TIGER TALK REVIEW: Vanderbilt Week '25

It’s once again time for the TIGER TALK REVIEW — this time as Auburn prepares to play the Vanderbilt Commodores.

WHERE TO LISTEN: You can check here to see which radio station near you may be carrying the show. You also can click that link and get hooked into the stream through Auburn’s web portal.

WHERE TO WATCH: You can check here to see if the Tiger Talk Live Stream is active. I am told everyone can watch the stream on War Eagle + even if you’re not a paid member. I am not sure this is true. I will update this as conditions merit.

THE FIRST SEGMENT

WE BEGIN WITH ATHLETIC DIRECTOR JOHN COHEN

“Coach Freeze and his wife, Jill, and their family … are world-class people.”

On the decision to fire Hugh: “It’s something that needed to be done. We really need a spark on the offensive side. An average performance from the offensive side during the season and we’re be in playoff contention. That’s how good our defense is.”

On what he wants from the next coach: “We know what this group is capable of and we’re going to get moving in the right direction. We’re committed to making sure our fans, the best fans in the country at Auburn, get what they deserve — and that’s a winner.”

He wants a coach with an edge: “When you had that coach with an edge, you were scared to death to disappoint them. Fear should not be a motivational tactic, but when you don’t even want to let somebody down and you’re afraid not too give everything you have all the time … the person who can command those things usually has teams that can play at a pretty high level.”

“I know it when I see it. ‘An edge’ is one of those types of things.”

“Our fans deserve better. They deserve a championship-level football team. We’re going to go out there and find the right person to bring that to them.”

On NIL money for the next coach: “We’re going to do what it takes to make sure we’re very competitive in that area.”

On Steven Pearl’s first game: “I texted Steven today and wished him luck. I told him he’s on that first solo flight. You’re flying solo. It can be lonely. It can be invigorating. I think Steven is ready for this.”

THE SECOND SEGMENT

NOW WE HAVE INTERIM HEAD COACH DJ DURKIN

“It has been a whirlwind for sure. I’ve got good people around me.”

On getting the job Sunday: “Thoughts for Coach Freeze and his family. He’s a phenomenal person. He’s someone I’ve learned from and looked up to. Very humbled by the opportunity to lead our team.”

On changing the team in a month: “In a week’s time to drastically change what you’re doing? That’s really hard. You can change how you’re doing it. That’s the biggest thing for me. It’s about the effort the guys do it with and the physicality the guys do it with.”

On message to fans: “It is unique here at Auburn. We feel a sense of obligation to our fans to make sure we’re putting a good product on the field. I feel that personally. I will not rest one moment until we get it (looking) like it’s supposed to out there.”

On having normalcy this week: “We’ll have as minimal changes as possible. We have to prepare the right way to play the right way.”

On Vanderbilt: “You can’t compare (Pavia) to another guy. It starts with him. This team … they’ve got talent all around him. It’s a full offense. You’ve got to defend everyone — including Pavia.”

On linebacker Xavier Atkins: “His ability to run and burst in short areas incredible. He really takes pride in his job and getting it done. He really takes pride in his performance. That’s a coach’s dream.”

On linebacker Robert Woodyard Jr.: “That’s a good guy for our fan base to take notice of. He did not see playing time in his first couple years. That tells you a lot … about the character he has. He’s climbing every week.”

THE FINAL SEGMENT

On the offense: “Derrick Nix will be the offensive play-caller. It’s a great opportunity for Derrick to put his fingerprint and stamp on it.”

On the Vandy defense: “They play the run really well. They’re an attacking-style defense.”

On when he wants to name a QB1: “We will do that soon. I’ve been taking that in and talking with our staff. It’s not something I’ve been evaluating throughout the season. It’s been 24 hours; I want to properly evaluate that.”

On feedback from players so far: “As a head coach, it’s the team. You’ve got to have buy in from (all) those guys. It’s been very positive because they know me. I’m still going to be me. I’ll be myself.”

On practice Tuesday being the first big one with DJ in charge: “I gotta make sure I stay in the middle of the field. I trust Coach Nix and what he’s doing. I’ve got to make sure that my focus stays the same with the defense as well. A lot of (practice) will be the same.”

On Auburn’s rush defense: “It starts up front with our d-line. They play physical, violent. We roll a lot of guys up front to keep them fresh. We’ve got good skill around them at linebacker and safety and nickel. We get a bunch of hats to the ball.”

On keys to this game: “We’ve got to stop the run. We’ve got to do a good job with (Pavia). He’s so experienced and good.”

Durkin ends with: “Thanks for having me, appreciate it.”

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