Has the Iron Bowl Tide Turned? Finebaum Declares Auburn’s Window Is Open
The Iron Bowl thunder rolls through the South every year, but Paul Finebaum—the voice of SEC football—says the thunder is shifting. According to Finebaum, Auburn’s window is open, and the Tigers now have a real shot at toppling the Crimson Tide repeatedly.
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Finebaum’s Take: Auburn’s Turn at the Throne
On his Birmingham radio shows, Finebaum praised the 2025 Auburn team for showing signs of life and competitiveness after a tough season under Hugh Freeze. “I feel great about the future under Hugh Freeze,” Finebaum remarked, acknowledging Auburn’s resilience after road setbacks and roster rebuilds. He pointed out that Freeze’s recruiting class, ranked 5th nationally, provides a firm foundation for the future .
He emphasized, “Auburn’s program had advanced… people on the other side of the state are concerned because Auburn really has things rolling.” His message: this isn’t a fluke—Auburn’s window is cracking open .
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Beyond One Game: Depth and Momentum
Finebaum’s support goes deeper than a single diamond-in-the-rough performance. In breaking down the Iron Bowl losses to Alabama (28–14 and 27–24 in recent seasons), he noted how Jordan-Hare Stadium remains a fortress for Auburn—even when falling short, “everything that could go wrong has gone wrong” for Alabama in that venue .
He also dismissed the notion that the rivalry has faded, saying recent games “remind me of 2002 or 2003”—years Auburn shocked the world . For Finebaum, the spark is real—and growing.
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What Opening the Window Means
1. Renewed Rivals – Auburn isn’t just a spoiler; they’re a legitimate threat. Finebaum suggests they’re rebuilding momentum after years of dominance by Alabama under Nick Saban .
2. Recruiting Power – With top-tier incoming talent and a stable coaching staff, Auburn can close the talent gap. Finebaum’s nod to the 5th-ranked class reinforces optimism .
3. Cultural Shift – Once perceived as underdogs, Auburn now earns mainstream respect. Finebaum’s voice stamps legitimacy on Auburn’s progress—and alarms Crimson Tide fanbases.
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Finebaum’s Mix of Optimism & Realism
But make no mistake—Finebaum tempers hope with caution. He acknowledges Auburn has stumbled, especially in their upset loss to New Mexico State. “I just felt like it was something that happens in the first year… he was embarrassed, but he knew not to dwell on it” .
This realism, paired with belief, is central to his analysis: Auburn shows serious signs—but must sustain and build to truly seize their moment.
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A Window to Watch
As Finebaum puts it, anybody covering the Iron Bowl for 40 years knows the rivalry swings—and this year, the pendulum might finally shift. Auburn has talent, coaching momentum, and renewed belief—capable of eclipsing a dominant Alabama .
His message to Auburn Nation? This is your moment. Don’t sell it short.
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Final Word
If Paul Finebaum says Auburn’s window is open, you should listen. He sees structure, talent, and fire building in the Tigers’ trenches. With the Iron Bowl looming and the season unfolding, Auburn fans have reason to dream. Will the tide turn in Jordan-Hare? If Finebaum’s faith holds true, we might be on the edge of a new chapter in college football’s greatest rivalry.
