Hugh Freeze set realistic expectations for Auburn’s 2024 season while speaking with Paul Finebaum, steering clear of promising that the Tigers would win eight to ten games against a tough schedule featuring Alabama, Georgia, Oklahoma, Texas A&M, and Missouri.
While his comments were straightforward and not particularly headline-grabbing, what did catch attention was Freeze’s metaphor, which seemed to touch on the rumored “gun culture” within Deion Sanders’ Colorado locker room. Freeze questioned whether Auburn “has enough bullets in the gun” to secure eight to ten wins against such formidable opponents.
“Do we have enough bullets in the gun yet to play eight to 10 games against really, really good teams in this league and be able to pull them off? I’m uncertain of that,” Freeze said on The Paul Finebaum Show (h/t On3). “But I do think these young kids we signed are really talented, and we’re going to have to depend upon them.”
Did Freeze deliberately reference Sanders’ program amidst the controversy sparked by Colorado GA Warren Sapp’s comment, “We got bullets; you get shot with a .38 or 9mm, you pick it”? Probably not. Freeze hails from Oxford, Mississippi, which likely influenced his choice of metaphor.
Nonetheless, it’s easy to imagine Freeze and the SEC head coaches’ group chat, which he has confirmed exists, buzzing about the rumors and drama surrounding Sanders and the Buffaloes this offseason.
Hugh Freeze has a squeaky clean locker room compared to Deion Sanders
Hugh Freeze is known for maintaining a disciplined and well-behaved locker room at Auburn. Upon his arrival, he made it clear that he didn’t want to deal with any off-field issues. This is in stark contrast to Deion Sanders, who was considered a potential coaching candidate for Auburn in 2022.
Sanders has faced criticism, notably from Athlon Sports’ Steve Corder, who accused him of promoting a culture of fighting and allowing his son, Shilo, to bully 5-star cornerback Cormani McClain into transferring. Additionally, Corder has repeatedly raised concerns about gun-related accusations involving Sanders.
Auburn’s decision to hire Freeze has resulted in a relatively quiet news cycle, especially when compared to the turmoil during Bryan Harsin’s tenure. Tiger fans seem pleased with the choice of a coach who has to maintain good behavior to stay in the SEC, unlike Sanders, who is perceived as being unchecked by Colorado’s administration.
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