Auburn rolled up 102 yards of total offense in the first quarter Saturday, but the Tigers found themselves trailing the Ole Miss Rebels 14-7.

Auburn coach Hugh Freeze said the Tigers’ chances Saturday come down to one stat.

“We have to stop their explosive plays on defense, and we have to continue to convert third and fourth down,” Freeze told ESPN after the first quarter. “I think that’s going to be the stat for us.”

The Tigers were 3 of 5 on third down in the first quarter, but they failed on fourth down.

“Hate we didn’t get that 4th and 1,” he said. “Would have liked to see what we would have done. We had two drives and a touchdown, but they’ve had two drives and two touchdowns.”

Ole Miss, meanwhile, was 2 of 3 on third downs and converted on its only fourth down.

Freeze’s words didn’t fall on deaf ears. His defense turned Ole Miss over early in the second quarter before the offense tied it up at 14.

“I love this atmosphere at Jordan-Hare, No. 1,” he added. “It’s the greatest college environment to play in.”

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.