Hugh Freeze calls out Auburn defense at halftime vs. South Alabama: 'We look like we're sleepwalking'

Auburn led South Alabama 28-9 at halftime of the Tigers’ Week 3 matchup. Despite this, Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze was unhappy with the way his team performed in the first half.

“I think we played really good offensively. I think defensively, we look like we’re sleepwalking to me,” Freeze said. “And it’s frustrating. We’d rather talk too much than line up and play, and we’ve got to get in there and get some things correct. We’re not fitting the counter very well. Now, they’re pretty good on offense, but we’re just kind of slopping around out there on defense.”

Through two quarters, Auburn has given up 153 total yards, including 96 yards through the air. South Alabama quarterback Bishop Davenport completed one touchdown and threw an interception across 10-12 passing.

Auburn has held South Alabama scoreless in the running game, holding them to 57 yards across 19 carries. That’s good for 3.0 yards per carry.

On the offensive side of the ball, Auburn gained 258 total yards in the first half. Tigers quarterback Jackson Arnold completed 10 of his 18 passing attempts for 132 yards and a touchdown. Arnold, Jeremiah Cobb and Eric Singleton Jr. combined for 23 carries and 126 yards in the first half. Arnold scored two of the three rushing touchdowns during the first two quarters.

Singleton was also the leading receiver in the first half for Auburn. He caught six passes for 65 yards. However, it was Cam Coleman who caught Arnold’s lone passing touchdown — a 32-yard highlight reel catch in the first quarter on Auburn’s first drive.

This continues a strong start to the season for the new Auburn quarterback. Last weekend in a victory over Ball State, Arnold ran nine times for only five yards, but it was enough to help keep the chains moving and keep the defense off-balance. The rest he unlocked with his arm.

When the night finished, Jackson Arnold was 24-of-28 passing for 251 yards and three touchdowns. He did not throw an interception.

Despite Freeze’s feelings toward the first half, the Tigers look to be in control of South Alabama entering the third quarter. Fans can catch the second half live on ESPN.

Looking ahead, Auburn has a looming matchup against Oklahoma on the road to begin SEC play. Kickoff is scheduled for next Saturday, Sept. 20 at 3:30 p.m. ET and will air live on ABC.