The kicking game woes for Auburn football persist as they faced Missouri, with true freshman kicker Towns McGough missing a critical 30-yard field goal late in the third quarter of a hard-fought game. The young kicker’s inconsistency has raised concerns among fans and coaches alike, particularly as the Tigers look to build momentum in the 2024 season.
McGough has struggled this season, converting just 5 of his 10 attempts. This comes in stark contrast to the performance of sophomore Alex McPherson, who went a perfect 13-for-13 on field goals last season before being sidelined by a gastrointestinal illness. Head coach Hugh Freeze has indicated that McPherson is nearing a return, particularly for shorter kicks.
“Should we have another opportunity within the 35-yard range, we were going to give Alex that shot,” Freeze said during his Monday press conference. “He told me he felt like he could do that.”
Despite McPherson not being listed as out on the availability report since Week 4, his lack of strength has kept him off the field. Auburn fans are eager to see him back, especially after McGough’s struggles in recent games. Early on, McGough’s misses were primarily from long distances, but now he has missed two crucial attempts from 30 yards or less, including a 27-yarder at the end of the first half against Oklahoma.
“We’re excited about Towns and his future and his talent, but we need to make those,” Freeze emphasized. “Those are critical moments that keep our momentum up.”
As Auburn prepares for a road matchup against Kentucky this Saturday, kicking could be a deciding factor in what promises to be a competitive game. With kickoff set for 6:45 p.m. CT, the Tigers will hope to shore up their special teams and find a reliable option to help secure a much-needed victory.
