Bracketology 2023: Complete Bubble Watch before final weekend of regular season
By Joey Loose
Auburn: 19-11 (9-8 in SEC) NET: 36
When they were 16-3, with a stark 6-1 record in SEC play, Auburn looked like the opposite of a bubble team. Their NET was in the low 20’s around that time in the middle of January, but the Tigers have really been slumping in the weeks since that time. Even before, they hadn’t exactly been their best in wins over Northwestern or Florida, but it really came undone in late January.
The Tigers have won just 3 of their last 11 games, being swept by Alabama and Texas A&M. Earlier this week they blew a major opportunity to get off the bubble, grabbing a large lead on the road against the Crimson Tide before blowing it and falling in overtime. Their only wins during this rough stretch have been home games against Missouri, Georgia, and Ole Miss; not exactly the performances that will move the needle in their direction.
The good news is that their NET is still in a solid position. The bad news is that they’re just 2-9 in Quad 1 games. They do have a chance to avenge a close loss to Tennessee on Saturday as they welcome the Volunteers to town. It’s very possible that Auburn moves safely into the field with a win against a Volunteers team that’s also scuffling in recent weeks. However, a loss there and a bad performance in the SEC Tournament and the Tigers might be left at home.