Auburn and Hugh Freeze avoid disastrous outcome but questions arise whether win only delays the inevitable outcome
For more than one quarter of play against the Arkansas Razorbacks on Saturday, it sure seemed like we were watching the end of the Hugh Freeze era at Auburn. The Auburn Tigers raced out to a 10-0 lead by the early second quarter, but the team immediately gave up a 21-0 run by the end […]
For more than one quarter of play against the Arkansas Razorbacks on Saturday, it sure seemed like we were watching the end of the Hugh Freeze era at Auburn. The Auburn Tigers raced out to a 10-0 lead by the early second quarter, but the team immediately gave up a 21-0 run by the end of the quarter. A pick-six from Jackson Arnold capped off the rally and put Freeze in a tough spot.
Instead of sticking with the dual-threat transfer portal addition and letting him work through his mistake, Arnold was benched. That decision paid off, as backup Ashton Daniels entered the game and contributed just enough for the Tigers to stage their own 23-3 run in the second half.
Auburn, now 4-4, avoided a road upset and benching that would’ve shone a bright light on what’s becoming a dumpster fire program under Freeze. Now 15-18 in three seasons with the Tigers, the immediate reaction was that this win helps Freeze as Auburn nears bowl eligibility, but there’s plenty of doubt around his future.
Hugh Freeze survives as Auburn rallies against Arkansas
Freeze is yet to produce a winning season, and the Tigers entered this week ranked 97th in offensive scoring. While Auburn has had a top-30 strength of schedule and maintained a top-25 scoring defense, Freeze was brought in to light up the scoreboard, not grind out mediocre seasons. Needing two wins in his last four games against Kentucky, Vanderbilt, Mercer, and Alabama, it’s impossible to say Auburn is headed in the right direction.
There were plenty of positives in Auburn’s rally, including Daniels’ 35 rushing yards and efficient 6-of-8 passing for 77 yards. Or Jeremiah Cobb’s excellent 153-yard showing on 28 carries. Or Auburn’s defense limiting Arkansas to 2.7 yards per carry and forcing three interceptions.
It’s easier to overlook the mistakes, like the 12.2 yards per completion, or the terrible third-down efficiency. Those are continued problem areas for Freeze’s Tigers, though. And it seems as though we’re only counting down the days until he’ll need to unleash his star class of freshmen to show he has a future developing his 2025 class and beyond.
Auburn Tigers News
Auburn Tigers head coach hot board: Hugh Freeze sounds like man who knows he’s about to be fired
Auburn Tigers have several good candidates to choose from when and if Hugh Freeze is fired
Auburn will take the road win and late cover, but the cracks in the foundation don’t seem to be getting better quickly. Arnold hasn’t solved the passing game as hoped, continuing to serve as a checkdown merchant who doesn’t understand pre-snap looks or post-snap confidence. Daniels, a senior, saw the field for the first time this week, but doesn’t have much time left in town.
Instead, the Deuce Knight show might need to begin now, or Freeze risks putting his career in the hands of two transfer quarterbacks who haven’t inspired what they’ve needed. It’s a good win, but a difficult one to have great long-term feelings about.
