Former LSU DC Dave Aranda has defense shredded by Auburn in season opener

In a pivotal matchup between Auburn and Baylor on Friday night, former LSU defensive coordinator Dave Aranda saw Jackson Arnold run wild against his Baylor defense. The Oklahoma transfer QB ran for 137 yards and two touchdowns to hand the Bears a 38-24 defeat in front of their home fans. It's a massive win for Hugh Freeze and Auburn, and an equally disappointing loss for Aranda and Baylor.

The game had huge implications for both head coaches, as both programs have disappointed in recent seasons. In the end, it was Freeze's complete dedication to the run game that left Aranda scratching his head.

Jackson Arnold runs wild against Baylor

Led by Arnold, the Auburn rushing attacked racked up 308 yards and six yards per carry. Arnold led the way with 137 yards, and his two touchdowns proved to be the difference. His first touchdown came on a 24-yard keeper that capped off a 96-yard drive in the first quarter. Auburn was moving the ball steadily down the field during the lengthy drive, which set the tone for their dedication to the run game. Arnold then added a 27-yard rushing touchdown on a fourth-and-one play late in the fourth quarter. The score would seal the victory for the Tigers.

Arnold was the headline, but Damari Alston added 84 yards on 16 carries and Jeremiah Cobb added 74 yards also on 16 carries. It was a disappointing effort from Aranda's squad, who couldn't get off the field or create a turnover. Auburn controlled time of possession 33:18-26:42, and didn't turn the ball over a single time.

After leading LSU's defense during its historic 2019 National Championship season, Aranda took the head coaching job at Baylor prior to the 2020 season. The Bears struggled in 2020, but posted a 12-2 mark in 2021 en route to a Big 12 title and a Sugar Bowl win. It was the best season in Baylor program history. However, things haven't gone well since then.

Aranda's record in Waco is an even .500 at 31-31, and he owns a 21-24 mark in Big 12 conference play. The Bears rattled off six straight victories to salvage an 8-4 regular season last year, but were defeated by LSU in the Texas Bowl. The 2025 season is a pivotal one for Aranda, and the disappointing season opener has Baylor off to a tough start. The Bears have to regroup quickly, as they have a road tilt with No. 16 SMU next weekend on Saturday, Sept. 6.