Sooners and Auburn’s Hugh Freeze Highlighted in USA TODAY Sports’ ‘Misery Index’
As the college football season unfolds, teams experience a roller coaster of emotions, with some basking in triumph and others grappling with frustration. USA TODAY Sports’ weekly *Misery Index* captures the lows of the sport, and in its recent edition, two names stood out: the Oklahoma Sooners and Auburn Tigers head coach Hugh Freeze. Both found themselves in the crosshairs of disappointment, representing programs facing significant pressure and struggles on the field.
Oklahoma Sooners: High Expectations, Familiar Troubles
For a program as storied as Oklahoma, expectations are sky-high every season. The Sooners, under second-year head coach Brent Venables, were looking to bounce back from a rough 6-7 record in 2022, the program’s first losing season since 1998. However, the *Misery Index* calls attention to ongoing issues that have lingered into the 2023 season. Despite a strong start, the Sooners have shown inconsistencies that raised red flags.
Oklahoma’s offense, once known for explosive plays and Heisman-caliber quarterbacks, has experienced growing pains as it adjusts to Venables’ vision. While the defense has improved compared to last season, the offensive struggles, especially in big moments, have led to unease among fans and critics alike. The Sooners’ path to reclaiming dominance in the Big 12 has been anything but smooth, and with the upcoming transition to the SEC looming, the pressure is mounting.
One particular game that highlighted Oklahoma’s miseries was a surprising loss or a narrow win against a lower-tier Big 12 opponent. This sparked concerns that the program is still far from its championship-contending standard. The Sooners’ presence on the *Misery Index* serves as a reminder that despite their storied history, rebuilding takes time, and the impatience of a proud fan base only adds to the pressure.
Hugh Freeze and Auburn: Growing Pains in Year One
Auburn’s hiring of Hugh Freeze ahead of the 2023 season came with both excitement and skepticism. Freeze, a seasoned coach known for his offensive prowess, was tasked with reviving a once-proud Auburn program that had been in a state of decline. But as his first season in charge progressed, the *Misery Index* highlighted the immense challenges Freeze faces in his rebuild.
While Freeze has the pedigree and experience to turn Auburn around, the Tigers have struggled to find an identity on the field. Inconsistent quarterback play, an offense that has yet to click, and a defense that has been put under immense pressure have all contributed to the team’s spot on the *Misery Index*. A string of frustrating losses, including a hard-fought but error-riddled game against a major SEC opponent, served as a microcosm of the Tigers’ struggles.
Freeze’s arrival was seen as a new chapter, but fans have already grown restless with the pace of progress. Auburn’s rivalry games loom large on the schedule, and any further stumbles could deepen the sense of frustration surrounding the program. While the Tigers’ future may be bright under Freeze’s leadership, the growing pains in year one are undeniable, placing the team firmly on the *Misery Index*.
What the ‘Misery Index’ Represents
USA TODAY Sports’ *Misery Index* is more than just a ranking of teams based on losses. It encapsulates the emotional weight programs and fan bases carry as their teams fall short of expectations. The Sooners and Auburn, both with rich football traditions, find themselves in different stages of development, but the frustrations are similar. For Oklahoma, it’s about returning to dominance after a disappointing year, while Auburn is learning that rebuilding from the ground up under a new coach is a long, bumpy road.
As the season continues, both programs will have opportunities to turn things around. But for now, their presence on the *Misery Index* serves as a sobering reminder that success in college football is never guaranteed—and that misery, at least temporarily, is a part of the journey.
