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Hugh Freeze shares how going to a bowl game is an important step in rebuilding
By Mark Kern
Published:
Saturday was one of the best days of the season for Auburn, as the Tigers went down to Fayetteville and dominated the Arkansas Razorbacks, 48-10. It was a complete effort on Saturday. Quarterback Payton Thorne threw for 161 yards and 3 touchdowns, but it was the rushing attack of Auburn that dominated the game.
The Tigers carried the ball 55 times for 354 yards on Saturday, with running back Jarquez Hunter leading the way with 109 yards. With the win, the Tigers are now 6-4 on the season, and more importantly, they are bowl eligible.
First-year coach Hugh Freeze has said recently that making a bowl is big for the program, and he was happy for his players after the game.
“I think it is huge,” Freeze said. “Truthfully, it is a bit selfish to say, but the staff and I everywhere we have went, we have been able to do that in year one. More importantly for our seniors, experiencing the bowl and representing Auburn, and the extra practices for our young kids. I thought it was an important step for us in rebuilding.”
It hasn’t been the easiest path to bowl eligibility, as the Tigers were sitting at 3-4 and 0-4 in the SEC. However, the team has responded with 3 straight wins, and Freeze told reporters after the game that his team stayed together.
“We have handled the valleys, and climbed out of the fires like we called it a few weeks ago,” Freeze said. “I thought they handled it well and stayed engaged for the most part. I thought the leadership of our team demanded it enough and you’re seeing the results of it.”
Auburn will be back in action against New Mexico State next Saturday at 4 pm ET. The game will be at Auburn and will be shown on the SEC Network.
