The Auburn Observer

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.auburnobserver.comPainter is back on the podcast. The guys discuss downtown Auburn aesthetics and local Asian cuisine. It’s peak offseason content, as the first 10 minutes have nothing to do with sports.Then it’s a switch to a busy Wednesday evening on the Ambush tour, where Hugh Freeze, Bruce Pearl and John Cohen spoke to the media.Topics covered in this episode include…

Justin and Dan open the show by running through the news of the weekend, headlined by Johni Broome’s big performance at the G League Elite Camp, baseball’s sweep of Ole Miss and softball’s brutal draw in the NCAAs.The rest of this (massive) episode is spent breaking down Auburn football’s projected win total of 6.5 for the 2023 regular season. Justin gives his three “tone-setter” games of the schedule. Dan wonders aloud about the Alabama quarterback situation and Jimbo Fisher’s future at Texas A&M.And do not fret: Painter will be back in your ear canals on Thursday’s show.If you’re receiving this free podcast episode and would like to upgrade to a paid subscription that gives you access to all stories and premium podcast episodes, subscribe using the button below or clicking this link.Follow Dan (@DanielAllenPeck) and Justin (@JFergusonAU) on Twitter.Photo Credit: Declan Greene/Auburn Athletics This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.auburnobserver.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.auburnobserver.comWith Painter on the road, Adam Cole of the Opelika-Auburn News joins Justin and Dan to talk about what he heard from Hugh Freeze at the Regions Tradition Pro-Am in Hoover on Wednesday morning.The guys discuss Payton Thorne’s experience, how the quarterback battle will be talked about at Auburn for the rest of the preseason and how Robby Ashford fits int…

Justin, Painter and Dan discuss Payton Thorne’s decision to transfer to Auburn and what he’ll bring to the Tigers’ quarterback room. Painter talks about the positive direction for the program this offseason. Justin shares some of his stat findings. And Dan has several historical Auburn quarterback comparisons for Thorne. The guys also talk about Caleb Burton’s signing over the weekend and how he’s a big upside pick in a wide receiver group that needed an infusion of talent. They look at Burton’s recruiting pedigree and discuss whether 5-foot-11 is actually “short” in football.Towards the end of the episode, the guys look at Matthew Cleveland’s decision to transfer to Miami and where Bruce Pearl’s program might go next in a continuing roster transformation. They also shout out the big weekend the Tigers had in both softball and baseball.If you’re receiving this free podcast episode and would like to upgrade to a paid subscription that gives you access to all stories and premium podcast episodes — including today’s Film Room on Payton Thorne — subscribe using the button below or clicking this link.Follow Dan (@DanielAllenPeck), Justin (@JFergusonAU) and Painter (@paintsharpless) on Twitter.Photo Credit: Payton Thorne/Instagram This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.auburnobserver.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.auburnobserver.comJustin and Dan handle this episode without Painter’s supervision, and it goes just as you might have predicted. The final 20 to 30 minutes of this podcast has nothing to do with sports and very little to do with Auburn. You were warned.Most of the episode, though, spans both Tigers football and basketball: the signing of Appalachian State edge rusher Ja…

Justin, Painter and Dan open the show by breaking down the latest developments in the quarterback transfer portal, led by the entries for Nebraska’s Casey Thompson and Michigan State’s Payton Thorne. They take a look at what the two Big Ten quarterbacks bring to the table and why the Tigers might get involved.Then the guys look at the latest transfer portal defections for Auburn and how the 2021 recruiting class is almost completely gone on the Plains. Now that the portal is closed, how will the Tigers try to finish off their 2023 roster?The episode wraps up with a look at this past weekend’s NFL Draft — where several former Tigers landed, what stood out from an interesting first round and how RUNNING BACKS ARE BACK, Y’ALL.If you’re receiving this free podcast episode and would like to upgrade to a paid subscription that gives you access to all stories and premium podcast episodes — including Monday’s newsletter on Casey Thompson and Payton Thorne — subscribe using the button below or clicking this link.Follow Dan (@DanielAllenPeck), Justin (@JFergusonAU) and Painter (@paintsharpless) on Twitter.Photo Credit: Austin Perryman/Auburn Athletics This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.auburnobserver.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.auburnobserver.comTo add the premium feed to your favorite podcast app — basically all of them except for Spotify — click the “Listen in podcast app” option and add the feed to your app of choice. This new feed will include both free and premium episodes, so you can unsubscribe from the free feed to avoid clutter in the app.Justin returns from the Ambush tour in Atlanta …

Justin, Painter and Dan run through a busy weekend for Auburn basketball in this edition of the podcast — from the de-commitment of Labaron Philon to the hire of new assistant coach Corey Williams and the transfer of Division II star Chaney Johnson. The guys look at how much Bruce Pearl’s Tigers are changing this offseason and take the temperature of the program in a rapidly improving SEC landscape. They also talk about a pair of noteworthy transfer targets still out there and where Auburn can continue to revamp its roster.There’s also a decent amount of Disney World and Skybar talk in here. Welcome to the offseason, baby.If you’re receiving this free podcast episode and would like to upgrade to a paid subscription that gives you access to all stories and premium podcast episodes — including our roster trackers in football and basketball — subscribe using the button below or clicking this link.Follow Dan (@DanielAllenPeck), Justin (@JFergusonAU) and Painter (@paintsharpless) on Twitter.Photo Credit: Steven Leonard/Auburn Athletics This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.auburnobserver.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.auburnobserver.comDan and Painter talk to Christian about the latest in transfer portal and recruiting news.They discuss how active Hugh Freeze and his staff have been making inroads with prospects and where the staff is focusing its recruiting efforts.Dan and Painter close out the show with a brief discussion about copywritten music and Auburn’s status at quarterback.Fo…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.auburnobserver.com(This episode contains language which may not be suitable for all listeners or children.)Dave, Pablo and Painter talk about AI, Devan Cambridge and Under Armour. Dave struggles to keep his laptop on and again gets defensive about Entourage.They end the episode discussing Jimbo Fisher interactions and decide how other coaches feel about Eric Musselman.To…

Justin, Painter and Dan open the show by discussing the departures of defensive lineman Jeffrey M’ba and wide receiver Tar’Varish Dawson Jr. on the first weekend of the reopened transfer portal.Then the guys look at who the Tigers might target in this second transfer window, discuss what kind of quarterbacks make the most sense and break down a few other positions where you can expect some movement. They also talk about their personal best and worst sports predictions and take a look at the upcoming NFL Draft from an Auburn perspective.If you’re receiving this free podcast episode and would like to upgrade to a paid subscription that gives you access to all stories and premium podcast episodes — including our roster trackers in football and basketball, plus this week’s new Friends of the Program episode — subscribe using the button below or clicking this link.Follow Dan (@DanielAllenPeck), Justin (@JFergusonAU) and Painter (@paintsharpless) on Twitter.Photo Credit: Austin Perryman/Auburn Athletics This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.auburnobserver.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.auburnobserver.comAfter a discussion on corporate mergers and controversial renaming strategies, Justin, Painter and Dan talk the latest on Auburn basketball’s roster overhaul — the decisions left to be made, the new crop of transfer portal targets and how the Tigers can get back to being a contender for the SEC title next season.Then, Dan plays judge, jury and execution…

Former recurring guest and ESPN 106.7 host Dan Peck makes his debut as a new regular co-host of The Auburn Observer podcast with Justin and Painter.Dan picks a loaded episode to start with, as the guys start by breaking down what they learned from a cold and rainy A-Day Game at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Where do things stand at quarterback? What position groups caught their eyes the most? And what about that decision to play for the tie at the end?Later on in the episode, the guys discuss two huge stories from Saturday in Auburn basketball: the commitment of FIU transfer guard Denver Jones and the reported departure of assistant coach Wes Flanigan to another SEC school. There’s also some guerrilla marketing from a radio sponsor, Dan’s preferred Waffle House order, some love to the new throwback stuff from Homefield Apparel and an impromptu discussion of old-school candies. Fire up that Brass Bonanza.If you’re receiving this free podcast episode and would like to upgrade to a paid subscription that gives you access to all stories and premium podcast episodes — including Monday’s Denver Jones breakdown — subscribe using the button below or clicking this link.The $40/year sale ends Sunday night, so you’ve got a limited time to lock in the best deal we’ve ever offered.Follow Dan (@DanielAllenPeck), Justin (@JFergusonAU) and Painter (@paintsharpless) on Twitter.Photo Credit: Austin Perryman/Auburn Athletics This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.auburnobserver.com/subscribe

Justin and Painter take stock of the final week of Auburn football spring practices — the positive trends on the offensive side of the ball, the rotating competition at quarterback, the recent breakout candidates and an idea for spring games that is so good that there’s no chance the NCAA lets it happen.Then it’s a discussion of Wendell Green Jr.’s decision to leave Auburn and declare for the NBA Draft. The guys talk about Green’s two seasons on the Plains and where the Tigers will go from here at point guard.Congratulations to our grand prize winner and the rest of the top five in this year’s Observer bracket challenge. If you’re one of these people and can prove it, send an email to [email protected] so you can get hooked up with your winnings.* David Ellis* Frank Parker* Tony Villanacci* Jacob Varner* Jackson SpenceIf you’re receiving this free podcast episode and would like to upgrade to a paid subscription (at just $40 for a full year) that gives you access to all stories and premium podcast episodes, subscribe using the button below or clicking this link.Follow Justin (@JFergusonAU) and Painter (@paintsharpless) on Twitter.Photo Credit: Austin Perryman/Auburn Athletics This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.auburnobserver.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.auburnobserver.comIn an all-basketball episode, Justin and Painter discuss the recent transfer portal decisions for Yohan Traore and Chance Westry. They talk about why the freshmen might be moving on from the Plains and how that puts the Tigers’ roster in an interesting situation moving forward.Justin runs down a list of potential transfer portal targets and looks at who…

Justin and Painter open the show with an important discussion on Little Italy, Waffle House and other late-night food options around downtown Auburn.Then they transition into a wide-ranging talk about several freshmen who are turning heads so far in spring practices, including Holden Geriner, Connor Lew, Kayin Lee and Keldric Faulk. Painter makes a great observation about what this youth movement could mean for a crucial Year 1 under Hugh Freeze.The last stretch of the episode is all about college basketball and the wild Final Four that will be in Houston this weekend. Justin makes a point about the teams remaining — plus the upset-heavy tournament in general — and what it says about Bruce Pearl and the Auburn program.If you’re receiving this free podcast episode and would like to upgrade to a paid subscription (at just $40 for a full year) that gives you access to all stories and premium podcast episodes, subscribe using the button below or clicking this link.Follow Justin (@JFergusonAU) and Painter (@paintsharpless) on Twitter.Photo Credit: Austin Perryman/Auburn Athletics This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.auburnobserver.com/subscribe

Justin and Painter put a bow on the 2022-23 Auburn basketball season. They start by looking back at the Tigers’ second-round NCAA Tournament exit at the hands of No. 1 Houston — and why the loss felt very representative of the campaign as a whole for Bruce Pearl’s squad.Then the guys take a big-picture look at the Auburn program and where it could be headed in relation to the rest of the SEC. They talk about what might be coming in terms of roster reconstruction and how Pearl sent a clear message with his postgame press conference Saturday night.We’ll talk spring football in the premium podcast later this week. Subscribers will get Observations from the latest practice viewing window on Monday evening. If you’re receiving this free podcast episode and would like to upgrade to a paid subscription (at just $40 for a full year) that gives you access to all stories and premium podcast episodes, subscribe using the button below or clicking this link.Follow Justin (@JFergusonAU) and Painter (@paintsharpless) on Twitter.Photo Credit: Steven Leonard/Auburn Athletics This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.auburnobserver.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.auburnobserver.com(This episode contains language which may not be suitable for all listeners or children.)The boys bicker about theme songs and they discuss Auburn’s tournament chances. They also do some bracket watching.Dave and Pablo shut down a counterfactual and they talk about the difference between the SEC’s depth and talent.To add the premium feed to your favorit…

Justin and Painter preview Auburn basketball’s NCAA Tournament matchup against Iowa. The guys talk about the Hawkeyes’ elite offense, their susceptible defense and how much these Tigers’ legacies would be affected by a run in March Madness. They also tackle the age-old question: 280 or 85/65 to Birmingham?After a spin through the rest of the bracket, they switch over to football. Justin talks about what he saw in an extended practice viewing window Monday. Painter finds himself agreeing with a wise saying from the podium. Check out Monday’s newsletter on Auburn drawing Iowa in Birmingham for the NCAA Tournament, along with 2,000-plus words of spring football Observations. You can also enter The Auburn Observer’s bracket challenge here. The grand prize is a lifetime subscription to the Observer, and other top pickers will receive free sub months or prizes from Homefield Apparel. If you’re receiving this free podcast episode and would like to upgrade to a paid subscription (at just $40 for a full year) that gives you access to all stories and premium podcast episodes, subscribe using the button below or clicking this link.Follow Justin (@JFergusonAU) and Painter (@paintsharpless) on Twitter.Photo Credit: Zach Bland/Auburn Athletics This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.auburnobserver.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.auburnobserver.comJustin and Painter look back at Auburn's SEC Tournament heartbreaker against Arkansas from Thursday. The guys discuss where the Tigers struggled the most, what propelled them to that big comeback and how things shook out in a dramatic final minute.Then they look ahead to Selection Sunday — where the Tigers will most likely be seeded, who they could face…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.auburnobserver.comJustin and Painter preview Auburn basketball’s SEC Tournament opener against Arkansas. The guys discuss what all has changed for both teams since their first meeting, why the Tigers have an advantage in the all-important “vibes” department and what they expect to see from Bruce Pearl in his latest chess match with Eric Musselman.The episode concludes wi…

Justin and Painter break down Auburn basketball’s critical 79-70 victory over Tennessee. They look at why the Tigers were able to take advantage of Zakai Ziegler’s absence on both ends of the floor, how Wendell Green Jr. got his groove back, why the rest of the starters were so important and just how loud it got in the Arena when Lior Berman dunked.Then the guys take a quick look ahead to the SEC Tournament matchup against Arkansas and the latest round of Bracketology. How much can Auburn help its seeding in Nashville — or has the Selection Committee taught us that the postseason isn’t canon?The episode ends with some football talk, including a trip through a few big topics from the first week of spring ball and the impressive performances by several former Tigers during the NFL Combine in Indianapolis.If you’re receiving this free podcast episode and would like to upgrade to a paid subscription (at just $40 for a full year) that gives you access to all stories and premium podcast episodes, subscribe using the button below or clicking this link.Follow Justin (@JFergusonAU) and Painter (@paintsharpless) on Twitter.Photo Credit: Zach Bland/Auburn Athletics This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.auburnobserver.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.auburnobserver.comJustin and Painter recap Auburn basketball’s overtime loss at Alabama. They discuss why the Tigers were able to build such a big lead, what recurring issues tripped them up in the “fourth quarter,” what happened on that long foul review and more from a near-upset in Tuscaloosa.Then the guys switch over their focus to Saturday’s massive matchup against T…

Justin and Painter open the show by recapping Auburn’s 32-point loss at Kentucky. They talk about why things went so poorly for the Tigers after the first 15 minutes, why the Wildcats were a particularly difficult matchup for them and how Auburn looked different in a tough road environment for the first time all season.The guys then look at what Auburn has to do to make it to the NCAA Tournament, thanks to a fresh update of the NET rankings and other projections.The episode ends with a preview of spring football, which starts Monday in Auburn. Painter specifically wants to talk about two position groups that will catch his eye the most over the next few weeks.If you’re receiving this free podcast episode and would like to upgrade to a paid subscription that gives you access to all stories and premium podcast episodes, subscribe using the button below or clicking this link.Follow Justin (@JFergusonAU) and Painter (@paintsharpless) on Twitter.Photo Credit: Zach Bland/Auburn Athletics This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.auburnobserver.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.auburnobserver.comJustin and Painter open the show by talking about buying gum from a baseball stadium, prepaid wireless cell phones and creating a petition to bring back Movie Gallery. You know, the usual.The episode gets back on track with a breakdown of Auburn basketball’s 78-74 win over Ole Miss. The guys talk about how the Tigers were finally able to pull off a clos…

Justin and Painter open the show with a look back at Auburn basketball’s last-second loss to Vanderbilt. They talk about the biggest issue for the Tigers at the moment and discuss why they’re still firmly in the NCAA Tournament picture with four games left to play.Then it’s a switch to football for the third annual Spring Breakout draft. The guys go back and forth picking five non-returning starters they think will be the talk of spring practices, which start next Monday on the Plains.Thanks to everyone for their patience with this later-than-usual release. The podcast should be back on a regular schedule for the foreseeable future.If you’re receiving this free podcast episode and would like to upgrade to a paid subscription that gives you access to all stories and premium podcast episodes, subscribe using the button below or clicking this link.Follow Justin (@JFergusonAU) and Painter (@paintsharpless) on Twitter.Photo Credit: Auburn Athletics This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.auburnobserver.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.auburnobserver.comJustin and Painter unveil their secret agenda behind the newsletter and podcast before breaking down Auburn basketball’s 33-point rout of Missouri on Tuesday night. They talk about why Bruce Pearl’s Tigers were able to nail this specific matchup, what aspects of the win might be replicable moving forward and who stood out the most.Then the guys take a l…

Justin and Painter break down Auburn basketball’s 77-69 loss to Alabama from the weekend. The guys talk about how the Tigers were able to lead for most of the game and where the Tide took advantage to come away with the win down the stretch.Then they look ahead to the next three games that really feel like must-win ones for Auburn, starting with a home meeting against a Missouri team that is capable of putting up some of the best offensive numbers in the country. The episode concludes with a further discussion of which teams Auburn football should play permanently once Oklahoma and Texas join the SEC — and which current conference schools they would trade for new ones. If you’re receiving this free podcast episode and would like to upgrade to a paid subscription that gives you access to all stories and premium podcast episodes, subscribe using the button below or clicking this link.Follow Justin (@JFergusonAU) and Painter (@paintsharpless) on Twitter.Photo Credit: Zach Bland/Auburn Athletics This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.auburnobserver.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.auburnobserver.comJustin and Painter open the show with a big-picture look at where Auburn basketball stands with seven games left in the regular season. They explain why the Tigers are firmly in the NCAA Tournament picture and break down some of the areas where Auburn can turn it around down the stretch.Then they switch over to a preview of Auburn’s massive home matchup…

Justin and Painter break down the historically rough shooting, the incredibly impressive defense and the highly controversial ending in Auburn basketball’s low-scoring close loss at a top-five Tennessee team. They look at all the aspects of what went down in Knoxville, from the offensive execution to the final no-call, before looking ahead to the Tigers’ trip to face Texas A&M on Tuesday.The guys also talk about Auburn’s red-hot week of recruiting both in football and basketball with the commitments of Walker White, Jayden Lewis, Malik Autry, Tahaad Pettiford and Labaron Philon. They discuss how Auburn’s new football staff is trying to set the tone in a cutthroat SEC landscape and how the 2024 class is shaping up to be exactly what the basketball program needs for the future.The episode ends with a loving tribute to Syracuse head coach Jim Boeheim. (Not really. He’s the worst.)If you’re receiving this free podcast episode and would like to upgrade to a paid subscription that gives you access to all stories and premium podcast episodes, subscribe using the button below or clicking this link.Follow Justin (@JFergusonAU) and Painter (@paintsharpless) on Twitter.Photo Credit: Zach Bland/Auburn Athletics This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.auburnobserver.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.auburnobserver.comJustin and Painter open a packed show by looking back at Auburn basketball’s extremely efficient revenge win over rival Georgia and looking ahead at a brutal second half of the SEC schedule that starts with a trip to face Tennessee’s elite defense in Knoxville this weekend.The guys also discuss the recent commitment of Tahaad Pettiford in basketball — p…

Justin and Painter open the show with a tribute to journeyman football players, from NFC Championship Game active quarterback Josh Johnson — recorded before his injury — to Auburn national champions Josh Bynes and Josh Harris. Then the guys switch over to Auburn basketball’s 80-77 loss at West Virginia. They talk about how the loss will go down more as a big missed opportunity than a crushing blow for the season, what lessons can be learned ahead of the final five weeks of the regular season and how Georgia becomes a real must-win game.They close with a discussion of Hugh Freeze’s time at the Alabama Football Coaches Association’s clinic over the weekend and Nick Saban’s secondhand comments about the wild world of NIL.If you’re receiving this free podcast episode and would like to upgrade to a paid subscription that gives you access to all stories and premium podcast episodes, subscribe using the button below or clicking this link.Follow Justin (@JFergusonAU) and Painter (@paintsharpless) on Twitter.Photo Credit: Steven Leonard/Auburn Athletics This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.auburnobserver.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.auburnobserver.comJustin proposes that Painter should become the new voice of the Atlanta Braves. That, somehow, turns into a discussion about what coaches wear on the sidelines and which football head man should bravely start wearing full suits this fall.The guys recap Auburn basketball’s loss to Texas A&M and look at the recurring problems in defeats for Bruce Pearl’s …

Justin and Painter recap Auburn basketball’s 15-point road win over South Carolina. They discuss the Tigers’ ever-improving balance among their veterans and how Wendell Green Jr. is playing some of the best ball in the SEC right now. The guys talk about the best way to view a winning streak in a favorable stretch of schedule and what all this could mean moving forward.Then it’s a switch over to football, where the hot topic is Auburn’s quarterback situation at the conclusion of the first transfer portal window. What should be expected out of Robby Ashford? Can Holden Geriner get in the mix? And who could the Tigers target in the spring window?Also: Is it smart to bring a baked potato to a sporting event?If you’re receiving this free podcast episode and would like to upgrade to a paid subscription that gives you access to all stories and premium podcast episodes, subscribe using the button below or clicking this link.Follow Justin (@JFergusonAU) and Painter (@paintsharpless) on Twitter.Photo Credit: Zach Bland/Auburn Athletics This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.auburnobserver.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.auburnobserver.comJustin and Painter break down Auburn basketball’s 67-49 win at LSU, marked by a ferocious defensive performance, more magic from the Wendell Green Jr. and Jaylin Williams and yet another impressive game from Lior Berman.Justin provides the analysis direct from Baton Rouge. Painter checks in with his updated vibes on Auburn basketball’s turnaround from P…

Justin and Painter continue their war on basketball referees in the cold open. They wonder how a game can have zero free throws in the first half and more than 40 in the second half. Do something about this, Greg Sankey.The guys then break down what they learned from Auburn’s 69-63 victory over Mississippi State. They talk Jaylin Williams’ monster shooting performance, Wendell Green Jr.’s late-game heroics, why the turnover and interior struggles might be anomalies and how the Tigers have to attack the next two road games.The episode concludes, once again, with a look at the latest transfer pickups for Auburn football — Kentucky defensive tackle Justin Rogers and Ole Miss linebacker Austin Keys. Justin explains the value of these instant-impact SEC transfers, and Painter gives props to the new staff for exceeding expectations with early recruiting.If you’re receiving this free podcast episode and would like to upgrade to a paid subscription that gives you access to all stories and premium podcast episodes, subscribe using the button below or clicking this link.Follow Justin (@JFergusonAU) and Painter (@paintsharpless) on Twitter.Photo Credit: Zach Bland/Auburn Athletics This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.auburnobserver.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.auburnobserver.comJustin asks Painter what his signature item at Niffer’s would be, and the answer is something that no one would have ever expected.Then the guys tackle the more important business: Recapping Auburn basketball’s road win at Ole Miss. They discuss how the Tigers were able to win with offense instead of defense, the resurgence of both Wendell Green Jr. and…

Justin and Painter open the show by honoring Bruce Pearl and the back-to-back Super Bowl champion Auburn men’s basketball team. The guys discuss why the Tigers were able to play so well against Arkansas, how this victory was an important reset for the rest of the season and where Auburn could get even better moving forward.The episode concludes with some football discussion, centering on the additions of Tyler Scott, Mosiah Nasili-Kite and DeMario Tolan — the Tigers added Lawrence Johnson right after this was recorded. They also talk about Bryan Harsin’s newfound love of Georgia and Monday night’s national championship game.If you’re receiving this free podcast episode and would like to upgrade to a paid subscription that gives you access to all stories and premium podcast episodes, subscribe using the button below or clicking this link.Follow Justin (@JFergusonAU) and Painter (@paintsharpless) on Twitter.Photo Credit: Zach Bland/Auburn Athletics This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.auburnobserver.com/subscribe

Jordan Hill of Dawgs247 returns to preview Auburn basketball’s road trip to Georgia with Justin and Painter. The guys look at how Mike White has already improved the Bulldogs, how they match up with the Tigers and what this early-season matchup means for both programs. Later on in the episode, Justin asks Jordan the question a lot of Auburn fans might be thinking — is there anything that can slow down Kirby Smart and the Georgia program for the next several seasons? They also talk about how Georgia’s upcoming quarterback battle could have a ripple effect at any other schools looking for a signal-caller in the portal this offseason.If you’re receiving this free podcast episode and would like to upgrade to a paid subscription that gives you access to all stories and premium podcast episodes, subscribe using the button below or clicking this link.Follow Jordan (@JordanDavisHill), Justin (@JFergusonAU) and Painter (@paintsharpless) on Twitter. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.auburnobserver.com/subscribe

(This episode contains language which may be offensive to some listeners or inappropriate for children.)Dave, Pablo and Painter discuss Hugh Freeze's promising first act assembling his staff and quickly bolstering Auburn's recruiting. Dave is forced to reminisce on his college apartment.Also, Painter refuses to talk about the Chicago Bulls upcoming opponents. Painter and Pablo push back on Dave’s working theory that SEC basketball isn’t as good as some are saying. Pablo suggests that Auburn might benefit from a heavier dose of Jaylin Williams.They end the episode talking about the surprising careers of quarterbacks Stetson Bennett and JT Daniels. Follow Dave (@DaveCMcKinney), Pablo (@PabloEscoburner) and Painter (@paintsharpless) on Twitter.Photo Credit: Todd Van Emst/Auburn Athletics This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.auburnobserver.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.auburnobserver.comPainter returns to the Plains to take in a basketball game and give his take on what he saw from the stands in Neville Arena on Wednesday night. Justin gives his perspective on Auburn’s 61-58 victory over Florida and why the victory needs to be taken in the full context of everything that’s happening in the SEC.Toward the end of the episode, the guys di…

Auburn Undercover’s Christian Clemente and the Opelika-Auburn News’ Adam Cole join Painter to discuss football’s signing day, promise on the recruiting trail, what expectations should be moving forward, and what position Auburn bolstered most.They also talk about who can contribute immediately, players who will be good developmental pieces, where Auburn still has work to do and players who are fun interviews.Follow Adam (@colereporter), Christian (@CClemente247), and Painter (@paintsharpless) on Twitter.Photo Credit: Todd Van Emst/Auburn Athletics This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.auburnobserver.com/subscribe

Justin checks in from Los Angeles to discuss a very busy Sunday in the sports world with Painter in Parts Unknown.The guys break down what they saw from Auburn basketball’s 74-71 loss to USC. They talk about why this loss feels a lot different than the one to Memphis, where there were signs of optimism and what continues to hold Bruce Pearl’s team back before SEC play.Then the switch over to football to discuss a loaded pre-signing day visit weekend — one that featured the commitments of FIU transfer Rivaldo Fairweather, 4-star safety Sylvester Smith and 3-star defensive lineman Stephen Johnson. They look ahead to the start of the early signing period and also talk about the shift in transfer quarterback talk from Grayson McCall to Devin Leary.Then Justin and Painter wrap up with a few minutes of discussion about perhaps the single-greatest sporting event they’ve ever seen: Sunday’s World Cup final between Argentina and France.If you’re receiving this free podcast episode and would like to upgrade to a paid subscription that gives you access to all stories and premium podcast episodes, subscribe using the button below or clicking this link.Follow Justin (@JFergusonAU) and Painter (@paintsharpless) on Twitter.Photo Credit: @AuburnMBB/Twitter This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.auburnobserver.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.auburnobserver.comJustin and Painter open the show by paying tribute to the late Mike Leach. Then they discuss the news of the week for Auburn football — including Christian Robinson’s departure, Zykevious Walker’s decision to stay, the newest developments on the recruiting trail and the upcoming visit from Coastal Carolina quarterback Grayson McCall.The guys then switch over to basketball, where they recap Auburn basketball’s less-than-stellar win over Georgia State. They talk about what Bruce Pearl’s Tigers need to do in order to regain momentum ahead of a huge road trip to USC and Washington.There’s also discussion of Christmas movies and the underrated 2000s thriller Red Eye. Happy holidays.Follow Justin (@JFergusonAU) and Painter (@paintsharpless) on Twitter.Photo Credit: Zach Bland/Auburn Athletics

Note: Justin and Painter recorded most of this episode several hours before news broke of Auburn hiring former Tulsa head coach Philip Montgomery to be its next offensive coordinator and former Baylor defensive coordinator Ron Roberts to the same position. The intro covers both of those reported hires, just in case you hear something out-of-date towards the end of the show.The guys then break down what they learned from Auburn basketball’s first loss of the season — an 82-73 defeat at the hands of Memphis in Atlanta. What went so wrong for Bruce Pearl and his team in this matchup? Why was the defense so ineffective? And how concerned should fans be moving forward?The back half of the episode includes our two Homefield Apparel $50 gift card giveaways, discussion of new football commitments Colton Hood and Tyler Williams and a closer look at Robby Ashford and the quarterback situation in 2023.If you’re receiving this free podcast episode and would like to upgrade to a paid subscription that gives you access to all stories and premium podcast episodes, subscribe using the button below or clicking this link.Follow Justin (@JFergusonAU) and Painter (@paintsharpless) on Twitter.Photo Credit: Steven Leonard/Auburn Athletics This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.auburnobserver.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.auburnobserver.comIf you’re subscribed to the free podcast feed only, you’ll hear a short clip from this premium episode. If you’re an Auburn Observer subscriber, enjoy the full thing. You can subscribe to get premium access for $6/month or $60/year by clicking this link.Painter breaks his phone and preemptively complains about waiting in line. Justin reminisces on his days working retail during the holiday season. That ought to tell you how the rest of the episode is about to go.The guys talk about how the transfer portal hasn’t really affected Auburn football too much yet and who the Tigers might go after as the boards start to fill out. They also discuss the continued construction of Hugh Freeze’s coaching staff and why it’s understandable that some fans might be getting antsy.Then they switch to a preview of Auburn basketball’s big matchup against Memphis in Atlanta on Saturday. Painter points out similarities between the two sets of Tigers, and Justin proposes that the winner of this game gets to say they were going to sign Jalen Green if he didn’t go the G League route. There’s also talk about basketball scheduling and how to fix the Heisman Trophy ceremony.

Justin and Painter open the show by recapping Auburn basketball’s decisive win over Colgate. Why were the Tigers so effective on offense? Who stood out in the big victory? Where could Auburn have been even better? And will Painter use this as an opportunity to further communicate his fears about the Tigers’ shooting ability? (Yes.)Then the guys are joined by Christian Clemente of Auburn Undercover/247Sports. Christian breaks down who and where to watch when it comes to Hugh Freeze and his new Auburn football staff’s strategy in the transfer portal and in the rest of the 2023 recruiting cycle. They also talk all about the playoffs — the CFP and, of course, the vastly more important FCS ones.Listen to the episode to learn how you can enter for a chance to win a $50 Homefield Apparel gift card and how buying a gift subscription to The Observer can turn into free months on your own subscription during the holiday season.If you’re receiving this free podcast episode and would like to upgrade to a paid subscription that gives you access to all stories — including the 2023 Football Roster Tracker — and premium podcast episodes, subscribe using the button below or clicking this link.Follow Christian (@CClemente247), Justin (@JFergusonAU), and Painter (@paintsharpless) on Twitter. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.auburnobserver.com/subscribe

Dave, Pablo, and Painter talk about Auburn’s newest head coach.(This episode contains explicit language.)Follow Dave (@DaveCMcKinney), Pablo (@PabloEscoburner), and Painter (@paintsharpless) on Twitter.Photo Credit: Todd Van Emst/Auburn Athletics This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.auburnobserver.com/subscribe

(NOTE: This episode was recorded late Sunday afternoon. Reports surrounding Hugh Freeze’s candidacy shifted Sunday night. So, if any info sounds out of date here, that’s why.)Justin and Painter dive into Auburn football’s coaching search after Lane Kiffin made the somewhat surprising decision to stay at Ole Miss. Who could be next in line for the Tigers, and who are some names that make sense as the search evolves?Then the guys break down what they learned from the Iron Bowl, including the strong performances on the ground from Robby Ashford and Jarquez Hunter and the upcoming reset for a defense that had a hard time with Alabama’s star-studded attack. The episode concludes with a recap of Auburn basketball’s comeback win over Saint Louis. How were the Tigers able to rally late, and what does it mean for a team that will get some much-needed time to recover over the next two weeks?If you’re receiving this free podcast episode and would like to upgrade to a paid subscription that gives you access to all stories — including all of this weekend’s Observations — and premium podcast episodes, subscribe using the button below or clicking this link.Follow Justin (@JFergusonAU) and Painter (@paintsharpless) on Twitter.Photo Credit: Todd Van Emst/Auburn Athletics This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.auburnobserver.com/subscribe

In another double recap episode, Justin and Painter break down the big second-half performances for Auburn football in its 41-17 win over Western Kentucky and for Auburn basketball in its 72-56 win over Texas Southern.The guys talk about what really changed for Cadillac Williams’ Auburn team after halftime and why it didn’t have a whole lot to do with adjustments. They discuss a stubborn, old-school ground game finding major success again, a defense that’s playing its best ball late in the season and a senior class that willed the Tigers to arguably their most impressive win in more than a year.Then it’s a switch over to basketball, where Bruce Pearl’s Tigers used another second-half surge to put away an upset-minded small conference team at home. They break down what they saw out of Jaylin Williams, Chris Moore and K.D. Johnson and why there’s still plenty of reasons to be optimistic about this team before previewing the teams Auburn will face in Cancun this week.If you’re receiving this free podcast episode and would like to upgrade to a paid subscription that gives you access to all stories — including all of this weekend’s Observations — and premium podcast episodes, subscribe using the button below or clicking this link.Follow Justin (@JFergusonAU) and Painter (@paintsharpless) on Twitter.Photo Credit: Austin Perryman/Auburn Athletics This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.auburnobserver.com/subscribe