Hugh Freeze reflects on Iron Bowl first half, praises Auburn crowd

Hugh Freeze is experiencing the Iron Bowl for the first time and finds himself down a field goal at halftime. Auburn has been able to hang around with Alabama to this point but will need a big second half to pull off the upset. Adjustments are surely coming from both sides but for the time being, it’s a 17-14 lead for Alabama

When speaking to CBS’ Jenny Dell heading into the locker room, one play was at the top of Freeze’s head. Jermaine Burton was the definition of wide open on a 68-yard touchdown pass from Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe, giving them a 17-10 lead. Freeze wishes his team had been able to maintain a lead before halftime.

“They’re playing hard,” Freeze said of his players. “We’re just not playing smart sometimes. We play a coverage there up 14-10. Our crowd is in it. That’s a big momentum if we can get into halftime 14-10. We blew that coverage.”

The crowd on the Plains was rocking right before the big play from Burton. Momentum was certainly swung to Auburn after a great touchdown drive on the ground. There is nothing more dangerous than a lively Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Hugh Freeze once again appreciative of Auburn crowd, run game in first half

Freeze then went on to a more positive aspect of Auburn’s game — the rushing attack. They are averaging over eight yards per carry, going for 181 yards on 22 attempts. Jarquez Hunter and Damari Alston have been the big play guys thus far.

But he could not walk away from the interview without complimenting Jordan-Hare Stadium one more time. In his first Iron Bowl as head coach, Freeze is loving what he’s seeing from the crowd through two quarters.

“We’re running the football well,” Freeze said. “Hopefully, we can get a stop coming out of half. I’m proud of our kids and coaches. Love our crowd here.”

Getting a stop coming out of the Freeze is searching for, especially from a crowd perspective. Getting Alabama off the field with no points would be a major win for Auburn, having the opportunity to go down and either tie the game or take the lead.

While it might feel like it can, the crowd likely will not get Auburn its win. Going out there and continuing to run the ball would be helpful, especially at over eight yards a touch.

There is still plenty to play for in the second half for Auburn.