Auburn is entering the stretch run of preseason camp with Baylor now two weeks away, and Alex Golesh says the Tigers are shifting into a more game-like rhythm.
Golesh said Auburn finished preseason camp Saturday night and is moving into game week preparation for the Aflac Kickoff game in Atlanta. He said the focus this week is on sharpening the details, staying mature in the process and cutting down distractions as the opener approaches.
There’s been a deliberate feel to the work, too. Golesh said Auburn’s open practice in front of alumni was planned that way on purpose, and he’s pushing the team to treat this week like a normal game week. Saturday’s scrimmage, he said, is meant to mirror an actual game.
That structure comes from his past stops, including Iowa State and South Florida, where he used a mock game week approach. Golesh said this week is heavy on teaching so next week can be efficient when Baylor prep ramps up in earnest.
The Bears are familiar in a way that makes this one different, Golesh said, because of the matchup between the two teams last year. Even with that overlap, he said Baylor’s defensive schemes under Dave Aranda will still present a challenge.
On the personnel side, Golesh said he has not picked Baylor transfer running back Bryson Washington’s brain for scouting help. He also said Troy transfer receiver Tray Taylor is cleared to practice, though he is still waiting to be officially eligible to play in games.
Auburn is still sorting out its receiver rotation on a series-by-series basis, and Golesh said his offense has been tested all camp. By his account, the group is “lightyears ahead” of where it was in the spring.
Quarterback Byrum Brown, Golesh said, prepares like a coach during the week. He also noted that some position groups still lack clear leadership in their rooms.
Up front, Golesh said the Baylor opener should give Auburn’s offensive line a useful change of pace and help the staff settle on a rotation that can carry into the rest of the season.
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Even with much of the room taking shape, there are still a couple of notable battles left to sort out before Auburn takes the field. The projected starters and backups are already hinting at how the Tigers plan to use a mix of returning players and transfers, but the final answers at those key spots will tell more about the offenses Week 1 identity than the early camp buzz ever could. [Read more 🡒]
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For Auburn fans, the interesting part is where this could lead next. Coates has coaching experience to go with the name recognition, and this kind of early success can start building real momentum for a young coach trying to climb. If Columbia continues moving in the right direction, his path could open even wider, making this more than just a feel-good local win and something worth monitoring in the seasons ahead. [Read more 🡒]