AUBURN — The outlook for Auburn football got bleaker Monday, Oct. 20, as Hugh Freeze announced Connor Lew , the Tigers' All-SEC starting center, tore his ACL in the program's loss to Missouri this past weekend.

It's a crucial blow, as the team captain has been a key member of a struggling unit. His replacement will be the same Tiger who took over for the remainder of Auburn 's latest loss: Kail Ellis, a 17-year-old true freshman who's the youngest player in FBS.

Auburn will try a couple other linemen at center this week, Freeze said, namely starting right tackle Mason Murphy and reserve Dylan Senda, but Ellis will be the first option among a group Freeze said in the preseason boasted six NFL-caliber players.

"He’s a mature kid for his age, but it’s really his toughness and pre

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