The Auburn Tigers are lucky that their defeat against Cal occurred early in the season, since they have numerous chances to demonstrate their abilities as a unit. Payton Thorne, the senior quarterback, may be nearing the end of his playing career, though, since head coach Hugh Freeze benched him.
During the SEC head coaches teleconference, Freeze discussed how the team is eager to compete this week despite being disappointed by the loss to Cal.
“It’s disappointing for sure, but I thought their kids (Cal) played really hard and were well-coached,” Freeze remarked. “Having another chance to go out and get better excites us much.”
After seeing New Mexico defeat Auburn No. 21 Arizona by 39 points, Freeze is aware that the state poses difficulties for Auburn.
Freeze remarked, “This New Mexico team is a scary one too.” They scored a ton of points against both of their opponents, one of which being an Arizona club ranked in the top 20. It will be interesting to observe how our team’s leadership responds to hardship.
Against Cal, Auburn’s quarterback performance was one of their main issues. With four interceptions on the day, Payton Thorne did not have the best of days. Freeze won’t put up much of a fight if that position continues to give poor performances.
“There’s a very short leash on us playing as poorly as we did in certain moments in that game at that position after watching the film,” Freeze stated. “I know quarterbacks always receive a lot of flak, and it’s not always directed at them, but there were plays we had that Thorne (the quarterback) was supposed to make in that game at crucial times, so he has to definitely produce.”
Refocusing a squad following a hard loss can be one of the most challenging things a head coach has to do. Freeze finds himself in that situation prior to this week’s game.
“It’s a challenge you’re given as the head coach, but it seems to get harder and harder in these modern times,” Freeze remarked. “You hope and pray that your team’s leadership will be your greatest asset in realizing that this is just like life and that hardship will expose your character and the way you handle it.
The bright side is that there are plenty of young children here who merely want to play and develop. We are reliant on numerous individuals.
Freeze will not tolerate such losses, even while the program is still rebuilding.
“I’ve stated that developing this program here will require some time, and that in no way justifies our performance on Saturday,” Freeze stated. “We’re excited about where the recruiting and these young kids that we’re playing right now are going, but it will be crucial for us to accurately respond to disappointment this season.”
On Saturday at 6:30 p.m. CT, Auburn will try to get back on track against New Mexico. ESPN2 will host the show.
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