At a recent AMBUSH event hosted by the Willow Point Country Club in Alexander City, Alabama, Auburn’s head coach Hugh Freeze couldn’t contain his excitement as he discussed the Tigers’ much-anticipated first matchup against Oklahoma at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Addressing the audience, Freeze highlighted the monumental challenge and opportunity that comes with playing in what he regards as the premier conference in college football, the SEC.
“You’re adding two of the elite programs in the country to this already-difficult — what I think is the best — conference in America,” Freeze remarked, referencing the addition of Texas and Oklahoma to the SEC on their second official day as conference members. “It does make it difficult, but that’s also exciting and why as a coach and as a player you want to play in this conference.”
Freeze’s excitement is evident when he talks about the Sooners’ upcoming visit to Auburn. He emphasized the unique and intimidating atmosphere of Jordan-Hare Stadium, hoping the Sooners get to experience it at its peak.
“Well, Jordan-Hare, I think, will provide for (Oklahoma) a great challenge,” Freeze said. “I wish they would get the night-version of Jordan-Hare. But Jordan-Hare will be rocking either way and I think they’ll enjoy that for sure.”
The matchup has become a hot topic since Oklahoma joined the SEC. For the Sooners, this game will be their first time playing on an SEC field as an in-conference visitor, adding an extra layer of intrigue and anticipation. The game is scheduled for September 28, and the significance of this encounter has not gone unnoticed by observers.
Eddie Radosevich and George Stoia of Sooner Scoop discussed their thoughts on The Andy Staples Show, expressing some uncertainty about what to expect from Auburn.
“It’s huge, Andy, and we don’t know what to make of Auburn,” Stoia shared. “I think, because second year under Hugh Freeze and the quarterback situation there and I think they’re gonna be pretty good defensively, and all of that. So, that’s a huge one.”
The ambiguity surrounding Auburn, particularly regarding the quarterback position with Payton Thorne entering his second year, adds to the anticipation. The quarterback position remains a point of contention, but there is a palpable sense of optimism among Auburn fans. With significant upgrades in talent, Tiger fans are hopeful for a resurgence after several challenging seasons.
As Freeze and the Tigers prepare for this historic clash, the stage is set for an electrifying encounter at Jordan-Hare Stadium. With the fervor of Auburn’s home crowd and the stakes of an SEC showdown, the September 28 game promises to be a defining moment for both programs as they navigate the new dynamics of an expanded conference.