Hugh Freeze doubts Alex McPherson will play vs. Alabama A&M

With Auburn’s opener just a few days away, Hugh Freeze has an idea of where their kicking game will be in relation to the status of Alex McPherson

During his press conference on Monday, Freeze spoke about the Tigers’ plans at kicker against Alabama A&M. While McPherson is much improved from his health matter over the last few weeks, even to the extent of him kicking some last week, Freeze still does not expect him to be ready for the game this weekend.

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“Alex is much better. He’s much better and he’s getting better,” said Freeze. “I don’t think he will be ready to go but don’t hold me to that.”

“Alex did kick a little bit last Thursday,” Freeze said. “I don’t think he will be – I don’t think he’ll be quite ready this Saturday.”

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McPherson dealt with a hamstring injury back in the spring. Since around the start of July, though, a health matter involving his gastrointestinal system has been what has sidelined him for the remainder of the summer and during fall camp.

This is worth keeping an eye on with how efficient McPherson was last season as a redshirt freshman. He made every single one of his kicks last year with 13 field goals and 40 extra points. That made him a semifinalist for the Lou Groza Award in 2023.

However, with McPherson trending towards being out, Towns McGough, a hometown true freshman, would be the starter against the Bulldogs. This comes after he was MVP at A-Day in the spring with him making all seven of his field goals, including a game-winner from 58 yards out.

“Towns is just prepared and ready to go, has had a really good week last week,” said Freeze.

With the release of Auburn’s depth chart on Monday, McPherson was still the starting kicker on special teams. Even so, while Freeze didn’t completely rule it out, a return for him on Saturday doesn’t sound likely, especially with a capable young player ready behind him.

McPherson appears close but not close enough to be back in time for kickoff at Auburn. That turns Freeze’s attention to McGough for the time being in regards to the placekicker for the Tigers.

“That’s where I think it’s headed,” said Freeze.