Auburn was the second team left out of the AP Top 25 poll after three blowout wins since a Dec. 3 loss to Appalachian State. It’s a surprising development for a team that is consistently ranked in the top 10 by computer polls.

In response to a loss on Dec. 3 at Appalachian State, Auburn has demolished three straight teams that made the 2023 NCAA Tournament. Auburn received 87 voting points, second most of teams receiving votes to Miami.

Tennessee, Kentucky and Ole Miss are the only three SEC teams that are ranked.

Auburn has received votes in every poll this season including the preseason poll — except the poll released Dec. 4, the day after Auburn’s loss to Appalachian State.

Since the Appalachian State loss, Auburn beat Indiana by 28, UNC Asheville by 25 and USC on Sunday by 16.

Auburn had climbed in the computer rankings long before it received a ranking from human voters. As of Monday morning, Auburn was slotted 5th in the Torvik ranking, 8th in KenPom and 19th in the NET.

Auburn is among the most balanced teams in the SEC and the country as a whole. As of Monday, Auburn is ranked 14th by KenPom in adjusted offensive efficiency and 16th in adjusted defensive efficiency. With raw statistics, Auburn is averaging the third most points per game in the SEC and allowing the third fewest.

The Tigers are also top 10 nationally in assists per game (19.1) and bench points per game (37.6).

Auburn only has one game this week, playing Alabama State at 7 p.m. Friday at Neville Arena. Following Alabama State, Auburn will play two more non-conference home games after Christmas before traveling for a Jan. 6 game in Fayetteville, Arkansas against the Razorbacks to open SEC play.

Matt Cohen covers Auburn sports for AL.com. You can follow him on X at @Matt_Cohen_ or email him at [email protected]