AUBURN, Ala. – Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze is enthusiastic about welcoming fans back to Jordan-Hare Stadium for another thrilling SEC clash, this time against No. 16 Missouri. After a vibrant atmosphere during last week’s game, Freeze extended his gratitude to the Tiger faithful for their support, emphasizing the importance of their presence for the upcoming match.
“I compliment our crowd, our fans, incredible,” Freeze said. “We’ll need them out even stronger Saturday night as we try to play another top 15 team. I think we’ve proven that we belong in those games, now we’ve got to prove we’re good enough to win those.”
As Auburn seeks its first SEC victory, the team prepares for a top 20 matchup for the fourth consecutive week. Missouri, which boasts a record of 5-1 and ranks 16th nationally, will be a formidable opponent.
Freeze believes that facing adversity can lead to moments of greatness. He remarked on the character that is revealed in challenging situations, saying, “When the stage is set with adversity, the opportunity for greatness is there… The great thing is, you get to find out a lot about yourself and who you really are. I’m excited to see that.”
Missouri arrives following a successful start to their season, yet it will be their first road game, presenting an opportunity for Auburn’s offense to challenge the formidable defense led by Freeze’s former protégé, Corey Batoon, who serves as Missouri’s defensive coordinator.
“I think his defense is one of the better we faced, I think they’re fourth in the league in total defense,” Freeze noted. “People aren’t running the ball on them very much at all. They’re scoring points with their quarterbacks and tailbacks, and receivers are playing at a very high level. Really good football team that we get an opportunity to test ourselves against.”
Auburn (3-3, 0-3) will host Missouri (5-1, 1-1) on Saturday at 6:45 p.m. CT, broadcasted on the SEC Network with commentary from Tom Hart, Jordan Rodgers, and Cole Cubelic. Fans can also tune in to the Auburn Sports Network for coverage led by Andy Burcham, Jason Campbell, and Ronnie Brown.
This matchup not only serves as an opportunity for the Tigers to turn their season around but also to rally the community and showcase the resilience instilled in the team by their coach.