'They're just idiots': Charles Barkley sounds off on NCAA, NIL landscape

Charles Barkley has never been one to mince words, and he didn't hold back when asked about the current landscape of Name, Image and Likeness in college sports on Monday at the annual Bruce, Barkley and Basketball Golf Classic in Opelika.

"You think about it college sports is the only league in the world that doesn't have a salary cap.

That lets you know how [expletive] this situation is," Barkley said.

"Every league and every sport has a salary cap, except college sports.

That's an unsustainable model, to ask rich people, or your fanbase, to pony up millions of dollars every year.

That's an unsustainable business model.

There's no way that can work." The Auburn men's basketball legend outwardly said he's against NIL on the whole "I hate NIL, because it's just become a bidding war." He's of the believe that, in the coming years, "we're going to have 25 colleges, and the rest are going to become extinct or have to go their own direction." To him, there's also only one direction to point the finger of blame, and that's at the NCAA.

"They have nobody to blame but themselves," Barkley said of the NCAA, "when they were suspending guys for getting peanut butter instead of butter on their bagels, suspending guys for more than one pair of shoes, suspending guys for selling their bowl jerseys.

They're just idiots.

They're the reason we're in this situation right now." It's been a little over three years since the NCAA's NIL policy went into effect on July 1, 2021, and schools soon began establishing NIL collectives.

There still has been no sweeping regulation of NIL policies, which are largely handled as legislation from state to state.

Thirty-one states, including 11 that call a Southeastern Conference program theirs, have passed NIL legislation since July 1, 2021.

Alabama has yet to pass any legislation for NIL.

Fans line the barricades along Donahue Drive for Tiger Walk before a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Young fans wait at the barricades along Donahue Drive for Tiger Walk before a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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A young fan waits at the barricade for Tiger Walk before a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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A young fan waves a shaker before Tiger Walk at the barrier at Donahue Drive before a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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A fan leads the crowd in a War Eagle during Tiger Walk before a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Aubie greets fans during Tiger Walk before a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Auburn cheerleaders greet fans during Tiger Walk before a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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The Tiger Paws greet fans during Tiger Walk before a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze greets fans during Tiger Walk before a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Auburn running back Damari Alston greets fans during Tiger Walk before a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Auburn linebacker Austin Keys greets fans during Tiger Walk before a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Auburn offensive lineman Bradyn Joiner greets fans during Tiger Walk before a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Auburn offensive lineman Bradyn Joiner greets fans during Tiger Walk before a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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A fan waves a shaker during Tiger Walk before a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Fans get loud in the student section before a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Auburn cheerleaders perform a stunt on the sideline before a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Fans in the student section cheer as the starting lineup is announced before a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Independence, an Auburn Raptor Center bald eagle, flies in front of the American flag during the flight around Jordan-Hare Stadium before a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Independence, an Auburn Raptor Center bald eagle dives to midfield at the end of the flight around Jordan-Hare Stadium before a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Auburn cheerleaders perform on the field before a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Mic-man Ben Timm leads the crowd in a War Eagle on the field before a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Aubie performs on the field with the Auburn cheerleaders before a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Drum major Kyla Hampson leads the Auburn University Marching Band onto the field for its performance before a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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The Auburn University Marching Band performs before a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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The Auburn University Marching Band performs on the field before a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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The Auburn University Marching Band performs on the field before a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Auburn safety Griffin Speaks (39) carries an American flag as the Tigers take the field for a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Auburn quarterback Payton Thorne (1) kneels for a prayer at the north end zone before a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Fans make some noise in the north end zone stands before kickoff of a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Fans make some noise in the north end zone stands before kickoff of a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Auburn wide receiver Malcolm Simmons (11) tackles Oklahoma defensive back Peyton Bowen (22) during a punt return in the first half of a college football game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Auburn wide receiver Robert Lewis (14) carries after a catch in the first half of a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter (27) carries in the first half of a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Auburn wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith (5) catches a pass in the first half of a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Auburn linebacker Austin Keys (6) tackles Oklahoma quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr.

(9) in the first half of a college football game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Auburn offensive lineman Izavion Miller (72) drops into protection after a snap in the first half of a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Oklahoma quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr.

(9) throws in the first half of a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Auburn safety Kaleb Harris (18) tackles Oklahoma tight end Bauer Sharp (10) in the first half of a college football game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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An Oklahoma fan holds a sign in the stands during a timeout in the first half of a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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The Auburn mens golf team shows off the national championship trophy as they are recognized on the field during a timeout in the first half of a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Auburn wide receiver Cam Coleman (8) catches a pass in the first half of a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Auburn wide receiver Cam Coleman (8) carries after a catch in the first half of a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Auburn quarterback Payton Thorne (1) carries in the first half of a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Auburn offensive lineman Connor Lew (75) sets to snap the ball before a play in the first half of a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Auburn wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith (5) catches a pass in the first half of a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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An Auburn cheerleader carries a large flag through the south end zone after an Auburn touchdown in the first half of a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Aubie joins the student section during the first half of a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Auburn defensive back Kayin Lee (4) tackles Oklahoma wide receiver Brenen Thompson (15) in the first half of a college football game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Auburn linebacker Eugene Asante (9) tackles Oklahoma quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr.

(9) in the first half of a college football game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Former Auburn gymnast and six-time Olympic medalist Suni Lee waves to the crowd during an on-field recognition during the first half of a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Auburn running back Damari Alston (0) carries in the first half of a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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The Auburn Superfans signal first down from the student section during the first half of a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Auburn wide receiver Malcolm Simmons (11) catches a pass for a touchdown in the first half of a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Auburn quarterback Payton Thorne (1) celebrates after a touchdown throw in the first half of a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Mic-man Ben Timm leads the crowd in a cheer during the first half of a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Oklahoma running back Sam Franklin (20) returns a kick in the first half of a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Auburn defensive back Jay Crawford (23) celebrates after a tackle in the first half of a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Auburn linebacker Demarcus Riddick (16) tackles Oklahoma quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr.

(9) on third down in the first half of a college football game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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An Auburn cheerleader takes a selfie during the first half of a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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An Auburn cheerleader performs a stunt in the first half of a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Auburn quarterback Payton Thorne (1) carries in the first half of a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Oklahoma defensive back Dez Malone (4) tackles Auburn wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith (5) in the first half of a college football game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Aubie joins the Auburn Superfans in the student section during the first half of a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Auburn offensive lineman Percy Lewis (73) drops into protection in the first half of a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Auburn quarterback Payton Thorne (1) recovers his own fumble for a first down in the first half of a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Auburn linebacker Demarcus Riddick (16) tackles Oklahoma quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr.

(9) in the second half of a college football game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Oklahoma quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr.

(9) throws in the second half of a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Auburn linebacker Eugene Asante (far left) celebrates after a tackle in the second half on Saturday.

Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter (27) carries in the second half of a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Auburn defensive end Amaris Williams (10) and linebacker Dorian Mausi Jr.

(12) tackle Oklahoma running back Jovantae Barnes (2) in the second half of a college football game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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A young fan waves a shaker from the stands during the second half of a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Oklahoma wide receiver J.J.

Hester (13) catches a pass in the second half of a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Oklahoma wide receiver J.J.

Hester (13) keeps his balance after a catch in the second half of a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Oklahoma running back Jovantae Barnes (2) carries in the second half of a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Auburn safety Kaleb Harris (18) tackles Oklahoma quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr.

(9) in the second half of a college football game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Oklahoma quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr.

(9) carries in the second half of a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Oklahoma kicker Zach Schmit (34) kicks a field goal in the second half of a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Auburn wide receiver Cam Coleman celebrates a second-half catch on Saturday.

Auburn wide receiver Malcolm Simmons (11) carries after a catch in the second half of a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Auburn quarterback Payton Thorne (1) dives forward at the end of a run in the second half of a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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The Auburn Superfans make some noise between the third and fourth quarters of a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Auburn tight end Luke Deal (86) signals first down after a play in the second half of a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Auburn tight end Luke Deal (86) catches a pass for a touchdown in the second half of a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Auburn defensive lineman Philip Blidi (96) pressures Oklahoma quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr.

(9) in the second half of a college football game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Auburn buck linebacker Jalen McLeod (35) celebrates after a tackle in the second half of a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter (27) carries in the second half of a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze has a chat with quarterback Payton Thorne (1) after an offensive series in the second half of a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Former Auburn gymnast and six-time Olympic medalist Suni Lee takes photos with fans in the south end zone during the second half of a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Oklahoma linebacker Kip Lewis (10) tackles Auburn quarterback Payton Thorne (1) in the second half of a college football game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter dives forward at the end of a secondh-half run against Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium on Saturday.

Oklahoma linebacker Kip Lewis returns a second-half interception for a touchdown against Auburn on Saturday.

Oklahoma quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr.

(9) sails into the end zone for a two-point conversion in the second half of a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Auburn safety Sylvester Smith (19) and linebacker Austin Keys (6) tackle Oklahoma running back Jovantae Barnes (2) in the second half of a college football game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Oklahoma kicker Zach Schmit (34) kicks a field goal to put the Sooners up by six points in the second half of a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Auburn tight end Rivaldo Fairweather (13) catches a pass in the second half of a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Auburn quarterback Payton Thorne (1) throws a pass in the second half of a college football game between Auburn and Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Auburn tight end Rivaldo Fairweather kneels on the field after the final play on Saturday.

Oklahoma linebacker Kobie McKinzie (11) plants an OU flag in the north end zone after the Sooners 27-21 win over Auburn in a college football game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Oklahoma kicker Zach Schmit (34) celebrates after the Sooners 27-21 win over Auburn in a college football game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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Oklahoma defensive back Peyton Bowen (22) celebrates with fans after the Sooners 27-21 win over Auburn in a college football game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.

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