Auburn got its doors blown off by Maryland in the Music City Bowl and Hugh Freeze played a big role in the loss. Rather, he claims that he actually played very little role in the loss— which is even worse.
The Tigers rolled into Nashville after finishing Freeze’s first regular season on the Plains at 6-6. They completely embarrassed themselves in front of what was, essentially, a home crowd.
It was ugly. The Terrapins, who went on to win 31-13, scored 21 points during the first quarter and never looked back.
Freeze’s team showed zero life until late in the second half when all of the seniors and backups were in the game. Starting quarterback Payton Thorne completed less than 50% of his 27 pass attempts for just 84 yards. Backup quarterback Holden Geriner completed one of six passes for eight yards with an interception. Running back Jarquez Hunter carried the ball 13 times for only 44 yards.
Yikes.
Hugh Freeze made it even worse.
If a loss wasn’t bad enough, Freeze proceeded to throw his own staff under the bus after the game and took zero responsibility. He made excuses, even though his excuse was completely irrelevant.
Freeze was asked to assess his offense and its failed game plan. His initial response was sassy.
Well, obviously I don’t feel like it was an effective one.
— Hugh Freeze
And then the blame was cast upon his offensive staff.
I didn’t get too involved in (the game plan) for most of the part until this week because of recruiting, and really wanted to kind of evaluate everything about our program.
— Hugh Freeze
WHAT?!
Putting the lack of accountability aside, Freeze’s comments are outrageous. His staff cannot appreciate being thrown to the wolves like that.
First and foremost, to say that he was not involved with the offensive game plan as the head coach is not something that should ever be the case. A head coach should always be involved.
Secondly, Freeze said that he couldn’t get involved with the game plan because he was recruiting as if every other coach in the country — including those at Auburn — was not recruiting at the same time. It’s not like other coaches weren’t focused on recruiting during the bowl preparation process.
Jim Harbaugh, Nick Saban, Kalen DeBoer and Steve Sarkisian had to recruit while getting ready for the College Football Playoff. Mike Locksley, Maryland’s head coach, also had to recruit while preparing for the Music City Bowl.
Freeze is not special. He is no different than every single other coach in the country. They all had to recruit.
For those words to be said in such a manner after a truly disappointing end to a subpar college football season should infuriate Auburn fans. Hugh Freeze not only lost the Music City Bowl in ugly fashion, he bungled the postgame press conference in an unthinkable manner.
Here are his full comments: