One thing we’ve learned about Bryan Harsin is that he’s not afraid to make tough decisions. The Auburn coach has done so plenty of times in a season that isn’t even half over. Those type of decisions often come with second-guessing by fans, media and even players.

Those type of decisions can unravel a team when they don’t work out. Harsin hasn’t had to face that just yet. So far, all of his major, public decisions have looked like the perfect diagnosis.

Harsin’s first big public decision came when he benched Bo Nix at quarterback for TJ Finley. Harsin made that decision at halftime of the Georgia State game with the Tigers trailing 24-12. That bold decision worked beautifully. Auburn’s players didn’t exactly respond with overwhelming enthusiasm, but Finley’s athleticism was able to secure a win that Nix wouldn’t have likely been able to get.

Harsin’s bold decisions were just beginning. After the Georgia State game, Harsin fired Cornelius Williams as Auburn’s receiver coach. It was odd enough that Harsin made the move that early in the season. Most of those personnel moves are saved for the end of the year.

Williams will find another job. He has strong ties to Arkansas, has been a passing coordinator and is a respected recruiter. That last part is what makes the abrupt change so curious. Williams has strong ties in Alabama, and obviously recruiting against the Tide already is difficult enough.

Williams has coached at several smaller colleges and high schools in Alabama. Surely, Harsin could have waited for the season to conclude before making such a dramatic change. Surely, that would have allowed Harsin and his staff to smooth over any ill will about the recruiting relationships that were imploded when Williams was shown the door. Harsin didn’t care about that not-so-distant future; he was concerned about the production he was getting from Williams so he made a swift move to remedy what he saw as a problem.

Harsin saw fit to remedy another problem at that pesky quarterback position that was causing so many problems against Georgia State. After Finley saved Auburn, Harsin went back to Nix for a key game at LSU. The junior completed 23-of-44 yards for 255 yards and a touchdown. It was as if that horrid Georgia State performance never happened. Nix also rushed for 74 yards and touchdown in Auburn’s surprising 24-19 win over LSU in Baton Rouge. The receivers didn’t seem to mope over losing Williams. Six Tigers caught a pass against LSU.

Beating LSU at Tiger Stadium gives Harsin even more equity if another tough decision comes his way. With all of his decisions coming up roses, Harsin can practically coast through his first season as Auburn’s head coach. There is only one other game he could win that would better what he’s done this season: the Iron Bowl, of course. Say what you want about Gus Malzahn, but he beat Nick Saban 3 times, including each of the past 2 meetings at Jordan-Hare.

I’m not suggesting that Harsin’s Tigers are actually going to beat Alabama when they play in Jordan-Hare Stadium for the highly contested annual rivalry. However, I would suggest that Harsin’s quick decisions could help Auburn keep the game close and have a shot to win in the fourth quarter. Again, that seems unlikely considering what we’ve seen from both teams, but having a long shot is better than having no shot at all.

As for the other matchups, Harsin’s Tigers are 4-1 with games at home Saturday against Georgia then at Arkansas in Week 7, vs. Ole Miss in Week 9 and at Texas A&M in Week 10. Auburn follows that up with a visit from Mississippi State, a game at South Carolina and finally a visit from Alabama. Auburn, despite being ranked No. 18 this week, will be the underdog in several of those games, so what would be considered a successful run in the last half of the season?

According to ESPN’s FPI, the Tigers are projected to beat Ole Miss, Mississippi State and South Carolina. They have a reasonable shot at Arkansas (43%) and Texas A&M (44%), too.

The high-water mark seems to be 8-4. Would you be satisfied with 7-5? How disappointing would 6-6 be? All 3 possibilities are in play. All 3 would result in a bowl game — and a sign that Harsin made some correct decisions along the way.