Paul Finebaum believes Hugh Freeze’s tenure at Auburn could soon be in jeopardy.
While on “The Matt Barrie Show,” the ESPN analyst expressed sympathy for Auburn regarding recent officiating issues but said ball calls aren't excuse for the Tigers’ latest loss.
“You can’t help but look at two games against Oklahoma and this (Georgia) game and go how in the world did Auburn keep getting bad calls,” Finebaum said. “But it doesn’t matter once the game is over.”
Auburn fell 20-10 to Georgia on Saturday after squandering a 10-0 lead. A key play came late in the first half when quarterback Jackson Arnold fumbled near the goal line. Replays appeared to show the ball crossing the plane, but officials ruled it short, and the call stood due to inconclusive evidence.
"Freeze is wearing thin,” Finebaum said. “Some coaches you watch after a loss, you feel better. You feel confident. You feel emboldened. Not Hugh Freeze. You feel the opposite.”
Finebaum added that the pressure will intensify if Freeze cannot defeat Alabama in this year’s Iron Bowl. “That doesn’t work well in the Auburn family,” he said. “Those games mean more than anything.”
Auburn (3-3, 0-3 SEC) has lost three straight and has yet to win a conference game this season. Despite recent frustrations beyond Auburn's control, Freeze’s biggest challenge may be keeping his team competitive as the SEC schedule ramps up.
However, the Tigers are a 1.5-point favorite against No. 18 Missouri on Saturday (7:45 p.m. ET, SEC Network), marking the first time they’ve been favored in SEC play this season.
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