It might be a lot to ask right from the start, but Auburn’s success this season will largely depend on starting quarterback Byrum Brown. He joins the Tigers after transferring from South Florida, reuniting with his former head coach Alex Golesh. At the Group of Five level, Brown was outstanding. But now he’s in the SEC… and some critics are beginning to question whether he’s truly cut out for this league.
Fortunately for Brown, Golesh has publicly defended him, saying the following on The Next Round:
“People bring up the American Conference… but that guy has played at Bryant-Denny Stadium, in The Swamp, and at Miami. That’s what you get with a fifth-year player the mental game and the big-game environment won’t rattle him.”
Here’s everything Golesh said about Brown during Auburn’s spring practice.
Golesh and Brown have found success together before, but now they’ll need to elevate their performance on the Plains.
Auburn’s season may come down to how much faith Golesh places in Brown.
Golesh makes a fair point: Brown has gained plenty of experience during his time at South Florida. He’s played in hostile environments like Bryant-Denny Stadium, The Swamp, and against Miami. Even though those matchups didn’t always end in wins for the Bulls, Brown has faced intense pressure multiple times and held his own. Still, can he handle that level of competition week after week in the SEC?
Honestly, you have to respect Golesh for going all-in with Brown heading into this season. For Auburn, this could go one of two ways: either they find their rhythm and make waves in a tough SEC, or they hover near .500 and fight just to reach a bowl game. Considering how difficult it is to win at USF, the first outcome seems more plausible.
Ultimately, it’s becoming clear why Golesh was chosen to take over for Hugh Freeze at Auburn. Whether they win or lose this season, he’s instilling confidence in his players and his team. Though most of this year’s roster followed him from Tampa to Auburn, he proved he knows how to win after all, Jeff Scott managed only four wins in three years before Golesh turned things around. Golesh knows how to get results.
The big question remains: will all that in-game experience Brown gained at USF truly carry over to Auburn?
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