Auburn’s football week has one unusual wrinkle: the season opener against Baylor is on Friday, so the Tigers have moved every week-day in the preparation forward by a day. On Tuesday morning, Auburn treated the day like a Tuesday in the normal routine, with morning practices and a game-week mindset in place even though the actual kickoff is still a few days away.
In game-week mode, Auburn’s early sessions included walkthroughs and warmups, and for the first time this week, a Baylor-green-clad scout team provided a look for the regulars to prep for what Friday night might bring. The setup gives the Tigers a clearer sense of Baylor’s tempo and tendencies as they line up for a real game-week pace.
Looking ahead to the plan for media access, the team will continue to schedule windows as they move through the week. For now, Tuesday’s 30-minute viewing window covered the first four periods of practice, a taste of the Week 1 preparation as Auburn builds toward kickoff.
Key injury and health notes have dominated the chatter heading into Week 1. The most-discussed topic from coach Hugh Freeze’s Monday briefing has been kicker Alex McPherson. After missing most of the 2024 season due to ulcerative colitis, McPherson returned to football following colon-removal surgery last December and has dealt with flare-ups this year. Auburn has prepared for the possibility that McPherson might be unavailable, giving extra reps to Towns McGough and Connor Gibbs during the preseason.
On Tuesday, though, McPherson spent the early portions of practice kicking on an outdoor field. He connected reliably from 40 yards and extended his range to 45 yards, with his final attempt a clean 50-yard bomb right down the middle. The moment sparked smiles among the specialists and offered a glimmer that he’s closer to his old form. Whether he’ll be able to play Friday night at Baylor remains a true game-time decision, with the coaching staff weighing what he feels comfortable doing physically. If McPherson isn’t fully ready, Auburn has built-in kicking depth, but the big leg from 50 yards and beyond would be a valuable asset in a close contest.
The other notable injury update concerns wide receiver Eric Singleton Jr., who is still working back from a deep thigh bruise suffered about two weeks ago in practice. Singleton has been limited in practice and wears a yellow non-contact jersey during drills, signaling that his return is still about health more than timing.
Why this matters for Friday: the kicker situation is pivotal in a tightly contested opener, and Auburn’s ability to lean on McPherson, or rely on the depth behind him, will influence late-game decisions. The presence of a scout team mimicking Baylor’s looks has also given Auburn sharper, more realistic reps against a Baylor-type offense and should help the Tigers adjust in a real game situation.
If McPherson is able to contribute, Auburn’s special teams could provide a much-needed edge in a game that’s expected to be competitive. If not, town and Gibbs will be ready alternatives in the kicking game while the rest of the offense continues to build rhythm.
Outlook: Auburn has embraced the shifted schedule, using the extra time to push through walkthroughs, test kicking range, and simulate Friday night conditions. The team’s progress will be tested Friday in Texas, but the signs from practice—strong long-range kicking from McPherson in drills and a disciplined approach in a week of early-game-week preparation—offer reason for cautious optimism.
Summary: Auburn is adjusting to a Friday opener with a moved-up game-week routine, focusing on kicking depth and patient returns from injury while facing Baylor’s challenge. McPherson’s status will be the key storyline late this week, with a best-case scenario offering a big weapon on field goals and a measured plan in place if he isn’t ready. The Tigers appear to be building prudent depth and game-day readiness as kickoff approaches. Positive momentum from practice, paired with careful injury management, sets a hopeful tone for Friday night.