By Michael Casagrande | mcasagrande@al.com
In his latest opinion column, Michael Casagrande highlights a stark consistency in Auburn’s football season, particularly reflected in their scoreboard results. The series of losses, marked by narrow margins, has become almost remarkable in its predictability—Cal 21, Auburn 14; Arkansas 24, Auburn 14; Oklahoma 27, Auburn 21—until a more significant 31-13 defeat against Georgia disrupted this pattern.
Head coach Hugh Freeze has expressed his frustrations with this trend. During a recent SEC media teleconference, he noted that despite having realistic chances in each game, the team has failed to secure victories. This inability to clinch close games has left Freeze puzzled, as he remarked, “I’ve never had a season in my 32 years of coaching where not a single game has ended up going our way.” He attributed part of the struggle to a lack of critical plays in key moments.
Despite the disappointing outcomes, Freeze acknowledged the efforts of his players, particularly praising the fact that Auburn leads the nation in freshman participation on defense and ranks highly on offense. However, he emphasized a critical shift in his coaching philosophy regarding player development.
In previous statements, Freeze had been cautious about addressing the modern dynamics of college football, especially with players’ transfer options. However, he recently declared a firm stance on his approach to coaching, indicating a departure from his previously more lenient attitude. Freeze announced to his staff that he intends to embrace a more rigorous coaching style, emphasizing that successful players desire discipline and development.
He reflected on the current environment where coaches may feel hesitant to challenge players for fear of them transferring. Freeze firmly stated that if a player chooses to leave due to strict coaching, it might indicate they were not suited for long-term success in the program. He believes that addressing mistakes in practice is crucial for growth, and avoiding tough coaching only perpetuates issues during games.
While asserting his commitment to a more intense coaching style, Freeze clarified that his methods wouldn’t involve demeaning players. He insists that good players should welcome the challenges that come with hard coaching. This new perspective is a significant change for Freeze, who wants to cultivate a culture where players understand the importance of perseverance and development.
Despite his hopes for building a resilient team, the immediate results remain disappointing, as evidenced by a recent narrow loss to Missouri, where Auburn fell 21-17. The ongoing struggles reflect a team trying to find its footing amidst changes in both coaching philosophy and performance on the field.
