One of college basketball's most talked-about teams, the Auburn Tigers, faced a setback on Wednesday. They were defeated 84 - 78 on the road at Cameron Indoor Stadium against the Duke Blue Devils. This loss brought a change in their standing and various statistical aspects.

Auburn's Road Loss and Its Impact on the KenPom

Overall Performance

Despite the loss, Auburn remains the KenPom's No. 1 team. This is a remarkable feat considering they dropped a road contest to Duke, who entered the game at No. 5. The win by Duke actually aided Auburn in the strength of schedule department. Tennessee, Alabama, and Florida also join Auburn in the top 10, while Kentucky is just outside at No. 11. This shows Auburn's dominance and the tough competition they face.The Tigers have shown remarkable consistency in their overall performance. They have a winning record and are constantly pushing the boundaries. Their ability to stay at the top despite a setback is a testament to their team spirit and coaching.

Adjusted Offensive Efficiency

Auburn continues to lead in adjusted offensive efficiency even after the loss. According to KenPom, they are projected to score 126.9 points per 100 possessions, which is 2.5 points higher than the No. 2 team, Gonzaga. This shows their offensive prowess and the ability to score consistently.The Tigers' offensive strategy is well-planned and executed. They have a balanced attack with multiple players contributing. Their players know how to create scoring opportunities and make the most of them. This is what sets them apart from other teams and keeps them at the top in this category.

Adjusted Defensive Efficiency

After Wednesday's action, Auburn's adjusted defensive efficiency took a hit. They were a top-10 team in this category before the game but gave up 84 points to Duke, sending them out of the top 25. According to KenPom data, they are projected to allow their opponents to score 95.4 points per 100 possessions.This loss has made the Tigers realize the importance of defensive discipline. They need to work on their defensive strategies and improve their communication on the court. Only then can they regain their top-10 status in defensive efficiency.

Adjusted Tempo

Auburn remains a "middle-of-the-pack" team nationally in adjusted tempo. They had 60 possessions on Wednesday, which is below KenPom's forecast of 67.9 possessions per game. This shows that they need to work on their pace and create more scoring opportunities through a faster tempo.Fresno State leads the nation in this category with 74.7 possessions per game, while Wagner is last with 61.1 possessions per game. Auburn needs to find a balance between a fast and slow tempo to maximize their scoring potential.

Strength of Schedule

The Auburn Tigers have the toughest schedule in the SEC and the fourth-toughest in the nation. They have played four of KenPom's top 25 teams through eight games and have a 3 - 1 record against these squads. Their opponents have an adjusted offensive efficiency rating of 112.8 (No. 9 nationally) and an adjusted defensive efficiency of 97.2 (No. 3 nationally).This tough schedule has prepared Auburn for the challenges ahead. They have faced some of the best teams in the country and have come out on top in most cases. This shows their ability to perform under pressure and against tough opponents.

Richmond Overview

Auburn's next opponent is the Richmond Spiders, who will visit Neville Arena on Sunday. The Spiders have a 4 - 4 record and recently defeated Ball State 73 - 60. In KenPom's Thursday morning update, Richmond stands as follows:Overall: No. 198Adjusted offensive efficiency: No. 243 (101.3)Adjusted defensive efficiency: No. 145 (104.0)Adjusted tempo: No. 273 (66.3)Strength of Schedule: No. 289This will be a tough test for Auburn as they face a team with a different playing style. They need to adjust their strategies and play to their strengths to come out with a win.