Auburn Football 2022 Schedule: Game Times & Dates

Hey Tigers fans, buckle up! We're diving deep into the Auburn football 2022 schedule, and trust me, it was a wild ride. If you're looking to relive those game-day thrills or just want to catch up on what went down, you've come to the right place. We'll break down every game, the matchups, the drama, and maybe even shed some light on why some results went the way they did. So grab your favorite Auburn gear, settle in, and let's get this football party started!

Early Season Showdowns: Setting the Tone

The Auburn football 2022 schedule kicked off with some high-stakes games right out of the gate. Kicking things off, the Tigers faced off against the Mercer Bears on September 3rd. While this might look like a typical season opener against a non-conference opponent, it was crucial for Auburn to establish momentum and iron out any early-season kinks. The Tigers, aiming to make a statement, needed to showcase their offensive firepower and defensive solidity. This game was all about building confidence and getting the team firing on all cylinders before diving into the tougher part of their schedule. It’s games like these where you see the potential of the team shine through, and the coaching staff can really assess player performance under pressure. The atmosphere at Jordan-Hare Stadium is always electric, and this opener was no different, with fans eager to see their Tigers in action after a long offseason. The early kickoff time meant a full day of tailgating and football excitement, a tradition that defines Saturdays in the South.

Following Mercer, Auburn then had to prepare for a monumental clash against the San Jose State Spartans on September 10th. This wasn't just another non-conference game; it was an opportunity for Auburn to test its mettle against a team that had shown flashes of brilliance in previous seasons. While the Spartans might not have the historical pedigree of some SEC opponents, they are known for their grit and ability to pull off upsets. For Auburn, this game represented a chance to solidify their national standing and prove they could handle diverse competition. The coaching staff would have been meticulously preparing for this matchup, focusing on exploiting any weaknesses and neutralizing San Jose State's strengths. The outcome of this game would have provided valuable insights into the Tigers' readiness for the grueling SEC gauntlet that lay ahead. The date itself, early in September, meant that the season was still fresh, and every win carried significant weight in terms of team morale and recruiting buzz. The anticipation for this game was palpable, as fans debated the potential scores and key players who would make the difference.

Finally, the non-conference portion of the Auburn football 2022 schedule concluded with a highly anticipated showdown against the Penn State Nittany Lions on September 17th. This was, without a doubt, one of the marquee non-conference games of the season. Playing a powerhouse like Penn State, especially on the road, is never an easy feat. This game was a true test of Auburn's identity and capability on a national stage. The Tigers needed to bring their A-game, showcasing their discipline, execution, and resilience against a well-coached and talented opponent. A victory here would have sent shockwaves through the college football world and injected a massive dose of confidence into the Auburn locker room. Conversely, a loss would highlight areas that needed immediate improvement before conference play began. The intensity of this matchup was expected to be through the roof, with both teams vying for bragging rights and a significant boost in the national rankings. The late September date meant that the stakes were already incredibly high, as teams began to jockey for position heading into the crucial latter half of the season. The buzz around this game was immense, with fans and analysts alike dissecting every possible scenario and predicting the outcome of this epic clash.

Diving into SEC Play: The Real Test

As October rolled around, the Auburn football 2022 schedule transitioned into the heart of SEC play, where every game is a battle. The Tigers opened their conference slate with a tough road trip to Missouri on October 1st. This game was crucial for Auburn to establish dominance early in SEC play and avoid falling into an early hole in the standings. Missouri, while not always a top-tier SEC team, is known for its scrappiness and ability to play spoiler, especially at home. Auburn needed to bring a disciplined and focused performance to secure a much-needed road win. The atmosphere in Columbia can be intimidating, and the Tigers had to be prepared to weather the storm. This was a classic SEC matchup where physicality and execution would be key. A strong start in conference play is vital for setting the tone for the rest of the season, and this game against the Tigers of Missouri was the first major hurdle.

Next up on the Auburn football 2022 schedule was a home game against the LSU Tigers on October 8th. This is always a heated rivalry, filled with intensity and memorable moments. Playing LSU at Jordan-Hare is a different beast, with the home crowd roaring behind the Tigers. Auburn needed to defend its home turf and secure a crucial SEC victory against a talented opponent. LSU, regardless of their overall season record, always boasts impressive talent and can be a dangerous team on any given Saturday. This game was about pride, bragging rights, and a significant boost in the SEC standings. The Tigers' coaching staff would have focused on exploiting any defensive vulnerabilities LSU might have and ensuring their own offense could consistently move the ball. The energy of a night game against LSU is unparalleled, making it a must-watch event for any college football enthusiast.

Following the LSU clash, Auburn faced another formidable opponent: the Georgia Bulldogs on October 15th. This is arguably the biggest rivalry on the Auburn football 2022 schedule, the famed Deep South's Oldest Rivalry. Playing Georgia, especially when they are ranked highly, is one of the toughest tests in college football. Auburn needed to be at its absolute best, both offensively and defensively, to compete. This game is not just about winning; it's about establishing superiority in the SEC East and West. The intensity of this matchup is legendary, with passionate fan bases on both sides. A win against Georgia would have been a massive statement for Auburn's season, showcasing their championship aspirations. The coaching staff would have spent weeks preparing for this monumental clash, looking for any edge they could find. The stakes for this game are always incredibly high, making it a cornerstone of the SEC football calendar.

October continued with a road game against the Arkansas Razorbacks on October 29th. After facing some of the SEC's elite, Auburn needed to maintain its momentum against a talented Arkansas team. The Razorbacks have proven to be a tough out in recent years, capable of challenging any opponent. Auburn's ability to win on the road in the SEC is a key indicator of a successful season. This game required a strong offensive performance to keep pace with Arkansas's potent attack and a stout defense to contain their playmakers. The date, late October, meant that the season was entering its crucial phase, and every conference win was vital for bowl eligibility and SEC Championship aspirations. The atmosphere in Fayetteville can be raucous, and the Tigers needed to be mentally prepared for a tough road test.

November's Gauntlet: Finishing Strong

As the Auburn football 2022 schedule moved into November, the intensity only ratcheted up with a series of challenging matchups. The month began with a home game against the Ole Miss Rebels on November 5th. This was another critical SEC contest where Auburn needed to secure a win at Jordan-Hare. Ole Miss, under their dynamic head coach, had developed into a dangerous offensive team, capable of putting up big numbers. Auburn's defense would have been tested, needing to limit big plays and control the tempo of the game. Offensively, the Tigers needed to be efficient and capitalize on their scoring opportunities. A win here would have provided a significant boost heading into the final stretch of the season and kept their SEC title hopes alive. The early November date meant that the pressure was mounting, and every game had major implications for the postseason.

Following Ole Miss, Auburn faced another tough road test against the Texas A&M Aggies on November 12th. This matchup has quickly become a fascinating SEC rivalry, with both teams often ranked highly. Playing at Kyle Field is one of the most intimidating environments in college football, and the Tigers would have needed to bring their A-game from the opening whistle. Texas A&M is known for its physicality and defensive prowess, making it a challenging matchup for any offense. Auburn's ability to execute on the road against a strong opponent like the Aggies would have been a key storyline. This game was crucial for both teams' standings in the SEC and their potential bowl destinations. The mid-November timing meant that the season was winding down, and the outcome of this game could have significant implications for the College Football Playoff race, depending on both teams' prior records.

Next, the Auburn football 2022 schedule featured a rivalry game against the Alabama A&M Bulldogs on November 19th. While this might appear to be a less intense matchup compared to SEC opponents, these games are important for Auburn to fine-tune their systems and build confidence before the Iron Bowl. It's an opportunity for the coaching staff to give valuable playing time to younger players and ensure that the key starters are rested and healthy for the season finale. Even against a non-conference opponent, maintaining focus and execution is paramount. A strong performance here would have sent a positive message heading into the most anticipated game of the year. The late November date ensured that this game served as a crucial tune-up, a final chance to iron out any wrinkles before the ultimate test.

The Iron Bowl: The Ultimate Test

Finally, the Auburn football 2022 schedule culminated in the most intense rivalry in all of college football: the Iron Bowl against the Alabama Crimson Tide on November 26th. This game is more than just a football game; it's a city-wide, state-wide, and even fan-base-wide obsession. Playing Alabama, especially when they are ranked among the nation's best, is the ultimate challenge. Auburn needed to put together a complete game, showcasing their grit, determination, and execution against their bitter rivals. The atmosphere at Jordan-Hare for the Iron Bowl is electric, with the entire Auburn family united in their quest for victory. History is littered with incredible Iron Bowl moments, and the Tigers were looking to add another chapter to the storied rivalry. A win against Alabama would have been the perfect way to cap off the regular season, regardless of previous results, and would have sent the Tigers into the postseason with immense momentum and bragging rights. The late November date means this game always carries massive implications, whether it's for SEC West titles, conference championships, or even national playoff spots. The stakes could not be higher for this iconic showdown.

Post-Season Possibilities

While the Auburn football 2022 schedule focused on the regular season, the ultimate goal for any competitive team is to play in the postseason. Depending on their record, the Tigers would have had aspirations for a bowl game. The specific bowl game would depend on their final standing in the SEC and the overall bowl selection process. Historically, Auburn has been a consistent participant in major bowl games, and the 2022 season was no different in terms of aiming for that prestigious opportunity. Playing in a bowl game is a reward for a team's hard work and a chance to achieve one final victory, setting the tone for the next season. The anticipation leading up to bowl selections is always a tense time for players and fans alike, hoping to hear their team's name called for a chance at postseason glory. The experience of playing in a bowl game, especially in a different city and against a new opponent, is often a highlight for players and provides valuable exposure and experience.