Breaking Down the Importance of Auburn vs. Baylor

The first game of Hugh Freeze's "show me" season is now 50 days away. Fans are impatiently waiting for college football and this nationally televised game will be Auburn's first real glimpse at what's in store for the year ahead.

1. Recruiting
   1. This is a nationally televised game taking place in Atlanta, hotbed for SEC recruiting. A win can show Auburn's program direction and relevance. A loss will be a tremendous blow to hope after last year's uninspiring performance.
2. Perception of Hugh Freeze
   1. Win or loss I'm hoping we'll get answers to the following:
1. Has the program taken a step forward?
2. Is Freeze's system clicking with Jackson Arnold?
3. Can Auburn compete against good Power 5 programs outside of the SEC?
3. Early Schedule Matters
   1. Momentum - Can we go 1-0 into Ball State? If so, will that carry us to 3-0 before the Oklahoma, A&M, and UGA stretch?
   2. The team's collective belief
      1. A win right off the bat puts into the players' minds that they are supposed to win each and every game.

This game is more than just a 1 in the win column. It will back up our statements to recruits, boosters, the SEC, and those questioning Auburn's relevancy. A loss opens the door to doubt.