The transfer portal has transformed college football's off-season into full-blown free agency and the door swings both ways. While we can debate the merits of the portal and its positive or negative effects on the sport, it's the reality of the moment and it's here to stay. Auburn has seen a steady stream of players leave the Plains the last few years mostly due to the coaching change from Malzahn to Harsin. A handful have gone on to have meaningful success at other major programs, but the majority have drifted into anonymity at lesser and lower-level schools. To be honest, there are no teams immune from this sort of attrition no matter how successful, but obviously toxic situations suffer the most. As many players as the Tigers lost, they actually brought in 18 (combined) from the portal in 2021 and 2022. Quite a few of those have been major contributors like WR Demetris Robertson, DT Marcus Harris, S Donovan Kaufman, DE Eku Leota, WR Koy More, CB DJ James and DT Jayson Jones just to name a few. These were all singular pieces that complemented the whole and predominantly provided quality depth at a position. Hugh Freeze has, as of now, signed 12 players through the portal for 2023 and I expect him to sign a couple more at least.

The No. 20 Auburn basketball program, now 12-3 overall and 2-1 in the SEC, has an unusually wide range between its best and worst capability in 2023 and both were on full display last week. The Tigers lost on the road to unranked Georgia by double digits 64-76. Then, turned around and defeated No. 13 Arkansas in Neville Arena by double digits 72-59. Obviously, there are many factors that determine wins and losses in a basketball game, but Auburn's biggest challenge this season has been simply putting the ball through the hoop. Good defense travels and Bruce Pearl's squad is very consistent on that end of the floor. They routinely hold their opponent well below their scoring average and predominantly hold a significant advantage in rebounds. The biggest problem has been scoring. The Tigers are 10th in the SEC in field-goal percentage at 43.4 percent, 11th in free-throw percentage at 67.6 percent and 12th in three-point percentage at 29.2 percent. They were well below all three averages against Georgia and above all three averages against Arkansas. If the shots are falling, Auburn can beat anyone. If they're not, Auburn can lose to anyone.

I just want to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving! I've said many times before this is one of my favorite holidays. I love family, food, football and being thankful. It's the perfect celebration. The Iron Bowl is also this weekend and it may very well be the most celebrated day of the year in this state. To be honest, I kind of dread this game every year, because it's 60 minutes of the most intense nervousness and angst imaginable. When Auburn wins its glorious and when Auburn loses its dreadful. There is no in between or middle ground. Alabama is a big favorite this year and rightly so, but the game is a lot more intriguing now than it was a few weeks ago. The Tigers have a punchers chance, but will probably need some help. Regardless of what happens on Saturday, I'm thankful and here are 10 reasons why.

I like to think I'm a positive guy and can find a silver lining in most every dark cloud. It's only the third game of the year and there's still a lot of football left to be played. Auburn's embarrassing performance against Penn State on Saturday getting pushed around and run out of their own stadium 41-12 qualifies as inclement weather. However, after intently searching high and low for the slightest ray of sunshine, I am completely bereft of positivity. If you are kind enough to read my column and usually look for some reassurance within, this one is probably going to be a little disappointing. The truth can be unpleasant and difficult to take at times, but it will set you free. It would take an entire page to diagnose adequately and thoroughly everything that went wrong against the Nittany Lions.

The Auburn Tigers will begin practice on Friday in preparation for the upcoming 2022 football season. The media has no faith in the Tigers this year predicting they will finish last in the West. I could say I have dissected megabytes of data from each SEC team and deconstructed every schedule down to the last molecule, but in the end I'm just guessing. Look for the West predictions next week.