Exploring if win over No. 15 Texas A&M saved Hugh Freeze’s job with Auburn football
By Gerald Ng
Auburn football's 2024 season has been full of struggles and disappointments. However, Saturday’s shocking upset over No. 15 Texas A&M in four overtimes may have changed the narrative.
The Tigers’ thrilling 43-41 victory in 4OT sparked hope in fans and might have given head coach Hugh Freeze a lifeline.
A season-saving win for Auburn football?
Auburn’s performance against Texas A&M marked its biggest win of the season. Despite blowing a 21-point lead in the first half, the Tigers clawed their way to a victory. Quarterback Payton Thorne threw for over 300 yards, including a crucial two-point conversion to KeAndre Lambert-Smith in the final moments. The fans stormed the field, celebrating the dramatic win at Jordan-Hare Stadium.
Freeze praised the resilience of his team.
“It’s been that kind of year where you just battle through and fight,” he said. “Our locker room has continued to fight, no matter what people say.”
For a team with a losing record (5-6 overall and 2-5 in the SEC), this win provided a rare moment of joy and optimism. It also gave Freeze a much-needed victory to bolster his position amid a disappointing second season.
Comparisons with the past
Freeze’s record at Auburn is now 11-13, which is only marginally better than his predecessor, Bryan Harsin, who was fired with a 9-12 record. Freeze’s struggles have raised questions about his ability to lead Auburn back to national relevance. However, Saturday’s win offered a glimmer of hope that he can turn things around.
The victory over Texas A&M was a testament to Freeze’s ability to rally his players in critical moments. While the Tigers’ record remains underwhelming, upsetting a top-15 team could be a turning point for his tenure.
Auburn football fans find renewed optimism
The dramatic win has reignited excitement among Auburn fans. Payton Thorne, who played a key role in the victory, described the electric atmosphere. “I turned around, and a fan was smacking me in the head,” Thorne said. “That’s when I thought, ‘Whoa, this is pretty sweet.’”
The win was one of the few bright spots in a challenging season, giving fans a reason to believe in Freeze’s leadership. For now, it appears Freeze has earned some breathing room.
The Iron Bowl looms large in Week 14
Auburn’s season is not over yet. Next weekend, the Tigers face their biggest rival, No. 13 Alabama, in the 89th Iron Bowl. The stakes are high: a win would get Auburn back to .500 for 2024 and end the season with a three-game winning streak and two top-15 upsets.
Alabama, despite its struggles, remains a formidable opponent.
The Iron Bowl offers Freeze an opportunity to solidify his position further. A win over Alabama would not only secure a bowl game but also provide a massive morale boost for Auburn’s program. Conversely, a loss could bring renewed scrutiny of Freeze’s leadership.
Does one win save Hugh Freeze's job?
While the victory over Texas A&M was impressive, it’s only one game. Auburn’s overall performance this season remains a concern. The Tigers’ offense ranks No. 61 nationally in scoring, and the team has lost five of its last seven games.
The question for Auburn’s administration is whether this win reflects meaningful progress or is simply a fleeting success in a disappointing season. Freeze’s job security may ultimately hinge on how the team performs against Alabama.
The upset over Texas A&M has given Auburn fans hope and provided Freeze with a temporary reprieve. The Iron Bowl now looms as a defining moment. A win against Alabama could solidify Freeze’s future, while a loss may reignite doubts about his ability to lead Auburn back to prominence.
For Freeze, the stakes couldn’t be higher.