Hugh Freeze asks Auburn fans to stick through growing pains:  'We're not that far off'

With its 27-21 loss to Oklahoma on Saturday, Auburn dropped to 0-2 in conference play. On Monday, Tigers head coach Hugh Freeze said “we’re not that far off” and asked fans to stick with Auburn “through the growing pains,” per AL.com’s Michael Casagrande.

Auburn was 14 minutes away from glory on Saturday. Only one minute into the fourth quarter, Auburn QB Payton Thorne threw a one-yard touchdown pass to tight end Luke Deal to boost the Tigers to a commanding 21-10 lead.

However, Oklahoma struck back, punching in a two-yard touchdown run to cap off a four-play drive. The Sooners didn’t stop there and only four minutes later, they picked off Thorne and took it to the house to secure a 24-21 lead.

Oklahoma kicked in another field goal just minutes later to extend its lead to six points and Auburn wasn’t able to return the favor. Despite the end result, Freeze reportedly claimed Auburn’s game plan against Oklahoma was one the best he’s ever seen.

The loss was a gut punch for the Tigers, who also suffered a narrow loss to Arkansas in Week 4. Auburn trailed the Razorbacks by only three points with nine minutes left in the game but, once again, was unable to emerge victorious.

Hugh Freeze’s frustration on Monday reflected his initial comments after the loss on Saturday.

“I couldn’t be prouder of their effort and their preparation and the way they worked,” Freeze said. “I thought they played harder and deserved to win the game. And I’ve got to find a way to help them win these games. It’s not on them and their effort today.

“It’s one that stings, for sure. I’ve got to help our team get over the edge when you have a chance to win a game like that. Proud of those young kids. I thought they played really well and are starting to mature some.”

Auburn’s schedule isn’t about to get any easier. On Saturday, the Tigers will square off against No. 5 Georgia at 3:30 p.m. ET. The game will air live on ABC.