College football is a ruthless world, and sometimes, even the most talented players find themselves on the sidelines. But here's where it gets controversial... Auburn's decision to part ways with senior running back Damari Alston has left many scratching their heads. After a disappointing 20-10 loss to the No. 10 Georgia Bulldogs, head coach Hugh Freeze announced that Alston would no longer be part of the team, citing a failure to meet program expectations. And this is the part most people miss... Alston's departure isn't just about his performance on the field; it's also about the broader implications for Auburn's offense, especially as they prepare to face the No. 16 Missouri Tigers this weekend.
Alston, who had been limited to just four games this season due to a shoulder injury, managed to rack up 128 yards and a touchdown on 32 carries, along with 28 receiving yards on four catches. His best season came in 2023, when he rushed for a career-high 320 yards and two touchdowns on 64 carries. Despite his potential, Freeze acknowledged that Alston had been overshadowed by teammate Jarquez Hunter, whose physicality and endurance made him a staple in the lineup. Is this a fair assessment, or did Auburn give up on Alston too soon? It's a question that's sure to spark debate among fans and analysts alike.
Meanwhile, Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz made it clear that he's not interested in discussing Auburn's internal issues. When asked about the impact of Alston's departure on the upcoming game, Drinkwitz responded, 'I’ve got problems of my own... I’m worried about third downs, vertical throws, and all the other challenges my team is facing.' His focus remains squarely on his own squad, which is coming off a narrow 27-24 loss to the No. 8 Alabama Crimson Tide. But here's a thought-provoking question... With Drinkwitz's defense being one of the best in the SEC, could Auburn's weakened offense play right into Missouri's hands?
The Tigers, on the other hand, will be relying heavily on junior running back Jeremiah Cobb, who led the team with 50 yards on 12 carries against Georgia. Freeze's decision to part ways with Alston, while difficult, underscores the high standards and expectations within the program. Is this a necessary evil in the cutthroat world of college football, or is there a better way to handle player development and team dynamics? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
As the two teams prepare to face off on Saturday at 7:45 PM ET on the SEC Network, one thing is certain: this game will be a test of both teams' resilience and adaptability. With Auburn leading the all-time series 3-2, Missouri will be looking to even the score. Who do you think will come out on top, and what role will Auburn's offensive adjustments play in the outcome? Let the debate begin!
