Hugh Freeze unhappy with defensive effort in first half

Auburn Tigers head coach Hugh Freeze calls plays as Auburn Tigers take on Ball State Cardinals at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. Auburn Tigers defeated Ball State Cardinals 42-3.
Auburn Tigers head coach Hugh Freeze calls plays as Auburn Tigers take on Ball State Cardinals at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. Auburn Tigers defeated Ball State Cardinals 42-3. | Jake Crandall/ Advertiser / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Despite his team leading 28-9 heading into halftime, Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze was not thrilled with every part of the Tigers' game against South Alabama so far.

On the SEC Network, Freeze said he thought the defense was sleepwalking and slopping around out on the field. After allowing the Jaguars to pick up a 4th-and-1 in the second quarter, Auburn's defense gave up three chunk plays, including a 20-yard touchdown throw from Bishop Davenport to Jeremy Scott to cut the lead to 21-9.

Missed tackles have also been a problem for DJ Durkin's unit in the first half, along with no pressure on Davenport in the pocket. The South Alabama quarterback has completed 10-of-12 passes for 96 yards and a touchdown. He also threw an interception that hit Keyron Crawford on the thigh before the Auburn defender was able to catch it. The Tigers would score shortly afterward to make it 14-3.

The Jaguars get the ball to start the second half.

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