AUBURN, AL. (EETV)- Following Saturday’s loss to Arkansas, Auburn Head Coach Hugh Freeze took to the stand Monday to address the media.
Before questions even began, Freeze commended his defense for “incredible” effort throughout the matchup with the Razorbacks. Two interceptions and a fourth down stop certainly lend themselves to Freeze’s assessment of “hard… physical” play. Coach did note that the defense still needed to be better at containing third and long plays, though overall he was proud of how Kayin Lee and company stepped up to their SEC challenger.
Coach Freeze announced that CB Champ Anthony’s surgery following his leg injury went well, stating Anthony is “in good spirits” and well on the road to recovery, which allowed the Auburn faithful to breathe a sigh of relief.
Freeze took QB play upon himself and his staff, stating he feels a need to “coach quarterbacks better” in an effort to reduce turnovers, a quality he repeatedly emphasized throughout the conference. That said, Freeze commended his staff for playcalling, stating they created and executed a “good plan.”
Coach Freeze did not note any particular issues with penalties, barring one “foolish” late hit penalty that led to Arkansas’ first score.
Freeze seemed secure in his offense’s identity; despite the ten turnovers in the last two losses, Freeze feels “confident” in his squad’s ability to limit giveaways. He cited a powerful running ability for the offense, likely due to the offensive line he later commended for their play. Freeze noted that receivers are, in fact, getting open, and it is up to him and his quarterbacks to recognize those plays when they come.
As far as quarterback play, Freeze stated that this week would be a “battle” to see if Payton Thorne or Hank Brown can more effectively master the gameplan; though Holden Geriner and Walker White look on in reserve, Freeze stated it would almost certainly come down to Thorne and Brown.
Freeze praised both quarterbacks for aspects of their play against Arkansas, stating Brown appeared “really, really sharp” at times, though Thorne’s two touchdowns in five drives stuck out to him as a significant improvement. Freeze deemed Thorne’s second-half interception as “catchable,” a sentiment echoed by many Auburn fans.
Saturday’s upcoming Oklahoma game will prove to be a “tough, tough battle,” according to Freeze. Oklahoma has allowed only one “explosive run,” or a rush play gaining more than ten yards, on the season. That said, Freeze noted that his squad’s run game was strong as ever, and he believes in their ability to step up to the challenge.
Coach Freeze noted that he feels the pressure of the university, the fans, and himself bearing down, but notably stated that he “love[s] being in the fire” with his staff and players, and that there was no other group he would want to be with, even with the high-powered Oklahoma Sooners looming large.
Coach Freeze and company look to implement these changes and continue their strengths in practice looking to their Saturday matchup against Oklahoma.
