This is an opinion column.

Hugh Freeze delivered the shortest opening statement of any coach in the big ballroom at SEC Media Days. His introductory remarks Thursday in Dallas lasted just 3 minutes and 56 seconds.

The Auburn coach cited the “special chemistry on our staff” and an “upgraded roster” as the primary reasons for “a great excitement in our building right now.” He complimented the “faithfulness” of the Auburn family, which has snapped up every last season ticket for the second straight year.