Hugh Freeze reflects on Iron Bowl first half, praises Auburn crowd

Hugh Freeze is experiencing the Iron Bowl for the first time and finds himself down a field goal at halftime. Auburn has been able to hang around with Alabama to this point but will need a big second half to pull off the upset. Adjustments are surely coming from both sides but for the time being, it’s a 17-14 lead for Alabama

When speaking to CBS’ Jenny Dell heading into the locker room, one play was at the top of Freeze’s head. Jermaine Burton was the definition of wide open on a 68-yard touchdown pass from Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe, giving them a 17-10 lead. Freeze wishes his team had been able to maintain a lead before halftime.

“They’re playing hard,” Freeze said of his players. “We’re just not playing smart sometimes. We play a coverage there up 14-10. Our crowd is in it. That’s a big momentum if we can get into halftime 14-10. We blew that coverage.”

Freeze then went on to a more positive aspect of Auburn’s game — the rushing attack. They are averaging over eight yards per carry, going for 181 yards on 22 attempts. Jarquez Hunter and Damari Alston have been the big play guys thus far.

But he could not walk away from the interview without complimenting Jordan-Hare Stadium one more time. In his first Iron Bowl as head coach, Freeze is loving what he’s seeing from the crowd through two quarters.

“We’re running the football well,” Freeze said. “Hopefully, we can get a stop coming out of half. I’m proud of our kids and coaches. Love our crowd here.”