Hugh Freeze’s competition with Nick Saban is no longer relevant, and his record of 2-4 against Saban can’t continue to define his career.

Saban has retired. It’s been seven months since he hung up his coaching whistle, and now he’s enjoying golf and commentary. He no longer poses a threat to Auburn.

With Saban’s exit, the SEC’s power status has shifted to Kirby Smart, who has an impressive 8-1 record against Auburn. Smart is the real challenge that Freeze should be concerned about, rather than dwelling on games lost to the retired coach.

Perhaps it’s due to Saban’s retirement that Freeze claimed this summer on the SEC Network’s “Marty & McGee” that he should have four wins against Saban instead of just two.

“We knew how to complicate (Alabama’s) plays,” Freeze, now in his second year as Auburn’s coach, remarked during that interview. “To be honest, Nick is amazing, but I feel I should have four wins against him.”

However, it’s clear that Freeze had the opportunity to win those games while coaching Ole Miss in 2016 and during the Iron Bowl last year—and he knows it.

“You must capitalize when you’re presented with those opportunities,” Freeze said on “The Paul Finebaum Show,” expanding on his previous comments about Saban.

That’s true. And they need to perform against New Mexico State, instead of suffering defeats by three touchdowns.

But let’s move on from the past and stop discussing Saban, because something new is happening at Auburn.

This storied program, once a top contender in the SEC, has faced challenges in recent years. While there’s still work to do on the road to recovery, there are signs of progress.

The negativity from the Bryan Harsin era is gradually fading, and Freeze is sensing a change for the better.

“The culture of the team is improving. The team chemistry has enhanced. The accountability of the players is rising. The effort level is greater,” Freeze shared with the media last week. “Our roster is stronger. I’m uncertain what that means for Year 2, but I’m pleased with our current state.”

Why Auburn football’s prospects improved after offseason changes

Auburn was absent from the nine SEC teams ranked in preseason polls for a reason. The offensive line remains merely average, and describing their quarterback situation as average would be generous.

However, there’s a reason Auburn garnered votes in major polls. The Tigers are becoming more relevant now that Freeze has tackled major roster issues during the offseason, particularly enhancing the wide receiver lineup.

Last season, only a few Power Four teams averaged fewer passing yards per game than Auburn—those being Minnesota, Rutgers, Nebraska, and Iowa—teams known for their low-scoring games. A passing strategy that resembles that of a sluggish Big Ten team does not fit the competitive nature of today’s SEC.

Freeze found immediate help through transfers KeAndre Lambert-Smith and Robert Lewis, who were the leading receivers last season at Penn State and Georgia State respectively. He also secured five-star freshman Cam Coleman. Auburn hasn’t seen a trio of receivers this talented in over a decade.

Hugh Freeze brings new coordinators on board but retains his quarterback

Nonetheless, the challenges still exist, particularly in having a quarterback who can connect with the receivers and an offensive line that can protect against pressure.

Connor Lew, a promising sophomore center, will be supported by experienced offensive linemen. This is a middle-of-the-pack SEC line—not the worst, but certainly not the best.

The Tigers averaged only 16.6 points during their seven losses last season, yet fifth-year senior Payton Thorne is still the starting quarterback. He has thrown over ten interceptions each of the past three seasons.

“Having receivers who can win at crucial moments is beneficial to lessen any doubts,” Freeze mentioned.

Improved wide receivers will aid the offense, but they won’t entirely change Thorne’s performance.

Freeze has decided to take charge of the offensive calls after parting ways with offensive coordinator Philip Montgomery following last season.

“He’s more engaged in the offense,” Thorne noted about Freeze, “and that’s a significant change.”

While most coaches are overloaded with responsibilities and assign a coordinator to manage play-calling, Freeze’s offensive expertise facilitated his two victories over Saban and helped him nearly secure two additional wins.

That memory is strong for Freeze. But now, he needs to start achieving victories over active SEC coaches.