As Auburn gears up to take on No. 10 Georgia – its third in a stretch of four consecutive games against teams currently ranked in the top 15 of the AP poll – there’s no questioning the mounting pressure head coach Hugh Freeze is feeling in Year 3 of leading the Tigers.
Auburn has not seen a winning season since 2020 and has fallen to 14-16 overall under Freeze’s tutelage. Additionally, it has beaten just one ranked opponent in 10 games since his arrival,
And it didn’t come against either of the Tigers’ two biggest rivals.
Offensive struggles put pressure on Freeze
Auburn’s season got off to a great start, but has since fallen into a downward spiral after a pair of disappointing offensive performances in its last two games. In the loss to Texas A&M, Auburn’s offense totaled just 177 yards and didn’t convert on a single third down on 13 attempts.
Freeze — who made his way up the coaching ranks because of his offensive prowess — faced a question during Wednesday’s SEC Coaches Teleconference about whether he felt pressure coaching for his job this Saturday.
Freeze responds to job speculation
“I don’t pay attention to any of that,” Freeze exclaimed, after letting out a brief chuckle. “Of course, I’m a person of faith, and I know that my story is being written way above my pay grade, and I know we’re doing things the right way here.
“We’re getting closer each game. You’re playing three top-10 teams in a row, and we’ve got an opportunity to knock them off. That’s our sole focus, is that. This is not about me, it’s about our kids and getting them ready to go play in a great rivalry like Georgia.
Auburn looks to turn things around
Saturday, under the lights in Jordan-Hare against the Bulldogs for the first time since 2012, presents an excellent opportunity for Auburn to right the ship and ignite a turnaround for the second half of the season.
“I told our team yesterday how excited I am, and I know our staff is,” Freeze said on Monday. “And they’ll be the same. Great test, and looking forward to it.”
Game Details
Auburn will kick off at 6:30 p.m. CT on ABC.