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The Best Local Online Counseling in Auburn, AL
If there's one universal truth about humans, it's that at some point in our lives, we have to work through difficult circumstances. When that happens, we often need someone to talk to - someone we can trust who can give us an unbiased opinion or advice. Sometimes, that person is a family member or close friend. In some situations, however, only a qualified professional like a therapist will work. If that sounds familiar, don't be ashamed because you're most certainly not alone. According to recent statistics, in the U.S., approximately 55.8 million adults needed treatment or counseling for mental health reasons in 2022.
If you've been thinking about mental health treatment, you may be considering virtual therapy with an online counselor. Online therapy gives you the chance to connect with licensed therapists and mental health coaches without needing to set foot in a traditional therapy setting. Working with an online therapist can be every bit as effective as seeing an in-person therapist. From anxiety disorders to stress management, virtual therapy provides help for mental health concerns without the need to sit for long periods in a therapist's waiting room. If you're in search of counseling online in Auburn, AL, ZenZone Health is among the best choices available.
Online Counseling Services
- The Best Local Online Counseling in Auburn, AL
- ZenZone Health: Online Counseling When You Need It Most
- Booking an Online Therapy Session is Easy at ZenZone Health
- Exploring the Many Benefits of Online Counseling in Auburn, AL
- When is the Best Time to Seek Counseling Online in Auburn, AL?
- Nurturing Your Mental Health One Session at a Time
counseling for ASHLEY WEBBER
depression therapy for Reid Melvin
mental health therapy for Tammy Heil
anxiety therapy for Sheila Black
counseling for Mike McIntyre
depression therapy for Austin Riley
ZenZone Health: Online CounselingWhen You Need It Most
At ZenZone Health, our team of licensed therapists and mental health coaches are committed to delivering reliable and collaborative mental health care to those who need it most. With extensive experience in our field, we recognize the significance of customized, compassionate treatment for mental health. That's why we approach treatment in a comprehensive manner, taking into account each client's specific needs and wellness goals. Our virtual therapists use evidence-based methods to help clients develop resilience and build coping skills that they can use every day.
We know that reaching out for help when you have mental health challenges can be tough, which is why we always offer a welcoming, non-judgmental atmosphere for our clients. We emphatically believe that everyone should have access to quality mental health care and work hard to ensure that our services are easy to understand and affordable for all.
Our telehealth therapists in Auburn, AL, focus on a range of specialties, including:
- Depression Therapy
- Anxiety Therapy
- Stress Management
- First Break Psychosis
- Mood Disorders & Bipolar
- Panic Attacks & Panic Disorders
- Family Counseling
- Couples Counseling
- Grief & Loss
- PTSD
- Substance Use Disorder
- Business Consulting
- Wellness Coaching
Booking an Online Therapy Session is Easy at ZenZone Health
Some online counseling websites make booking a session convoluted and confusing. We strive to make the process streamlined and simple. We're also committed to matching you with quality therapists. In fact, the president of ZenZone Health conducts a free 15-minute assessment for every one of our new patients. By relying on a trained, licensed professionals, instead of an algorithm, we can pair you with a counselor who has experience best suited to your needs.
Here's how to Request Information:
Schedule Your Initial Appointment
Fill out the appointment request form on our website or call our office today to discuss how to Request Information with counseling online.
Ongoing Therapy
Once we have completed your initial appointment, you're in the Zone. At this point, you continue to make progress in your virtual coaching or therapy sessions.
Package Savings Program
We want to maintain and build on the progress you're making at ZenZone Health, which is why we created our wellness program, which helps make sure you're in the Zone you want and deserve to be in. This program is dedicated finding the right package for you, to schedule continual sessions 1x per week, 2x per month, what ever is right for you and the price point suited for you.
Insurance
Navigating insurance for online counseling can be a headache, but we go out of our way to make it as easy as possible for you by working with many insurance companies and plans. In some instances, and depending on licensure, we can take your insurance. Please call or message us for more details.
FAQs About Online Counseling and Therapy from ZenZone Health
Therapy will be different for each person, depending on their issues and goals. Typically, sessions involve discussing current events, personal history, and progress from previous sessions. Therapy can be short-term or longer-term, and it's common to have regular weekly sessions. Active participation is important for results, and your therapist may suggest activities outside of sessions to support your progress. Therapy is for those ready to make positive changes, open to new perspectives, and willing to take responsibility for their lives.
Therapy can help with mental and emotional problems better than medication alone. Therapy does more than just treat symptoms; it also addresses the causes of distress and the behavior patterns that limit progress. An integrated approach to wellness is best for long-term growth and well-being. Your doctor can help you decide whether medication, therapy, or both are the right choice for you.
Everyone experiences difficult times in life, and while you may have effectively dealt with other challenges you've encountered, there's no shame in reaching out for extra assistance when you require it. Seeking therapy is actually a sign of self-awareness and strength, as it indicates that you recognize the need for support. By seeking therapy, you are demonstrating accountability for your current circumstances and showing a commitment to making a change. Therapy offers enduring advantages and guidance, equipping you with the necessary skills to avoid potential triggers, redirect harmful behaviors, and conquer any obstacles that come your way.
Now that you know more about what makes ZenZone Health different, let's dig deeper into the benefits of telehealth therapy sessions and who benefits the most from them.
Anxiety, Stress, and Depression: How ZenZone Telehealth Therapists in Auburn, AL Help
In today's fast-paced world, mental health disorders are increasingly common and impacting millions of lives worldwide. In the Southeast United States, the prevalence of these disorders has led to the development of specialized treatments and therapies. In this pursuit, ZenZone Health has emerged as a beacon of hope, offering exceptional services in depression therapy, anxiety therapy, and stress management.
A Personalized Approach to Mental Health
What sets ZenZone Health apart from other remote therapists is our personalized approach to therapy. We understand that every person who needs therapy has unique needs and goals. That's why we develop customized treatment plans that address those needs and goals in a structured, compassionate manner. By providing you with a custom treatment plan, we can help ensure that you get the highest quality, most effective interventions possible, leading to positive outcomes and enhanced quality of life.
Depression Therapy from ZenZone Health
Struggling with depression can feel like an ongoing battle, overshadowing everyday life. At ZenZone Health, our depression therapy brings a glimmer of hope to those facing this challenging condition. Our licensed therapists use proven techniques to create a supportive environment where individuals can explore their feelings and build effective coping strategies. By combining psychotherapy and counseling, patients are gently guided toward healing and self-discovery.
Stress and Anxiety Therapy at ZenZone Health
Chronic stress has become a widespread concern in today's modern society, impacting individuals of all age groups. ZenZone Health offers stress management programs that provide practical tools to effectively deal with life's pressures. Our experienced therapists empower clients with relaxation techniques and time management strategies to help achieve balance amidst the chaos.
Anxiety can feel overwhelming, making even simple tasks seem like huge challenges. At ZenZone Health, our anxiety therapy is customized to tackle the underlying issues that your brain won't let go of. Our therapists work closely with you, using cognitive-behavioral techniques and mindfulness practices to help you handle anxious thoughts and behaviors. Through personalized sessions, you can learn to take back control and live a more peaceful and balanced life.
Trauma & PTSD Therapy at ZenZone Health
At ZenZone Health, we understand that the aftermath of trauma can be debilitating, affecting every aspect of your life. Our specialized PTSD and trauma therapy programs are designed to help you regain control and find peace. Using evidence-based techniques, our compassionate therapists work with you to process traumatic experiences and develop coping strategies. Whether through cognitive-behavioral therapy, EMDR, or mindfulness practices, we provide a safe and supportive environment for healing. At ZenZone Health, we are dedicated to helping you move forward, reclaim your life, and achieve lasting well-being.
Exploring the Many Benefits of Online Counseling in Auburn, AL
Studies indicate that therapy is generally effective and offers numerous advantages. Therapy can help you recognize sources of distress, gain better self-understanding, and reach your goals. While traditional in-person counseling is an option for many, it's not for everyone. Here are some of the biggest benefits of online therapy:
Access to Support When Living in Remote Areas
Online therapy provides mental health support to individuals living in rural or remote areas who may not have access to traditional in-person therapy due to a lack of local mental health services. Seeking face-to-face therapy in such cases often involves long drives and significant time commitments, which can be challenging for those with busy schedules. However, with reliable internet access, telehealth therapy sessions offer a convenient and relatively quick way to access treatment that might otherwise be difficult to obtain.
Affordable and Convenient
While this wasn't always the case, modern counseling online is usually quite affordable and convenient. You can schedule therapy sessions from the comfort of your own home at times that suit you best. Plus, many states now mandate that insurance providers cover online therapy just like traditional therapy (you should contact your insurance company to see if telehealth counseling is covered). Add that to the fact that telehealth is generally affordable even without insurance coverage, and you can see why so many people check in with their counselors on a weekly and even daily basis.
Access to Counseling if You're Physically Disabled
When you're disabled physically, everyday tasks like getting dressed and running errands can be extremely frustrating. Unfortunately, disabled men and women often forego therapy because they can't make it to the therapist's office. Online therapy offers a way for people with disabilities or limited mobility to access mental health care. A therapist working from home may not have the facilities to cater to clients with different needs, but with online counseling, you can still access quality care.
Better Availability
Telehealth therapy sessions in Auburn, AL offer an easier way for people to connect with a counselor, especially for those who need help but might be deterred by various obstacles. Individuals struggling with mental health issues like social anxiety disorder, depression, mood disorders, or post-traumatic stress disorder may find it difficult to motivate themselves to seek out a therapist, book appointments, and travel to their office for the initial and subsequent meetings.
If booking an appointment with a traditional therapist isn't in the cards, it could be time to try counseling online.
Therapy is More Approachable
The internet has made mental health treatment more accessible. People might find it easier to discuss physical health problems with friends and family than mental health concerns. However, online access can help overcome the stigma associated with mental health issues. Teletherapy can also be a valuable tool for learning more about mental health and strengthening your psychological well-being, even if you're not struggling with mental health issues.
A Note from ZenZone Health: If you or a loved one is experiencing suicidal thoughts, contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 on your phone. You can contact this number 24/7, day or night.
Call 866-614-7967When is the Best Time to Seek Counseling Online in Auburn, AL?
If you're reading this, chances are you or a loved one is struggling in life. You may be dealing with added stress at work, grieving after a traumatic life event, or working through a rocky relationship. Dealing with these issues alone can be challenging. But asking for help can be, too. That's especially true when you're dealing with mental health issues. Fortunately, a licensed therapist may be able to provide the support and tools you need to get back to a normal life. If you're wondering whether you need online counseling, keep these situations in mind.
Living with Substance Abuse Problems
Dealing with addictions, whether it's substance abuse or behavioral addictions like gambling, can feel incredibly daunting. Therapy is an essential part of the recovery process as it delves into the underlying causes of these issues. With help from remote therapists, you develop skills to help maintain sobriety and prevent relapses. For example, if you're struggling with alcohol addiction, an online therapist can help you identify triggers and teach you new, healthier ways to cope with those triggers instead of using alcohol.
Dealing with Relationship Issues
Relationship struggles can be a huge motivating factor for seeking therapy. These issues may involve friends, romantic partners, or family members. For instance, a couple may turn to couples counseling to address communication or trust issues. An online counselor can assist individuals in resolving these issues and developing improved communication skills, boundaries, and coping strategies.
Symptoms of a Mental Health Condition
Conditions like depression, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, ADHD, and PTSD can significantly disrupt daily life. Symptoms can manifest as constant feelings of worry or frequent headaches. Therapy, along with medication or lifestyle adjustments, can be an effective treatment for mental health. For example, a person with anxiety might learn relaxation techniques to manage stress levels with the help of a therapist. Similarly, someone experiencing depression may learn coping skills to maintain a more positive outlook on life.
New Challenges in Life
Dealing with common - albeit challenging - events in life, like losing a job, coping with grief, or undergoing major changes, can be very disruptive. If you find yourself losing interest in your usual activities, it could be a sign of a mental health condition like major depressive disorder. Therapy offers essential support and guidance for managing these issues, which can help individuals overcome their obstacles. For instance, a person grieving the loss of a loved one may benefit from online counseling as they navigate through their emotions. Similarly, someone who has relocated to a new city might find online therapy beneficial as they adapt to their new home, community, and workplace.
Trauma from Childhood
Childhood trauma can have a lasting impact on people as they mature. Virtual therapy with a licensed professional can assist people in processing these experiences and recovering from them, which may help them comprehend and address any existing issues. For instance, individuals who experienced neglect as children can work through feelings of abandonment in therapy, potentially alleviating the anxiety they may be feeling in their romantic relationship.
Nurturing Your Mental Health One Session at a Time
In the pursuit of mental wellness, ZenZone Health stands as your steadfast ally, offering specialized therapies that cater to a range of mental health and lifestyle challenges. Through our expertise in depression therapy, anxiety therapy, and stress management, we aren't just providing treatments; we're offering a lifeline to those struggling with mental health disorders. When you trust ZenZone Health for online therapy in Auburn, AL, you're taking the first step toward rediscovering joy in your life, one session at a time. Contact us today to learn more about telehealth therapy and how our providers can help you overcome the hurdles holding you back.
Latest News in Auburn, AL
Auburn NFL roundup: Running back makes his debut with Buccaneers
Mark Inabinett | minabinett@al.comhttps://www.al.com/sports/2024/10/auburn-nfl-roundup-running-back-makes-his-debut-with-buccaneers.html
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers piled up plenty of stats in their 51-27 victory over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, including two kickoff returns by running back D.J. Williams.The Bucs elevated Williams from their practice squad to make him eligible to play against the Saints, and the rookie made his NFL debut.Williams had a 24-yard kickoff return and a 30-yard kickoff returnWilliams became the 28th Auburn alumnus to play in the NFL this season.Williams ran for 599 yards and five touchdowns on 122 carries and caught 1...
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers piled up plenty of stats in their 51-27 victory over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, including two kickoff returns by running back D.J. Williams.
The Bucs elevated Williams from their practice squad to make him eligible to play against the Saints, and the rookie made his NFL debut.
Williams had a 24-yard kickoff return and a 30-yard kickoff return
Williams became the 28th Auburn alumnus to play in the NFL this season.
Williams ran for 599 yards and five touchdowns on 122 carries and caught 12 passes for 72 yards in the 2019 and 2020 seasons for Auburn.
Williams played at Florida State in 2021 and Arizona in 2022 and 2023 before joining the Buccaneers as an undrafted rookie this year.
Williams was among the 22 former Auburn players who got on the field on the sixth Sunday of the NFL’s 105th season.
Two other former Auburn players were involved in the Tampa Bay-New Orleans game:
· K.J. Britt (Oxford) started at inside linebacker for the Buccaneers. Britt made three tackles and shared one sack. Britt recorded the first sack of his NFL career in his 51st game.
· Jamel Dean started at cornerback for the Buccaneers. Dean made one tackle. He left the game in the first half with a hamstring injury and did not return.
More stories on the NFL
In the other Sunday games:
Chicago Bears 35, Jacksonville Jaguars 16
· Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby ran for 24 yards on seven carries and returned three kickoffs for 102 yards, including a 41-yarder. The kickoff returns were the first of the season for Bigsby.
· Bears defensive end Byron Cowart made two tackles and shared a sack. The sack was the second of Cowart’s NFL career, with the first coming in the 2020 season.
· Jaguars safety Daniel Thomas (Lee-Montgomery) did not record any stats.
Baltimore Ravens 30, Washington Commanders 23
· Commanders cornerback Noah Igbinoghene (Hewitt-Trussville) made two tackles and broke up one pass.
Green Bay Packers 34, Arizona Cardinals 13
· Cardinals defensive tackle Angelo Blackson is on the practice squad and not eligible to play.
· Cardinals inside linebacker Owen Pappoe made one tackle.
· Packers quarterback Malik Willis dressed for the game but did not play.
· Packers defensive lineman Colby Wooden did not record any stats.
Houston Texans 41, New England Patriots 21
· Patriots defensive tackle Marcus Harris (Park Crossing) is on the practice squad and not eligible to play.
· Jonathan Jones started at cornerback for the Patriots. Jones made three tackles.
· Texans offensive tackle Kilian Zierer is on the practice squad and not eligible to play.
Philadelphia Eagles 20, Cleveland Browns 16
· Eagles offensive lineman Jack Driscoll did not record any stats in his 2024 debut. Philadelphia elevated Driscoll from the practice squad to make him eligible to play.
· Eagles tight end C.J. Uzomah is on the practice squad and not eligible to play.
Indianapolis Colts 20, Tennessee Titans 17
· Titans defensive tackle Marlon Davidson (Greenville) is on injured reserve and not eligible to play.
· Roger McCreary (Williamson) started at cornerback for the Titans. McCreary made four tackles.
· Colts cornerback Jaylin Simpson is on the practice squad and not eligible to play.
· Braden Smith started at right offensive tackle for the Colts.
Los Angeles Chargers 23, Denver Broncos 16
· Chargers long snapper Josh Harris handled the snaps on four punts, three field goals and two extra points.
· Bo Nix (Pinson Valley) started at quarterback for the Broncos. Nix completed 19-of-33 passes for 216 yards with two touchdowns and one interception and ran for 61 yards on six carries. Nix threw two fourth-quarter touchdown passes – a 2-yarder to wide receiver Troy Franklin with 10:06 to play and a 15-yarder to wide receiver Courtland Sutton with 5:22 remaining.
RELATED: FURIOUS FOURTH QUARTER FALLS SHORT FOR BO NIX, DENVER BRONCOS
· Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham dressed for the game but did not play.
Pittsburgh Steelers 32, Las Vegas Raiders 13
· Steelers defensive tackle Montravius Adams made one tackle.
· Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson had only one kick – an extra point – and he made it.
· Steelers outside linebacker Eku Leota made one tackle. Pittsburgh elevated Leota from the practice squad to make him eligible to play.
· Raiders tight end John Samuel Shenker did not record any stats.
Atlanta Falcons 38, Carolina Panthers 20
· Derrick Brown is on injured reserve and not eligible to play.
· Panthers linebacker Chandler Wooten did not record any stats.
Detroit Lions 47, Dallas Cowboys 9
· Carlton Davis started at cornerback for the Buccaneers. Davis made two tackles and broke up two tackles.
· Carl Lawson started at defensive end for the Cowboys. Lawson made two tackles and registered two quarterback hits.
· Cowboys wide receiver Seth Williams (Paul Bryant) is on the practice squad and not eligible to play.
Cincinnati Bengals 17, New York Giants 7
· Bengals guard Tashawn Manning is on the practice squad and not eligible to play.
· Bengals defensive tackle Justin Rogers is on the practice squad and not eligible to play.
· Darius Slayton started at wide receiver for the Giants. Slayton had six receptions for 57 yards. Slayton drew a defensive pass interference penalty in the end zone on a throw from the Cincinnati 19-yard line to set up New York’s touchdown with 5:48 left in the third quarter. Slayton lost a 56-yard reception to an ineligible receiver downfield penalty in the second quarter.
Week 6 started on Thursday night, when the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Seattle Seahawks 36-24.
Week 6 concludes on Monday, when the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets square off at 7:15 p.m. CDT at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. ESPN will televise the game.
FOR MORE OF AL.COM’S COVERAGE OF THE NFL, GO TO OUR NFL PAGE
Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter at @AmarkG1.
Auburn alumni eligible for Sunday debuts in the NFL
Mark Inabinett | minabinett@al.comhttps://www.al.com/sports/2024/10/auburn-alumni-eligible-for-sunday-debuts-in-the-nfl.html
Outside linebacker Eku Leota is in line to make his Pittsburgh Steelers debut on Sunday after the NFL team elevated the former Auburn standout from their practice squad on Saturday.Leota was called up with the Steelers missing three of their top four outside linebackers, with DeMarvin Leal on injured reserve and Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig ruled out of Sunday’s ga...
Outside linebacker Eku Leota is in line to make his Pittsburgh Steelers debut on Sunday after the NFL team elevated the former Auburn standout from their practice squad on Saturday.
Leota was called up with the Steelers missing three of their top four outside linebackers, with DeMarvin Leal on injured reserve and Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig ruled out of Sunday’s game with injuries.
Leota has been a member of Pittsburgh’s practice squad since Oct. 1.
Sunday’s game won’t be Leota’s 2024 debut, just his first game with the Steelers. Leota played in the first two games of the season for the Carolina Panthers, including starting the second one, and recorded three tackles for loss and one sack before being waived, re-signed for the team’s practice squad and released.
Two other Auburn alumni are eligible to make their 2024 NFL debuts on Sunday, and for running back D.J. Williams, it will be his first NFL game.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers elevated Williams from their practice squad on Saturday. An undrafted rookie from Arizona, Williams ran for 583 yards and four touchdowns on 116 carries for Auburn in his first two college seasons before playing for Florida State in 2021 and Arizona in 2022 and 2023.
Also elevated from a practice squad on Saturday was offensive lineman Jack Driscoll by the Philadelphia Eagles. Driscoll has played in 54 games, with 17 starts, over the past four seasons for the Eagles.
The Steelers play the Las Vegas Raiders at 3:05 p.m. CDT, the Buccaneers play the New Orleans Saints at noon and the Eagles play the Cleveland Browns at noon on Sunday.
Each NFL team is allowed to elevate two members of its practice squad to active status for each game.
Two other players with Alabama football roots who were not eligible to play on Sunday when Saturday started are eligible now.
The Browns restored linebacker Mohamoud Diabate to their active roster. The former Auburn High School standout played in Cleveland’s season-opening game on Sept. 8, but he spent the past four games on injured reserve with a hip injury.
The Browns also elevated safety Chris Edmonds from their practice squad, making the Phenix City native eligible for his NFL debut. An undrafted rookie played at Samford before transferring to Arizona State for his final two college seasons.
FOR MORE OF AL.COM’S COVERAGE OF THE NFL, GO TO OUR NFL PAGE
Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter at @AMarkG1.
Former Auburn tight end returns to the NFL
Mark Inabinett | minabinett@al.comhttps://www.al.com/sports/2024/10/former-auburn-tight-end-returns-to-the-nfl.html
Tight end C.J. Uzomah has joined the Philadelphia Eagles’ practice squad, the NFL team announced on Thursday.This is the second time this year that the Eagles have signed the Auburn alumnus....
Tight end C.J. Uzomah has joined the Philadelphia Eagles’ practice squad, the NFL team announced on Thursday.
This is the second time this year that the Eagles have signed the Auburn alumnus.
Uzomah signed with Philadelphia on April 11 after the New York Jets released him on March 13 with a failed-physical designation and a season left on a three-year, $24 million contract.
The Eagles released Uzomah on Aug. 21 after he had played in the team’s first two preseason games.
Each NFL team can carry a 16-player practice squad. Members of the practice squad do everything players on the active roster do except play in games. But there is a path to the field for practice-squad members. Each NFL team can elevate two practice-squad members per game to active status, making them eligible to play.
Uzomah had eight receptions for 58 yards and one touchdown in 12 games, with eight starts, in 2023, when he was on the field for 239 offensive snaps and 148 special-teams plays. Uzomah finished the 2023 season on injured reserve after he sustained a medial collateral ligament injury during the Jets’ 13-8 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Dec. 3. He missed the final five games of the season.
Uzomah entered the NFL from Auburn as a fifth-round draft choice of the Cincinnati Bengals in 2015. In his first six seasons with the Bengals, Uzomah had 114 receptions for 1,098 yards and eight touchdowns in 63 regular-season games and one playoff contest.
After missing all but two games of the 2020 season because a torn Achilles tendon, Uzomah had 49 receptions for 493 yards and five touchdowns in the 2021 regular season for Cincinnati, which won the AFC championship and lost to the Los Angeles Rams 23-20 in Super Bowl LVI.
In the Bengals’ four postseason games, Uzomah had 15 receptions for 146 yards and one touchdown. He sustained a medial collateral ligament sprain in his left knee during the Bengals’ 27-24 overtime victory against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game on Jan. 30, but he still played 49 offensive snaps and caught two passes in Super Bowl LVI.
After the 2021 season, the Jets signed Uzomah in free agency.
In 106 NFL regular-season games, Uzomah has 192 receptions for 1,881 yards and 16 touchdowns.
FOR MORE OF AL.COM’S COVERAGE OF THE NFL, GO TO OUR NFL PAGE
Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter at @AMarkG1.
Casagrande: What’s missing at Auburn? Peers leaving Tigers behind
Michael Casagrandehttps://www.al.com/auburnfootball/2024/10/casagrande-whats-missing-at-auburn-peers-leaving-tigers-behind.html
This is an opinion column.If there’s a theme of the first few weeks in SEC play, the rise of the middle to lower class must be it.You have top-10 league teams taken down by schools who entered the year with coaching hot seats or closer to Southeastern Siberia than Southeastern Conference royalty (Vanderbilt) making statements.Seven of the 16 teams have 1-1 records in conference play.Three are unbeaten.Two are winless.One of those is Auburn.The Tigers hit its first open week...
This is an opinion column.
If there’s a theme of the first few weeks in SEC play, the rise of the middle to lower class must be it.
You have top-10 league teams taken down by schools who entered the year with coaching hot seats or closer to Southeastern Siberia than Southeastern Conference royalty (Vanderbilt) making statements.
Seven of the 16 teams have 1-1 records in conference play.
Three are unbeaten.
Two are winless.
One of those is Auburn.
The Tigers hit its first open week in the full soul-searching mode that’ll come with a 2-4 record, 0-3 in SEC play. That only intensifies when Auburn sees not just its peers lapping them, but programs viewed as a tier or three below its traditional standing.
Even more disheartening when you consider there’s real talent in Auburn. This roster isn’t 2-4 bad.
It’s lost its killer instinct -- that mentality or intangible extra gear when a game is deadlocked.
This is a team that isn’t getting blown away by anyone. Even at No. 5 Georgia on Saturday, a 31-13 Auburn loss was competitive into the fourth quarter. The other three losses were in a similar scoring range.
They weren’t all the same, either. Auburn played from behind against Cal and Arkansas and couldn’t get over the top. The Tigers led Oklahoma 21-10 in the fourth quarter before bungling the end.
Asked Wednesday what he’s focused on correcting in the open week, coach Hugh Freeze gave the best answer he’s given in a while. Execution and consistency, he said while admitting that sounds like an oversimplification.
But it’s true. They’re putting together winning halves and quarters but not two or four in a row. The first 45 minutes of the Oklahoma game gave reason to believe the Titanic would swerve past that iceberg.
Of course they veered straight into it.
You have to ask, when was the last time Auburn won a game it wasn’t expected to?
When was the last time Arkansas did? Last Saturday against No. 4 Tennessee.
Or Kentucky. Two weeks ago at No. 6 Ole Miss.
And you know the answer for Vanderbilt, picked last by the length its goalpost traveled for a swim in the Cumberland River.
So the answer to Auburn punching above its weight? In terms of the point spread, its only win as an underdog in Freeze’s 1.5 seasons came at Arkansas last year. The Tigers were 2.5-point underdogs in Fayetteville before claiming a decisive 48-10 win -- ultimately their most recent victory over a power conference opponent.
Arkansas went out and upgraded a few key positions -- namely QB -- and beat Auburn on the return visit. Then it slayed No. 4 Tennessee on Saturday.
A week before beating the Hogs last year, Auburn scored an ugly 31-15 win over a Vanderbilt program that clearly didn’t stand still in the offseason. More on them in a bit.
But since feasting on Hog last Nov. 11, Auburn’s lost six straight to teams from the SEC, ACC, and Big Ten. Since then, they’ve been 2-1 against FCS or P5 teams, with last year’s loss to New Mexico State paired with wins over Alabama A&M and New Mexico early this season.
Only twice in that span were the Tigers not competitive -- the 31-10 embarrassment with NMSU and the 31-13 Music City Bowl loss to Maryland that was uglier than the score indicates.
Also last year, Auburn took both SEC title game participants to the fourth quarter. It had two-time defending national champ Georgia fighting from behind in a 27-20 Tiger loss. And, the Iron Bowl now has a nickname to commemorate how close Auburn came from wrecking its rival’s season.
When it was winning time in both scenarios, Auburn lost.
Same this year with Cal, Arkansas and Oklahoma. Making matters worse, those were games where the Tigers were home favorites.
Where Kentucky, Arkansas and … Vanderbilt were overachieving, Auburn isn’t even holding serve.
Just look at the middle of the pack from the preseason SEC media poll contrasted with its current record.
One is not like the others.
Why? There’s no difference-maker or winning-time hammer craving a nail. Auburn improved talent at key positions but neglected others.
It’s a team with talented players unsure of how to win -- stuck in a cycle of being ¾ of the way to Providence but instead stuck in limbo.
So, what now?
Bowl eligibility will be a monumental accomplishment at this point. As it stands now, Auburn will likely be the underdog all but once the rest of the way and even its last non-SEC opponent isn’t a pushover. Like NMSU last year, ULM is hot. The Sun Belt school is currently 4-1 but Auburn gets an extra week to prep for the Nov. 16 game.
That open week follows a Nov. 2 visit from Vanderbilt and a reunion with Diego Pavia, the quarterback from last year’s NMSU team that set so much of this year’s chaos in motion.
It’s hard to imagine a game with more of a slow-down-to-watch-the-wreck energy than the Vanderbilt trip to Auburn.
That’ll test one of two things.
It’s pass/fail for that winner’s mentality the Auburn program so desperately seeks while trying to end the backpedal and return to attack mode.
Flunk that and it’ll be the patience for which Freeze has been pleading that’s tested. And justifiably so.
This season isn’t trending toward the mediocrity of the 5-7 or 6-7 records that marked the past three seasons.
The 3-9 disaster of 2012 is very much in play after losing three games it was supposed to win and scoping the path ahead.
It includes road trips to Missouri, Kentucky, and Alabama that sandwich November home dates with Vanderbilt, ULM, and Texas A&M.
That’s surprising given Auburn’s preseason optimism. While nobody was booking early-December hotels in Atlanta, a talent influx and a favorable September schedule pointed to an upward trajectory.
Instead, it’s Auburn’s peers (and Vanderbilt) who are partying in early October.
The bruised and battered Tigers, meanwhile, are digging deep for the mojo that once followed this program and its current head coach.
Because it’s missing -- fading memories of Octobers past and it’s not for a lack of talent.
Michael Casagrande is a reporter for the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @ByCasagrande or on Facebook.
Longtime QB coach breaks down what Auburn is getting in Deuce Knight and Walker White
Peter Rauterkus | prauterkus@al.comhttps://www.al.com/auburnfootball/2024/10/longtime-qb-coach-breaks-down-what-auburn-is-getting-in-deuce-knight-and-walker-white.html
Auburn’s quarterback play has been up and down in 2024.But with current starter Payton Thorne in his final year of eligibility, there will be a new face behind center next season. Who that will be is unknown, but there’s a general sense of optimism around the future of the position at Auburn.Much of that has to do with the recent commitment of four-st...
Auburn’s quarterback play has been up and down in 2024.
But with current starter Payton Thorne in his final year of eligibility, there will be a new face behind center next season. Who that will be is unknown, but there’s a general sense of optimism around the future of the position at Auburn.
Knight is the second top 50 quarterback recruit Auburn has signed in the last two classes, along with Walker White in the class of 2024.
That’s not the only thing the two talented signal-callers have in common, though.
Both are trained by longtime quarterback coach and founder of QB Country, David Morris. A former college quarterback himself at Ole Miss, Morris has trained middle school, high school, college and NFL quarterbacks since graduating from Ole Miss in 2003.
Some notable quarterbacks Morris has trained include Eli Manning, Daniel Jones, Bo Nix, Drake Maye, Gardner Minshew, Mac Jones and many others.
“The high-level stuff is essentially the product of sticking to our main thing, which is to train high school guys,” Morris said in an interview with AL.com.
That was how White and Knight got started with Morris. White began working with Morris prior to his junior year of high school and Knight at the beginning of 2024.
If you ask Morris, both players have traits that can impact the game at a high level in college.
“They’re both just specimens, they both have NFL arms. They both have big time athleticism. They could play a lot of different positions on the field because they’re so athletic," Morris said. “They’re also great passers. And I think both of them have grown in their ability to control the football in kind of short, intermediate and deep. They’re both kind of scratching the surface as kind of who they are as a quarterback."
One advantage for players like White and Knight to working with Morris at QB Country is the network of other quarterbacks they’re able to connect with.
For White, that started a relationship with former Auburn and now Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix.
“I connected them just to help bring familiarity. And also, just kind of trying to help connect people that are going through similar things,” Morris said. “Bo was a quarterback at Auburn, obviously, loves that university and understands what it means to be a quarterback there.”
Similarly for Knight, Morris connected him with Riley Leonard after his original commitment to Notre Dame. While Knight may no longer follow Leonard in South Bend, Morris says their relationship remains close.
“That’s a big part of what we do, is we believe in the, not the mentorship necessarily is the word, but more just like relationship in the circle of giving and receiving, from all of our experiences,” Morris said.
With Morris' long history as a quarterback trainer, he has relationships with many college coaches. Current Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze is one of them.
While Morris didn’t overlap with Freeze at Ole Miss, he has worked with quarterbacks that were recruited by and played for Freeze in the past. Most notably, Morris worked with former Ole Miss quarterback Chad Kelly.
Both White and Knight fit the mold of how many of Freeze’s quarterbacks play, with athleticism and big play ability. While White has yet to appear in a game for Auburn this season, Freeze has already sung his praises.
“Walker has looked incredible in 7-on-7, and the game is a little fast for him right now in the 11-on-11 realm, when he’s got to think about the protections and fixing those,” Freeze said during fall camp. “But as far as him getting in 7-on-7, and he knows the routes that are running, man, he looks he looks really good.”
While Knight obviously hasn’t practiced with Auburn yet, Morris gave him similar praise, describing him as “really intelligent” and crediting his communication skills.
With White enrolled and Knight now committed, Auburn’s rebuild on the quarterback front seems to be successful so far. Neither one has played for the Tigers yet, so it’s fair to temper expectations for now.
Both were significant recruiting wins for Freeze and the staff, though. And in a current college football landscape where quarterbacks can transfer, opt out and play for as many as four schools during their career, building depth is important.
While Auburn’s immediate quarterback future post-Thorne is unknown, the program is building at the sport’s most important position in a way it hasn’t in many years.
Peter Rauterkus covers Auburn sports for AL.com. You can follow him on X at @peter_rauterkus or email him at prauterkus@al.com
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