Former Ole Miss Rebels Coach Hugh Freeze Relives Fourth-And-Long in Iron Bowl Loss
Former Ole Miss Rebels coach Hugh Freeze found himself again at the middle of a game-defining play in the SEC.
The first-year Auburn coach watched as Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe danced behind his offensive line on 4th-and-31, hoping to see a receiver get open in the end zone. Milroe uncorked a deep ball to find Isaiah Bond for the last-minute touchdown to give the Crimson Tide a 27-24 win in the Iron Bowl.
Auburn led for most of the afternoon thanks to a potent ground game. The Tigers totaled 244 rushing yards and averaged 5.8 yards per play to keep momentum on their side.
But it's rivalry week. It's Jordan-Hare Stadium, where voodoo magic exists when Alabama comes to town. Countless triumphs or tragedies — depending on the side you root for — happen on The Plains every other season.
For Freeze, this was his first taste of standing on the sidelines of one of the South's greatest rivalries, but it's not his first time seeing a 4th-and-long go against him.
Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Isaiah Bond (17) scores the game winning touchdown over Auburn Tigers cornerback D.J. James (4) during the fourth quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium.
Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
Against Arkansas in 2015, Freeze stood on the Oxford sideline as the No. 18 Rebels were looking to make a stop on 4th-and-25 in overtime. Brandon Allen found Hunter Henry, who tried to lateral the ball behind him. The ball bounced off Dan Skipper before Alex Collins picked up and gained 31 yards to pick up the first down.
Two plays later, Allen found Dan Morgan for the 9-yard score. Allen kept it himself on the two-point conversion and the "Hog and Ladder" lived on in infamy as Arkansas picked up the 53-52 victory.
People often say they never forget their first Iron Bowl experience. Freeze will always remember where he stood as Alabama kept its College Football Playoff hopes alive for one more week.
The No. 12 Rebels secured a 17-7 win over Mississippi State in the Egg Bowl to finish the season 10-2 for the second time under Lane Kiffin. Ole Miss will hope to punch its ticket to a New Year's Six Bowl during the selection show next Sunday.
