Hugh Freeze and Auburn Tigers unlocked the best in Jackson Arnold as he dismantled Ball State in easy Week 2 victory

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Travis May | Last updated Sep 7, 2025 12:51 AM ET

The Auburn Tigers needed to find a way to help Jackson Arnold settle in and find some momentum as a passer in Week 2 and that's exactly what they did. Hugh Freeze schemed up some easy plays early, got his quarterback's confidence rolling, and the rest was history as Auburn rolled over Ball State in a huge 42-3 victory.

Jackson Arnold started slow, but found rhythm exploding with a three touchdown performance for Auburn

Jackson Arnold started off the game against Ball State rather rough with some quick reads and schemed up underneath passes again, looking similar to last week. However, by the third drive he had settled in, perhaps more so than on any drive in the game prior. The first couple drives were perfect short, easy reads to help get Arnold rolling, but Auburn still couldn't finish drives initially. Then something shifted.

To kick off drive three Arnold completed a quick, accurate pass to Horatio Fields. Then he read through his progressions patiently and hit Cam Coleman on the very next play for 13 yards. Then boom, he dropped an easy touchdown into the bucket to Eric Singleton for a score down the right sideline. Three straight passes. 50 yards. Touchdown.

Eric Singleton Jr. catches his first TD as an Auburn Tiger. #auburnfootball @thewarrapport pic.twitter.com/HlEk8em2N5
— Mike G. (@mikegittens) September 7, 2025

Following Auburn's third drive where Arnold found his rhythm, it was game over for Ball State. Arnold continued finding success on throws to every level of the field. It was clear that his field vision issues from a week ago were not plaguing him against Ball State.

His tunnel vision seemed to be gone. His nervous feet settled down and he didn't force so many scrambles against Ball State. Four different wide receivers caught at least four receptions on the day. He was adjusting to pressure in a way that limited negative plays. Arnold might just be flashing some of his five star potential now that he's found his confidence again.

It doesn't seem like it was just one thing that magically unlocked Jackson Arnold, but Hugh Freeze and the elite wide receivers around him certainly helped. It was just Ball State, so Arnold will need to prove that his decision-making, poise, and accuracy can repeat against a tough SEC schedule here soon, but this was just the performance Auburn Tigers fans needed to see right now.

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