Hugh Freeze sees a clear Arkansas weakness Auburn football can exploit
Auburn football head coach Hugh Freeze gave all the props in the world to Arkansas's offense, QB Taylen Green and the offensive line in particular, but he was dismissive of the Hog's trenches ahead of a crucial Week 4 matchup between the pair of 2-1 programs.
"Hopefully we can build upon that as we turn our attention to what's a much, much improved Arkansas team," Freeze said (h/t HawgBeat). "This quarterback is another one that's going to run around and make a lot of plays. They've got a really good offensive scheme that makes you prepare for a lot of different things, and experienced coaches that have done this a long time.
"O-line is probably the most improved unit that I've seen this year with the guys they brought in from the portal. They are really, really improved in the offensive line. Defensively, they're very similar to last year, a lot of returners. Probably better in the secondary a little bit. Front's the same guys, one linebacker’s back, so it's pretty similar defensively, and they're playing really, really hard right now. But offensively, it’s a lot to deal with, with the way they’re using their quarterback in the run game and in the pass game, and the running backs are really, really solid with an improved O-line.”
Hugh Freeze dishing out the same rat poison Cal's Justin Wilcox dished to Auburn football
Freeze is now giving what he once received -- passive-aggressive slights from the opposing head coach -- this season. Cal's Justin Wilcox successfully used that tactic against Freeze and Co. when he roasted Payton Thorne, saying that Thorne has "played a lot" while complimenting most other elements of the Tigers.
Wilcox sent rat poison Thorne's way. Four interceptions later, he's out as QB1 on the Plains. Consider the venom to have been lethal.
Freeze is trying the same thing on an Arkansas defensive line that was allowing UAB to control the tempo of a 37-27 Hogs win that initially looked like a potential upset. If he can successfully get in their heads, and the running game can extend the game, most Tiger fans trust Hank Brown to throw touchdowns. And not interceptions. As Hank Brown does.