The Auburn football team traveled all the way across the country this past weekend to take on the Cal Golden Bears. The long trip, coupled with the late kickoff time, threw some challenges into the equation for the Tigers, but they were ultimately able to pull off a victory.
It was not an easy win, but it was a win, and considering the above factors, it was a bigger deal than some people think. The Bears put up a fight, and it wasn’t until late in the third quarter that a win felt within reach for the Tigers.
Head coach Hugh Freeze addressed the local media this morning at his weekly press conference, and began by describing the game as “one of the tougher trips” he’s taken as a coach, according to Nathan King of Auburn Undercover, and noted that the Tigers were “very fortunate” to win the game.
He credits the success to the players who never stopped believing they could get a win, and celebrates the fact that they were able to find a way to win despite the ugly offensive showing.
When it comes to Payton Thorne, Freeze said the following:
"“We need Payton (Thorne) to play better, truthfully. I’m not beating Payton (Thorne) up. He played really well on that last drive. We just need more consistency there throughout the whole game.”"
Freeze said that it all starts with the offensive staff and why some decisions were made, but that he wouldn’t place the blame on the play calling. Notably, he called out “five and six” (Jay Fair and Ja’Varrius Johnson) as the best receivers and players who need to touch the ball more.
However, on the other side of the ball, the head coach noted that the defense “definitely made progress” from Week 1, which was riddled with alignment issues.
Though it wasn’t the prettiest or easiest win for the Auburn football team, it definitely made a statement that they were able to bring home the dub after such a long trip. There’s optimism for the rest of the season, but also hope that improvements will continue.