Auburn got stuck with the Citadel after Oklahoma paid Bowling Green to break its contract to play Auburn and play Oklahoma instead. So Oklahoma bribed its way into having a stronger out-of-conference schedule than Auburn. By the time Bowling Green and Oklahoma executed their behind-the-back deal, the only team available for Auburn to play was the Citadel. It was not Auburn's plan to play them, so quit bashing Auburn and saying they screwed themselves. Learn the facts.
That explains the Citadel, but not La. Monroe or Sw La St!!
Mountain West teams played harder non-conference schedules than Auburn. Those my friend are the facts. Play chumps, and you won't be the champ!