Hugh Freeze and Auburn return from a much-needed bye this week as the Tigers start the second half of the season with a road game against Missouri.

It’s another ranked Southeastern Conference matchup for Auburn, but a chance to instill some confidence back in the team. The last time the two programs met, Auburn won an ugly 17-14 contest in 2022.

This time, Auburn will take a win anyway it can get it.

Follow along as Freeze starts the week with his press conference previewing Saturday’s matchup:

• Freeze starts by saying it’s disappointing to be where they are record-wise, adds that the bye week was much needed.
• Freeze says Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz is one of his closest friends in the business and says he “does one of the better jobs in the country” in managing the “new world.”
• Freeze says they had two good practices on Tuesday and Wednesday. Added that having fall break at the end of the week helped.
• Freeze said he doesn’t pay attention to the media when asked about what he and Payton Thorne said about the fourth-and-one against Georgia. Maintains that the call was to give the ball to Jarquez Hunter.
• Freeze said Hunter needs to touch the ball more, adds that he’s frustrated with the rate of execution on short yardage plays.
• Freeze said that the two bye weeks come at almost perfect times. Said it allows them to split the season up well.
• Freeze compliments Missouri defensive coordinator Cory Batoon who he worked with at Ole Miss and Liberty. Adds that the familiarity can present challenges.
• Freeze: “If we have a critical down, it will be very, very disheartening and infuriating if another situation happens on a fourth-and-one or a third-and-one where our kids don’t have a clear understanding of what should happen.”
• Freeze says the matchup with Missouri’s receivers “is not one that you get overjoyed about.” Says it will be a great test for Auburn’s young secondary.
• Freeze said he “couldn’t be more pleased” with the passion and detail from the defensive staff.
• When asked about holding the 2025 recruiting class together despite the poor results on the field, Freeze says, “that’s why they want to come here.” Adds that he feels good about it now but the battles for players they want “are never over.”
• Freeze said he and Drinkwitz are “made of a similar mindset of what coaching should be about.”