Alabama in the regular season finale at Neville Arena. The guys look at the final minutes and what ultimately was the difference for the Tigers in a losing effort.

They talk Chad Baker-Mazara’s ejection, Johni Broome’s career offensive day and the recurring issues from earlier in the week. Justin makes a point about how Auburn’s defense has been over the last month of the season. Dan looks at how the Tigers’ depth wasn’t as strong as it usually was down the stretch.

The episode ends with a look at the SEC Tournament bracket and what Auburn needs to do to get back to playing like one of the very best teams in the country. The guys make sleeper picks for Nashville and look at some of the fun in conference tournaments so far with just six days until Selection Sunday. Also: Pizza toppings.

If you’re receiving this free podcast episode and would like to upgrade to a paid subscription that gives you access to all stories and premium podcast episodes, subscribe for a special discounted $40 price using the button below or clicking this link.

Follow Dan (@dnpck) and Justin (@JFergusonAU) on Twitter.

Photo Credit: Zach Bland/Auburn Tigers

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.auburnobserver.com/subscribe