Hugh Freeze Supports Alex McPherson Following Missed Kicks

Following a surprising performance against Missouri, Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze has expressed unwavering confidence in kicker Alex McPherson. Despite McPherson’s unexpected misses on two field goal attempts during the game, Freeze affirmed his belief in the kicker’s abilities during a news conference on October 23, 2023.

McPherson entered the matchup against Missouri with an impressive record of 20-for-20 for kicks within 40 yards. However, the game saw him miss attempts from 38 and 40 yards, which caught Freeze off guard. “I believe in Alex McPherson. He believes in himself,” Freeze stated. He noted that this was the first time in McPherson’s career that he had missed any kicks from inside the 40-yard line, describing the situation as “uncharacteristic” and emphasizing that McPherson had practiced well leading up to the game.

The kicker’s performance has been closely monitored due to a lingering gastrointestinal illness that has limited him since last season. This condition raised concerns when Freeze opted to send McPherson out for a challenging 50-yard field goal in overtime, which he missed significantly. After the game, Freeze acknowledged that he might have made a different decision, suggesting that he should have chosen to go with backup kicker Connor Lytle for that attempt.

Despite McPherson’s struggles against Missouri, Freeze appears committed to keeping him as the team’s kicker moving forward. “He’s mentally strong. He’s been through a lot,” Freeze remarked. He highlighted the emotional weight McPherson carries after the loss, noting that the kicker likely feels that making just one of those missed attempts could have altered the game’s outcome.

The coach reiterated that the team remains supportive of McPherson, stating, “Nobody in here doubts him or has any less belief that he’s gonna make the next one.” As the Auburn Tigers navigate a challenging season, Freeze’s backing of McPherson reflects a commitment to fostering confidence within his players.

As the team prepares for future matchups, the focus will remain on maintaining morale and ensuring that McPherson can recover from this setback. The coming weeks will be critical as Auburn aims to turn its season around, with Freeze emphasizing the need for unity and resilience among the players.