Auburn football coaches, players react to traveling fans at Cal
![Auburn footballSep 9, 2023; Berkeley, California, USA; Auburn Tigers players rush to the fans after the victory against the California Golden Bears after the game at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports Auburn footballSep 9, 2023; Berkeley, California, USA; Auburn Tigers players rush to the fans after the victory against the California Golden Bears after the game at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/0aa61e7862384e92a7c840d76e21bbb0f1cbbb17a0ef4057ef683f882333970f.jpg)
It was a historic Week 2 matchup for the Auburn football program. The Tigers took on the Cal Golden Bears for the first time, and traveled nearly 2,500 miles to play in California Memorial Stadium.
Alongside the team, thousands of Auburn football fans made the trip, as well, showing out in their bright orange among a sea of blue and gold. Though the first half of the game certainly did not forecast an Auburn win, the boys pulled it off and had fans rocking out in the second half.
In the aftermath of the game, both Auburn football coaches and players reacted in amazement to the amount of fans that made the trip, with head coach Hugh Freeze notably stating that “this doesn’t happen everywhere,” per Auburn Undercover:
"“Oh, my gosh,” Freeze said of the scene that greeted his team and what it meant. “Come on, man. I was blown away, honestly. I had no clue. And I told our team — and I mean this — that doesn’t happen most plays, not for a trip like this. That just doesn’t happen. I mean, our fans are special, and I’m glad that our kids are seeing that, and I’m glad they’re playing hard and passionately."
But the love didn’t stop with Freeze:
Can’t forget to mention 10k at a West Coast Tiger Walk!!! That is not normal!! Coaches and Players appreciate you!!! #WarEagle
— Ron Roberts (@CoachRonRoberts) September 10, 2023
Auburn fans, y’all are AMAZING!#ThankYou ❤️
— KEYS (@iamAustinK_) September 10, 2023
Shoutout to all the fans who stayed up to watch us. A special shoutout to the fans who made the cross country trip to support. ALL LOVE!! WAR EAGLE 🦅🦅. LETS WORK
— Elijah McAllister (@e_mcallister1) September 10, 2023
Tight end Rivaldo Fairweather, who is playing his first season with the Tigers, was also impressed:
"“I’m not really used to the fans,” he said. “It felt like a home game today. Every time we made a play, the crowd was loud for us because all the Auburn fans traveled all the way across the United States to come watch us, man. I love the Auburn fans. It’s just different man. I’m really happy that Auburn made it to this stadium.”"
Though it wasn’t pretty, a win is a win, and it was a big momentum booster for the Tigers. They will take on their next opponent, Samford, back at home this Saturday.
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