Hugh Freeze made brutal claims on Auburn’s bowl game with rough sketch of his practice plan mapped out as he give’s critical solutions

Prior to knowing the bowl game assignment for Auburn, head coach Hugh Freeze, an experienced figure in coaching bowls, had a preliminary practice plan in mind. The plan aimed for five or six practices at Auburn before the holiday break, followed by three at the bowl site. Freeze intended to approach these practices differently from the regular season, emphasizing enjoyment in the process rather than intense drills.

However, this doesn’t mean Freeze doesn’t expect the team to perform when it matters. While he values the journey, he also emphasizes the importance of balance. Freeze has a successful 6-1 record in bowl games as a head coach.

In a new challenge for Freeze, some players, including defensive backs DJ James and Nehemiah Pritchett, and defensive lineman Marcus Harris, opted out to focus on the NFL Draft. This will require playing younger talents, such as Kayin Lee, Colton Hood, JC Hart, and Terrance Love.

Furthermore, Auburn has experienced several players entering the transfer portal, with 12 from the regular season roster as of Wednesday. The wide receiver room, in particular, has been affected, with four receivers opting to transfer before the Maryland game.

Despite the changes, Freeze sees it as an opportunity to kick off the next year with new dynamics. Balancing the excitement of new signings and the upcoming season while focusing on the current game against Maryland poses a challenge. Quarterback Payton Thorne acknowledges the dichotomy of looking ahead to the next season while still needing to finish the current one.

In an era where the value of bowl games is questioned due to increasing opt-outs, Auburn recognizes the significance of this opportunity. A win against Maryland would secure a winning season, a feat not achieved in three years. Conversely, a loss would result in a sub-.500 record for the third consecutive year, a trend not seen since 1975-77.

While some may view the game as inconsequential between two 6-6 teams, there is much at stake for Auburn. This includes maintaining momentum, providing experience to young players, and avoiding a losing record. Ultimately, the privilege of playing a 13th game is appreciated by Auburn, offering an opportunity to finish the 2023 campaign with effort, execution, and a win for the team, fans, and the SEC.