The fall that the 2012-13 Auburn basketball team has seen is “embarrassing.” The word choice is certainly an opinion, but it is also the most important opinion when dealing with the basketball program, being that of coach Tony Barbee.

Whether it’s a lack of talent, leadership or coaching, not many Tiger fans saw this collapse coming after Auburn defeated Florida State at home to begin 2013 after a close loss to Illinois on Dec. 29 in Chicago, 81-79. Following the win over the Seminoles, the Tigers also opened conference play with a 2-0 record.

Since then, Auburn has six consecutive losses, including three by double digits, most recently a 91-77 loss at Missouri.

Providing a simple answer for the Tigers’ woes is no simple task.

One answer that could be provided, however, is the absence of Chris Denson and Jordan Price, both of whom were injured, played a large role in the losing ways. Not to mention, Auburn struggled early in the season while Denson was academically ineligible.

Past that, since the start of the calendar year, Auburn has scored at least 65 points in six of its nine games. However, the Tigers’ opponents have also scored at least 65 points in six games, as well.

Continuing statistically, it’s not hard to see one area where Auburn struggles. Frankie Sullivan and Rob Chubb are the only two players averaging more double-digit points in conference play, and the Tigers are averaging more than four less rebounds than its opponents.

Barbee’s efforts to get to the team out of its rut have been noticeable in a negative way. A coach known for his commitment to leaving trusted players, like Josh Wallace and Chubb on the floor, Barbee has began playing new players, like Brian Greene Jr. and Jordan Granger.

Although neither player has received substantial amounts of playing time, it is a different method of coaching than the Auburn faithful are used to.

Considering the consistent state of the basketball program since the early 2000s, the voice of discontent fans calling for Barbee’s job continues to grow as Auburn records loss after loss. And with Alabama and a trip to Kentucky next on the schedule, things aren’t getting much easier for the Tigers.

Getting Auburn back to its winning ways seems to be quite a challenge for Barbee and this season’s team, but Auburn has shown that it is capable of playing tough with tough competition. However, that same team has seen minutes on end with no points on the scoreboard.

Fans never know which Auburn team will show up on any given night.