AUBURN, Ala. – Looking back on a thrilling yet ultimately unsatisfying Iron Bowl ending while looking ahead to a bowl game, recruiting and the 2024 season, Auburn coach Hugh Freeze on Monday praised his team and its fans for the setting they combined to create Saturday at Jordan-Hare Stadium.
"The best college football atmosphere I've ever experienced," said Freeze, thanking students, supporters, Auburn's University's marching band and spirit squads. "It was incredible, off the charts good. I think it's the best home atmosphere in the country. I know a lot of good recruits got to see that."
Auburn led for most of the second half, relinquishing its lead after a late turnover and a 31-yard touchdown pass on fourth-and-goal with 32 seconds remaining.
"Our kids played with the type of passion, energy and physicality that you have to have to play with the top teams in the country," he said. "We've got to take the positives from that and go recruit to this great university."
Heartbroken by the result, yet resolute in his conviction for Auburn's future.
"More determined than ever and more confident than ever that this place can be an elite college football program," Freeze said. "The support it has, the energy, the fanbase, the culture, the family feel, the administration alignment, the facilities. Everything is here for us to build a championship team. It's here and we can do it. I'm totally convinced."
With next month's early signing period looming, the Iron Bowl presented a compelling closing argument to blue-chip prospects.
"I don't know that they've been to a game that was quite like that," Freeze said. "It was a step in the right direction for us to hopefully get to the finish line with some of those guys. A lot of credit goes to our fanbase."
With a chance to conclude his inaugural season on the Plains with a winning record, Freeze awaits Sunday's announcement of Auburn's postseason destination and bowl opponent.
"I want them to enjoy the journey and the process," Freeze said of his intention not to overwork Auburn's veterans during bowl practice after a rugged 12-game regular season. "Try to get our young kids a lot of work, hopefully get them in the game some, particularly those defensive backs. We need to get those young DBs a lot of reps. We think they have a chance to be really good players and they're going to have to play next year so we need to see them."
After Auburn fans sold out all seven home games this season and set the program record for season tickets, Freeze encouraged fans to recreate the magic at Jordan-Hare in 2024.
"Thank you, No. 1," said Freeze, repeating his gratitude thrice more before making his pitch. "Get your season tickets for next year. We're going to make you proud. You're going to enjoy watching us build a good program. Stay in the fight with us, and we thank you so much."
'We're going to make you proud': Hugh Freeze encourages Auburn fans to 'stay in the fight with us' in 2024
Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on Twitter: @jeff_shearer