Although it seems like Auburn is going up in smoke, don't give up on this team just yet.
The Auburn Tigers have had just about the worst start they could have possibly had to the conference play portion of the schedule.
On Saturday, they fell against the Georgia Bulldogs in heartbreaking overtime fashion on the road, and on Tuesday night they were beat on their home floor by the Texas A&M Aggies, although the ending of the game was controversial.
With any momentum Auburn had coming into conference play being gone and a challenging matchup against No. 15 Arkansas looming on Saturday, I don't believe its time to abandon all hope in this Auburn squad just yet.
Anyone with common sense knew that patience would be needed for this team. Not only had this roster not suited up together prior to the season, but it had to adjust to a change at the program's helm just as final prep for the season was underway.
I get that now seems like as good a time as any to panic, but I would encourage Auburn fans to wait and see just a little while longer.
This team looks more competitive than it did against Houston and Purdue, and its got a fighting spirit that simply can't be coached.
If this team can click from beyond the arc, the narrative surrounding the entire season could shift in the blink of an eye.
If the Tigers can get their act together at the free-throw line, the energy surrounding this team could shift drastically.
It's still early and there's a lot of basketball left to be played. I'm still confident in this team's ability to make the NCAA Tournament. While I'm certainly not predicting another run to the Final Four at this team, I would not be shocked to see this squad win a game or two in March Madness once they figure some things out.