The Auburn Observer

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Note: Justin’s audio changes early in the podcast because of some microphone issues. It eventually goes back to normal. But we know it’s there.

Justin and Dan talk Auburn football’s latest movement in the upcoming transfer portal window before breaking down a massive opportunity in Indianapolis for basketball against Purdue. Top…

Justin and Dan break down Auburn basketball’s underwhelming win over Chattanooga in Atlanta and talk a couple of notable football departures. Topics include:

* Auburn’s lack of defensive effort and execution in a favorable matchup

* Dan’s question about if the Tigers can play disruptive defense without numbers

* Justin’s take about the absence of Kevin Overton in this game

* Elyjah Freeman giving up his starting spot to Sebastian Williams-Adams

* Auburn’s improved ball movement and assist rate on offense

* the issues that still creep up for the Tigers’ top-15 attack

* Keyshawn Hall providing more than just points

* Tahaad Pettiford finding his 3-point shot again

* Emeka Opurum’s sudden shutdown

* Auburn needing defensive improvement from the backup guards

* why did Auburn score so much in the final minute?

* Malcolm Simmons’ transfer departure for football

* the Freeze Four Era and how things might change moving forward

* Keldric Faulk heading to the NFL Draft, as expected

* a Dusty Finish in basketball

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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

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

Justin and Dan go deep on a number of subjects for Auburn football and basketball as the Tigers nail down their assistant coaches and schedule for 2026 — and get ready for a trip to Atlanta this weekend for Holiday Hoopsgiving. Topics include:

* the mix of Alex Golesh, SEC and even Auburn experience on this new staff

* a coach-by-coa…

Justin and Dan are back in studio to record a wide-ranging episode on Alex Golesh’s first week with Auburn football and Auburn basketball’s loss at Arizona. Topics include:

* Golesh saying his top priority is re-recruiting the current roster

* why Golesh could have gone clean slate with the program — but isn’t

* the right approach to retaining talent, given Auburn’s recent situation

* the quarterback situation and the Deuce Knight debate among fans

* putting the importance of recruiting into the proper context

* a reminder of why Auburn decided to hire Alex Golesh in the first place

* why bringing over USF staffers (and maybe talent) makes sense

* building the Year 1 staff of assistants, including a couple of new names

* Beef O’Brady’s?

* what went so wrong for Auburn basketball at Arizona

* why this particular loss isn’t a reason to hit the panic button

* how Auburn basketball didn’t look connected enough on both ends of the floor

* putting Auburn’s 7-3 start in the proper context

* looking ahead to the rest of the schedule, including that Purdue trip next week

* A NOTE FROM DAN: Because of technical difficulties, we had to edit out the original ending of this episode. Justin provided thoughts about his visit to Tucson (he described some delicious Mexican food) and I lamented the looming end of 80s pro wrestling on Peacock and its uncertain streaming future. I vow that we will revisit both subjects in the future on The Auburn Observer Podcast.

If you’re receiving this free podcast episode and would like to upgrade to a paid subscription that gives you access to all stories, the roster tracker and the premium podcast episodes — for our special Christmas discount — subscribe using the button below or clicking this link.

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

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

Justin and Dan aren’t in the Wings 94.3 studio for this one, but they try to make up for it by talking a ton of Auburn basketball and football in a short amount of time before the Observer North American Tour continues. Topics include:

* why Auburn turned the ball over so much against NC State

* Kevin Overton playing a nearly perfect game …

Justin and Dan share all of their thoughts on Auburn football’s hire of Alex Golesh as its new head coach, less than 24 hours after the end of the season. Topics include:

* why it’s important to remember where USF was before Golesh arrived

* Golesh’s work with some of the best-looking offenses in college football

* the details of the Veer-and-Shoot system and what sets Golesh apart there

* Golesh’s Rust Belt football background and how it applies to his offenses

* Auburn’s pursuit of top target Jon Sumrall, who ended up at Florida

* DJ Durkin’s chances of staying on as Golesh’s defensive coordinator

* Kodi Burns and other USF names who could be making the jump to the Plains

* how John Cohen’s first press conference hinted at a Golesh-like hire

* why quarterback play and elite offense have been priorities right now

* the bonus of roster retention — and why it’s not the biggest deal with a change

* what Year 1 under Golesh could look like with the schedule Auburn must face

* a look at the Lane Kiffin-to-LSU chaos, Kentucky’s late move and… whatever Penn State is doing in this carousel?

* Dan asks a question: which Christmas movie would you play 24 straight hours if you owned a cable channel?

* Note: Justin misspoke when he said the Christmas sale was $5 or $50. It’s 25% off an annual sub, for the 25 days. You get it.

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 — for our special Christmas discount — subscribe using the button below or clicking this link.

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

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

Justin and Dan are still in Las Vegas for this episode, using the power of time travel. They break down all the angles of Auburn football’s shot at a monumental upset of rival Alabama in the 2025 Iron Bowl at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Topics include:

* the parallels between this matchup and past Iron Bowls

* why an Auburn team that has on…

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

Justin and Dan break down what they saw from Auburn basketball live in Las Vegas at the Players Era Championship: Two huge second-half surges to beat Oregon and St. John’s, plus a blowout loss to a Michigan team that might be invincible. Topics include:

* Justin and Dan’s takes on the Players Era format, since Auburn is lined up h…

Justin and Dan recap Auburn football putting together a mostly complete performance in a win over Mercer before turning their attention to Auburn basketball’s first two games at the Players Era Festival. Topics for this episode include:

* the improved vibes heading into the Iron Bowl

* Deuce Knight putting on a show in his first career start

* again, what was Hugh Freeze doing on offense? Derrick Nix figured it out

* Auburn’s pass defense struggling early — and why that’s a problem

* Cam Coleman’s latest touchdown and his value to the program moving forward

* Keldric Faulk’s early absence and the surprising lack of running back production

* the format of the Players Era Festival, which is pretty out there

* Keyshawn Hall’s injury status

* how Oregon has one of the tallest and most talented rosters you’ll find in Vegas

* the matchup between KeShawn Murphy and Nate Bittle

* Justin’s thoughts on where Auburn’s defense has to be careful against Oregon

* is there pressure on Tahaad Pettiford after a slow shooting start?

* looking ahead to a matchup with another loaded Michigan team

* rebounding, rebounding, rebounding

* a reminder that The Observer will be in Vegas for all the action

* Dan’s guide to Las Vegas

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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

Justin and Dan recap Auburn basketball nearly pulling off an upset of No. 1 Houston in Birmingham with a virtually brand-new roster. Topics for this episode include:

* how Auburn truly believed it could beat Houston on Sunday

* the resiliency Auburn showed it responding to every punch in this game

* the Tigers’ rebounding holding up in a physical showdown

* Keyshawn Hall buying into the Auburn culture and not just being a scorer

* how Hall’s early injury exit made a difference down the stretch

* KeShawn Murphy proving his immense value again in his return

* Sebastian Williams-Adams and Elyjah Freeman showing that they’re ready now

* Tahaad Pettiford looking more like his old self in this one

* Auburn’s ability to dominate the foul battle…

* …but miss out on a win at the free-throw line

* the defensive issues and the continued work toward consistency on that end

* why Auburn should keep playing these types of games

* Grubserver: a review of Johnny’s Restaurant in Homewood

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 using the button below or clicking this link.

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