Hugh Freeze answered questions on the SEC teleconference today. Here's a summary...
** Really excited to be at Jordan-Hare on a Saturday night against a quality opponent. Proud of our team and how hard they've worked to improve during a disappointing season.
** Texas A&M is long, big and quick-twitch on defense. And their scheme is good. There are no weaknesses on defense. One of the better OL we've seen. Running back is very talented. Dual-threat quarterback is hard to deal with. Their roster is as good as any he's faced in the league.
** Payton Thorne has been really solid last few weeks. He's taking what the defense is giving us and being careful with the ball. Biggest challenge is giving him time against their pass rush.
** On Auburn being in position to play spoiler: Freeze said he hasn't really thought about that. It's about a great opportunity to play a great team at J-H in front of our fans. Now that you mention it, that can give us more motivation.
** On Cam Coleman's recruitment: It was typical elite player recruiting and you never give up on a player that's close to you. The discussions never stopped and we had great relationships with him and his family.
** Defense should have a right to substitute to match offense. It is a concern for those teams that drag their heals making the subs. It's up to officials to keep a close eye on it. They try to keep it within a couple of seconds of defense starting their subs.
** On keys for game other than turnovers: We need to win first downs on offense. We have to score on special teams when we have opportunities. We have to keep from giving up big plays on defense.
** He was asked about being a spoiler again, this time about the Iron Bowl. Freeze's thought are that his players should be ready to play in that game no matter what is going on.
** On first home night game against SEC opponent in a while: If we can find a way to get this game to the 4th quarter with a chance to win it, our fans will make a difference. I believe that in my heart.
*****THAT'S ALL*****
** Really excited to be at Jordan-Hare on a Saturday night against a quality opponent. Proud of our team and how hard they've worked to improve during a disappointing season.
** Texas A&M is long, big and quick-twitch on defense. And their scheme is good. There are no weaknesses on defense. One of the better OL we've seen. Running back is very talented. Dual-threat quarterback is hard to deal with. Their roster is as good as any he's faced in the league.
** Payton Thorne has been really solid last few weeks. He's taking what the defense is giving us and being careful with the ball. Biggest challenge is giving him time against their pass rush.
** On Auburn being in position to play spoiler: Freeze said he hasn't really thought about that. It's about a great opportunity to play a great team at J-H in front of our fans. Now that you mention it, that can give us more motivation.
** On Cam Coleman's recruitment: It was typical elite player recruiting and you never give up on a player that's close to you. The discussions never stopped and we had great relationships with him and his family.
** Defense should have a right to substitute to match offense. It is a concern for those teams that drag their heals making the subs. It's up to officials to keep a close eye on it. They try to keep it within a couple of seconds of defense starting their subs.
** On keys for game other than turnovers: We need to win first downs on offense. We have to score on special teams when we have opportunities. We have to keep from giving up big plays on defense.
** He was asked about being a spoiler again, this time about the Iron Bowl. Freeze's thought are that his players should be ready to play in that game no matter what is going on.
** On first home night game against SEC opponent in a while: If we can find a way to get this game to the 4th quarter with a chance to win it, our fans will make a difference. I believe that in my heart.
*****THAT'S ALL*****
