Auburn Tigers News: Hugh Freeze on OT penalty calls, Jarquez Hunter on field storming
In today's edition of Auburn Tigers News, Hugh Freeze reacts to the officiating in overtime, and Jarquez Hunter reacts to fans storming the field
It was a big win for the Auburn football program, but it didn't come easily. The Tigers fought their way into overtime against the 8-2 Texas A&M Aggies, and then faced adversity in the form of the officials.
There was an offensive pass interference call on KeAndre Lambert-Smith on a massive play that would have put the Tigers' on the 2-yard line, and then a blatant hold also on Lambert-Smith's collar in the endzone that was ignored.
"I don't know if I've ever wanted to fight so bad," said Freeze, per Auburn Undercover. "I really wanted to fight at that moment. I'll have to watch it. It looked like on the screen that there was no contact on the pick call. I'll have to see it on film to be 100 percent sure, but it sure didn't feel good. I was livid, not very happy. I thought one could have been called. Maybe they thought the ball was a little uncatchable, but I thought he was getting his jersey held. I don't know where Dre got to on that play. It was down inside the five. It would have given us a first-and-goal at the two. That's a tough call for sure. Thankfully, our kids had great composure, because I kind of didn't for a minute."
Jarquez Hunter reacts to fans storming the field
The fans in Jordan-Hare Stadium have gone a long time without witnessing a big win at home. On Saturday night, after the Tigers beat the Aggies in 4OT by the skin of their teeth, fans stormed the field to celebrate with the team.
It was the biggest win in years, and while storming the field after beating Texas A&M might not be the typical standard, it was a big night in a down season for Auburn football, and senior running back Jarquez Hunter was glad it happened.
"Oh, I was hoping we'd win, so I could get my first experience of rushing the field," Hunter said postgame, per Auburn Rivals. "I mean, it was such an exciting experience with all the fans on there just cheering us on."
The Tigers end the regular season next weekend in Tuscaloosa with the Iron Bowl.