The landscape of college football continues to evolve, with games once thought inconsequential now carrying major implications for teams chasing championship aspirations. Rivalry games still dominate fan attention, but as analysts delve deeper, other matchups—like Auburn’s October 18 showdown with Missouri—are emerging as pivotal moments for the 2025 season.
In a recent piece for Sports Illustrated, analyst Terrance Biggs singled out Auburn’s midseason matchup against Missouri as a crucial test for transfer quarterback Jackson Arnold. While perennial powerhouse Oklahoma also looms large on the schedule, it’s the Tigers’ clash with Mizzou that could ultimately define Auburn’s campaign.
Why Missouri Matters
For Arnold, the Missouri game carries extra weight. In 2024, while still with Oklahoma, Arnold endured a nightmarish performance against the Tigers in a 30-23 loss. In what Biggs colorfully described as a scene “straight out of a 1980s slasher film,” Arnold struggled mightily, managing just 74 passing yards while turning the ball over multiple times.
“Forget the Saw or Terrifier movies,” Biggs wrote. “The film from the OU-Mizzou game would make Jason Voorhees hide under a bed. Arnold caught an eighteen-yard touchdown pass but also fumbled at midfield, part of four Sooners turnovers.”
That loss showcased the volatility of Arnold’s game but also his potential. Now, at Auburn, he has the chance to redeem himself, this time in the supportive environment of Jordan-Hare Stadium.
Arnold’s Importance to Auburn
Arnold’s arrival in the transfer portal made waves across the college football landscape. As the centerpiece of Auburn’s 2025 roster, he’s viewed as the program’s best hope for returning to national prominence. However, the optimism surrounding him is rooted more in potential than proven results.
Auburn’s lofty preseason expectations, including a way-too-early top-10 ranking from On3, hinge on Arnold’s ability to elevate the Tigers’ offense. The Missouri game could serve as a barometer of his progress and Auburn’s legitimacy as a contender.
The Stakes for 2025
The pressure on Arnold is matched only by the scrutiny facing head coach Hugh Freeze. The 2025 season is being billed as an “all in” year for Auburn, with anything less than a double-digit win total potentially jeopardizing the program’s trajectory.
“A six- or seven-loss season would be a disaster,” Biggs noted. “By the time the Missouri game rolls around, we’ll know if Auburn is a legitimate contender or if they’re still a work in progress.”
For Auburn, the October matchup against Missouri is more than just another game. It’s an opportunity for redemption, a litmus test for their star quarterback, and potentially a turning point in the Tigers’ pursuit of SEC and national glory. Whether Arnold and Auburn are up to the challenge remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Leave a Reply