Dreary A-Day ends in 24-24 tie

The Auburn offense did just enough to even the score with their defensive counterparts.

The Auburn Tigers ended their spring practice on Saturday on a cold, rainy day at Jordan-Hare Stadium for A-Day.

In a unique format that featured the defense beginning the game with a 24-0 lead, the Auburn offense did just enough to end the game with a 24-24 tie on Saturday.

The weather played a role in the game ending in a tie, however, head coach Hugh Freeze was willing to break the tie before an overwhelming amount of silence changed his mind.

“I did give the option to the coordinators on the headset. I said, ‘Look, our ones, twos, and threes got the same amount of possessions. Do y’all want to go ones right here from the three-yard line for the win or loss, one play?’ They were quiet for a long time on that,” Freeze said after the game. “They didn’t give me an answer for a while and I said, ‘Are you going to answer?’ and they said, ‘Let’s leave it a tie,’ so I’m happy with the way it ended.”

When reflecting on his first spring practice as the head coach of Auburn, Freeze says that he was pleased with his team’s attitude and effort.

“Overall, I think our first spring and the 15 days that our kids gave us had some great energy and effort,” Freeze said. “We took the right step toward building some foundational things that we’re going to have to lean on to compete next year in this league. I’m pleased with our staff and there is a lot of good we can take from the 15 days.”

Here’s a breakdown of how 2023’s edition of A-Day played out:

Hugh Freeze has high praise for Jarquez Hunter

Freeze has coached many talented players over the years, but Jarquez Hunter is leading the pack in one category.

[autotag]Hugh Freeze[/autotag] has coached many talented quarterbacks, as well as plenty of NFL-caliber receivers in his ten years as a head coach at the FBS level.

However, one of the best players he has ever coached currently graces the Auburn roster.

When speaking to the media on Monday, Freeze gave running back [autotag]Jarquez Hunter[/autotag] an admirable title despite having yet to coach him in a game.

“I think Jarquez is special; I do,” Freeze said. “I think he’s probably the best running back I’ve ever coached, truthfully.”

That is a high honor coming from a coach known for producing explosive offenses. Not only is Freeze impressed by Hunter’s athletic ability, but he admires his work ethic and the way that he carries himself.

“I think Jarquez (Hunter) is the best that I’ve coached thus far,” Freeze said. “(I’m) excited about his demeanor and the way he goes about his work. He keeps his mouth shut and just goes to work.”

Although Auburn’s first game against an actual opponent is still over four months away, Freeze could have his best running back room in his college career this season.

In his time as a head coach, Freeze has only produced one 1,000-yard rusher, which happened in 2019 when Frankie Hickson rushed for 1,041 yards in Freeze’s first season at Liberty. Before that, Freeze’s leading rusher was Akeem Judd at Ole Miss, who rushed for 826 yards and six touchdowns during the 2016 season.

Hunter and [autotag]Damari Alston[/autotag], as well as the addition of [autotag]Brian Battie[/autotag] could produce Freeze’s best rushing season to date if worked appropriately. [autotag]Jeremiah Cobb[/autotag] could factor into the rotation, which gives Auburn plenty of options to choose from.

Auburn fans will get a first look at the new-look team under Hugh Freeze this Saturday at 1 p.m. CT when the annual A-Day game kicks off at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

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White defeats Crimson in Annual A-Day Game

There was plenty to take away from Saturday’s annual spring game at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Despite several key players not playing, there was still plenty to take in during Saturday’s A-Day game, where team white defeated team crimson, 13-10 at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Sophomore Bryce Young’s first chance at leading the offense got off to a great start, as he completed three of his first five passes on the team’s first drive, including a 47-yard pass to Ronald Williams on the third play from scrimmage. The first drive ended with a 22-yard field goal from Will Reichard to give team white the early 3-0 lead with 10:16 to go in the first quarter.

That was not his only big pass play of the day for Young, his lone touchdown pass came with 10:26 remaining in the first half, when he connected with Cameron Latu on a 59-yard bomb to extend team white’s lead to 10-0. Young’s day ended with 333 yards and a touchdown on 25 completions. He completed passes to seven different receivers, Treshon Holden led the way with 9 catches for 89 yards.

Team Crimson fought back to cut the lead to 10-7 with 0:53 remaining in the first half. Starting a drive from their own 14 yard line, team white’s Bryce Young was sacked by Chris Braswell, forcing a fumble that was recovered by Jaylen Moody and taken into the end zone for a touchdown.

Both teams traded field goals to cap scoring. Team crimson tied the game at 10 with a 47-yard field goal by Chase Allen at the 7:47 mark in the third quarter, while Reichard sealed the deal for team white with a 19-yard field goal with 1:23 remaining in the game.

Paul Tyson led team Crimson on 18 completions on 34 attempts with 171 yards. Jase McClellan led team Crimson in total yards with 108.

Alabama will now turn towards summer condition and continuing their preparations for the 2021 season. The Crimson Tide will face Miami in Atlanta on September 4 for the season opener.

White defeats Crimson in Annual A-Day Game

There was plenty to take away from Saturday’s annual spring game at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Despite several key players not playing, there was still plenty to take in during Saturday’s A-Day game, where team white defeated team crimson, 13-10 at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Sophomore Bryce Young’s first chance at leading the offense got off to a great start, as he completed three of his first five passes on the team’s first drive, including a 47-yard pass to Ronald Williams on the third play from scrimmage. The first drive ended with a 22-yard field goal from Will Reichard to give team white the early 3-0 lead with 10:16 to go in the first quarter.

That was not his only big pass play of the day for Young, his lone touchdown pass came with 10:26 remaining in the first half, when he connected with Cameron Latu on a 59-yard bomb to extend team white’s lead to 10-0. Young’s day ended with 333 yards and a touchdown on 25 completions. He completed passes to seven different receivers, Treshon Holden led the way with 9 catches for 89 yards.

Team Crimson fought back to cut the lead to 10-7 with 0:53 remaining in the first half. Starting a drive from their own 14 yard line, team white’s Bryce Young was sacked by Chris Braswell, forcing a fumble that was recovered by Jaylen Moody and taken into the end zone for a touchdown.

Both teams traded field goals to cap scoring. Team crimson tied the game at 10 with a 47-yard field goal by Chase Allen at the 7:47 mark in the third quarter, while Reichard sealed the deal for team white with a 19-yard field goal with 1:23 remaining in the game.

Paul Tyson led team Crimson on 18 completions on 34 attempts with 171 yards. Jase McClellan led team Crimson in total yards with 108.

Alabama will now turn towards summer condition and continuing their preparations for the 2021 season. The Crimson Tide will face Miami in Atlanta on September 4 for the season opener.

Alabama A-Day: Gameday information, How to Watch, Stream, Listen

The 2021 football season begins Saturday for the Alabama Crimson Tide, with the annual A-Day game at Bryant Denny Stadium.

The 2021 football season begins Saturday for the Alabama Crimson Tide, with the annual A-Day game at Bryant Denny Stadium.

There will be plenty to watch for on Saturday, especially on offense. Big holes will need to be filled at quarterback, running back, and receiver, and it will be interesting to see how well these new faces fit in with the system.

Kickoff, How to Watch/Stream/Listen

Kickoff: Noon C.T. Saturday, May 17

Location: Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, AL

Television/Streaming: ESPN/ ESPN app (Joe Tessitore, Lauren Sisler, Kirk Herbstreit, Joey Galloway)

Radio: Crimson Tide Sports Network/ Tunein app

For those attending the game, Bryant-Denny Stadium will be limiting crowds to 50% capacity, and facial coverings must be worn at all times except while eating and drinking. Tickets are $5.

A big event taking place before the game is the Walk of Fame Ceremony. The captains of the 2019 and 2020 teams which include Tua Tagoviloa, Mac Jones, Landon Dickerson, and Devonta Smith, will happen at 10:15 at Denny Chimes.

The 2020 National Championship team will also be honored at the conclusion of Saturday’s game. Head Coach Nick Saban and quarterback Mac Jones will address the crowd, and Devonta Smith, the winner of the Heisman Trophy and Maxwell Award, will be honored during the first half of the game.