Freeze Emphasizing Turnover Battle with New Offensive Weapons

Last season, Auburn had a few late game opportunities to either put the game away or tie the game. But instead, clutch drives ended in turnovers. In fact, the only close game (being a touchdown or less) that the Tigers were able to win last season was against the Texas A&M Aggies, where they won 43-41 in 4OT.

“We talked about the ball being the No. 1 important thing offensively, and that’s what we’ll continue to work on and continue to coach decision-making at the quarterback position," Freeze said. "And there’s nothing wrong with using your legs.”

Freeze has already stated that he is ready to see the full arsenal from quarterback Jackson Arnold, rather than him making poor decisions passing the ball. Arnold is likely to have many opportunities to run the ball, as Hugh Freeze usually runs an RPO-based attack.

“There’s nothing wrong with punting, but we need every possession to end with a kick of some type. That’s the only way I know to do that," Freeze said. "We’ll start finding out Friday night who has a comprehension on how important that is.”

Kicking the ball in anyway would be beneficial for the Tigers. Things could also go wrong in that category, as starting kick Alex McPherson is likely to be a game time decision. His replacement, likely being Towns McGough if McPherson is unable to go, has a career field goal percentage of 41.7 percent, not exactly where you want to be sitting if he needs to trot on the field to knock one in. 

Freeze knows that he needs to win games this year, and should the offense continue to turn the ball over often, that will not happen. Limiting turnover is of utmost importance for the Tiger offense this season, or we could find the Tigers right back at square one. 

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