Hugh Freeze Names Hardest Decision to Make in Baylor Win

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Grant Bricker | Last updated Aug 30, 2025 12:38 AM ET

Auburn Tigers head coach Hugh Freeze entered the 2025 season with an 11-14 overall record.

That record gained one in the win column on Friday, as Auburn beat the Baylor Bears 38-24. The win was primarily in part due to the efforts of quarterback Jackson Arnold.

Arnold's debut ended with 108 passing yards, 137 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

In the post-game press conference, Arnold and Freeze went to the podium and revealed how they ultimately decided to lean on the running game, via The Auburn Observer's Justin Ferguson.

The Tigers ran for 307 yards and four touchdowns as a team against the Bears in Waco.

Arnold stated that he took what Baylor's defense gave the Auburn offense.

"Swallowed my pride in the pass game and just took what they gave us," Arnold said.

Freeze echoed his quarterback and shared that the hardest thing was continuing to run the ball despite the talented wideouts on the roster.

"...Which is very hard for both of us, and the receivers that we have," Freeze said.

The Tigers' leading receiver was Malcolm Simmons, who ended the night with one reception for 23 receiving yards. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets transfer Eric Singleton Jr. debuted and recorded three receptions for 20 yards.

Arnold eventually told Freeze just to let him run the ball at one point during the game, and the Auburn head coach listened. The Tigers' quarterback's first career touchdown with the program was a 24-yard score.

Freeze and the Tigers take on the Ball State Cardinals next on September 6.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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