Auburn cruised to a victory in Week 1, routing UMass 59-14 behind a balanced performance from its starters and supporting cast.

It was a good start to the Hugh Freeze era and the dominant win will give the Tigers’ momentum and confidence moving forward as they travel to Cal next week.

Freeze was quick to praise his team’s effort. He saw a lot more effort than he has seen in the practices leading up, which is always encouraging in a first game.

“I thought we played harder than we have in the scrimmages,” Freeze said in his postgame press conference. “I thought we showed a little passion.”

He also had high praise for running back Jeremiah Cobb, who had 57 yards on just 5 carries to go along with a touchdown.

“I told him this week he would score his first touchdown,” Freeze said. “I think Jeremiah Cobb is a really, really special talent.”

Payton Thorton was shaky in his debut, passing for 141 yards and a touchdown on 10/17 passing. Freeze was quick to criticize Thorton’s debut, but also had some positive takeaways from his game.

“He made three decisions that were not good, but I thought he played solid and protected the football,” Freeze said.

In games like Saturday’s players who likely won’t get many snaps later in the season get a chance to suit up. For Freeze, these games mean a lot of those players.

“We got a lot of kids in today,” Freeze said. “They’ll have that memory for the rest of their lives. That matters.”

He also managed to get some productive play from some of his local players, which is always important in a season opener.

Freeze also spoke on his hilarious dance that he did with his defense after a big fumble.

“As long as you come to the sideline, I’ll do whatever dance you want me to,” Freeze said.

Now Auburn turns the page to Cal, who it will play on the road next Saturday.