Hugh Freeze defends Auburn's decision to not pressure Jalen Milroe on game-winning throw

There’s only one question for a head football coach to answer after his team gives up a Hail Mary touchdown to lose a game: How in the world did it happen?

First-year Auburn coach Hugh Freeze faced that exact question to open his postgame press conference following his team’s Iron Bowl loss at home to Alabama; because, on their final offensive drive, the Crimson Tide faced 4th and goal from the 31 and converted on a crazy impressive pitch and catch between Jalen Milroe and Isaiah Bond. The Tigers sent just two pas rushers and left a QB spy but had eight defensive backs drop back into coverage. Yet, Milroe still found Bond for the game-winner.

That play was obviously at the forefront of the postgame discussion, and Freeze was particularly asked if he regretted not getting more pressure on the quarterback, since Milroe had as much time as he needed to throw the ball. The Auburn head coach answered:

“I mean, second guess it. Just got to play with vision and we got nine guys back there and just play with vision and make a play on the ball and knock it down. And you know, he felt like he was shoved off, but I couldn’t tell, but you know mean you can pressure him and then you got one on ones and they throw it up. You can do that if you want, or you can play. I like the call. Just got to just sit back there with vision and and knock the ball down.”

Hail Mary touchdowns are pretty rare, and most coaches opt to deploy a coverage like Hugh Freeze and Auburn did, sending minimal pressure while dropping as many guys back in coverage as possible. Freeze even says, the issue wasn’t the lack of pressure, it was allowing a blown coverage with eight defensive backs and 30+ yards to go for the Tide.

As for the performance overall, Freeze and the team were disappointing to come away with the loss, especially after leading so much of the second half. But ultimately, that type of effort against an elite team like Alabama is something worth commending.

“Proud of the way our kids fought and prepared. That’s the way an Auburn Tiger should do it every single week,” Freeze added. “Obviously it’s a little easier when you’re playing in this magnificent, awesome rivalry. But it makes the hurt that much more when you don’t get it done. But I’m proud of the way that they fought and bounced back and I thought they executed our plan pretty well and gave us gave us a chance to win the game.”

The Tigers simply blew that chance while Alabama made a great play. So it goes.