What Auburn’s Coach Says About Texas A&M Ahead of SEC Clash
Ahead of Auburn’s SEC matchup with No. 15 Texas A&M, head coach Hugh Freeze discussed the challenges the Aggies present during his weekly press conference on Monday. Texas A&M, boasting an 8-2 record (5-1 SEC), is coming into the game with momentum, while Auburn sits at 4-6 (1-5 SEC).
This upcoming game will mark the 15th meeting between the two teams, with Texas A&M leading the all-time series 8-6, having won three of the last four contests. Freeze shared his thoughts on the matchup, specifically on A&M’s strengths and how Auburn plans to approach the game.
Freeze’s Opening Statement:
Freeze emphasized the strength of A&M’s defense, describing the team as “loaded with NFL talent.” He pointed out that the Aggies’ defensive line, with their relentless pressure, creates significant problems for opposing offenses. He stressed that unless a team has the mobility to escape their pressure, A&M’s defense becomes a major issue. Freeze admitted that he hadn’t yet analyzed A&M’s offense but reiterated that defensively, they were a formidable opponent.
Freeze on Auburn’s Approach Against A&M’s Defense:
Freeze acknowledged the temptation to overcomplicate things when facing a strong defense like A&M’s. He noted that Auburn’s offensive game plan could be negatively affected if they try to get too creative with blocking schemes, which could disrupt their confidence. Instead, he emphasized that Auburn’s best chance of success lies in executing their own game plan with confidence. While Freeze wasn’t sure if Auburn’s roster was currently strong enough to win these kinds of games, he believes staying true to their own game would provide the best opportunity for success.
Freeze on Facing A&M Quarterback Marcel Reed:
Freeze reflected on Auburn’s improvement in containing dynamic quarterbacks throughout the season, noting that they had struggled early on but had since shown consistent progress in handling mobile quarterbacks. He pointed out that A&M’s quarterback, Marcel Reed, adds a new layer of difficulty with his mobility, making the Aggies’ offense balanced and dangerous in both the running and passing games. Freeze believes Auburn can draw from their previous experiences facing mobile quarterbacks, which will help them prepare for Reed.
Freeze on Winning Early Downs Against A&M’s Defensive Front:
Freeze discussed the importance of success on early downs, especially against A&M’s formidable defensive front. He emphasized the need to win first down in order to avoid long third downs, where A&M’s edge rushers—likely first-round picks Nic Scourton and Shemar Stewart—could create havoc. Auburn’s offensive line coach, Jake Thornton, was seen discussing ways to adjust their game plan to get the ball out quickly, knowing the danger A&M poses with its pass rush.
Freeze on A&M Coach Mike Elko and What’s Different About This Year’s Aggies:
Finally, Freeze touched on the leadership of Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko. While he hasn’t faced A&M much before last season, Freeze noted that the Aggies’ defense has been strong for multiple years. He observed that A&M’s offense this year is more versatile, likely due to the dual-threat capabilities of their quarterback, Reed. Despite some changes on offense, Freeze praised the Aggies’ mentality, noting that they are playing with a championship-level effort. He acknowledged that he doesn’t know Elko personally but respects the job he’s done, having quickly made an impact in his tenure.
As the matchup approaches, Freeze and Auburn know they’ll face a tough challenge in Texas A&M, but they are focused on sticking to their own strengths to give themselves the best chance at success.
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