See Ball Get Ball with David Pollack: Episode Summary

Episode Title: Hugh Freeze | SEC Previews: LSU, Ole Miss, South Carolina & Auburn
Host/Author: David Pollack
Release Date: July 10, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of See Ball Get Ball, host David Pollack teams up with Brent Rollins to provide an in-depth preview of the upcoming SEC college football season. The discussion covers key teams—LSU, Ole Miss, South Carolina, and Auburn—and culminates in an exclusive interview with Auburn's head coach, Hugh Freeze.

LSU Preview

David Pollack and Brent Rollins kick off the discussion with a focus on LSU, analyzing their defensive lineup changes and overall season expectations.

• Defense Overhaul:
  Brent Rollins (00:52) highlights LSU's defensive adjustments:

  "You lost Swenson and Jones, who took quarterback pressures and sacks to the NFL, and you've brought in players like Pyburn from Florida and Butler from Nebraska."

• Key Players:
  Pollack (02:00) emphasizes the importance of linebackers Wit Weeks and Harold Perkins Jr.:

  "You have the best one-two punch in the country at linebacker, which is crucial for their defensive success."

• Season Expectations:
  Despite strong defensive prospects, Rollins (07:29) projects LSU as a 9-3 team:

  "I think they could go to the playoffs, but inconsistencies along the offensive line might limit them to a respectable 9-3 record."

Ole Miss Preview

The conversation shifts to Ole Miss, focusing on their defensive rebuild and quarterback performance.

• Defensive Changes:
  Rollins (08:31) points out the overhaul on Ole Miss's defense with seven new starters:

  "They have borderline an entirely new defense that's seven plus new starters."

• Quarterback Concerns:
  Pollack (09:10) shares an impressive play by quarterback Austin Simmons:

  "He ran through Georgia's defense, converting a fourth down and making it look like scout team work."

• Season Projection:
  Rollins (10:45) rates Ole Miss at 9-3, considering their tougher non-conference schedule:

  "With games against Tulane and Washington State, they have to prove themselves early on."

South Carolina Preview

David Pollack and Brent Rollins examine South Carolina, focusing on player replacements and coaching challenges.

• Player Replacements:
  Rollins (11:38) discusses the loss of key players and the impact on South Carolina's performance:

  "They are replacing all over the field with players like Canard, Sanders, and Eamon Warrior being drafted."

• Season Expectations:
  While Pollack (14:26) is optimistic about a 9-3 finish, Rollins (14:43) expresses doubt, suggesting an 8-4 record:

  "With so much to replace, it's going to be extremely difficult to surpass a 9-3 season."

Auburn Preview

The duo delves into Auburn's prospects, highlighting their offensive strengths and the pivotal role of quarterback Jackson Arnold.

• Offensive Strengths:
  Pollack (17:22) praises Auburn's offensive line and wide receivers:

  "They have the best one-two punch in the country with Coleman and Singleton, making their offense versatile and dangerous."

• Season Projections:
  Both Pollins (18:28) and Rollins (18:29) predict Auburn to finish at least 8-4, potentially exceeding expectations if their running game flourishes.

Exclusive Interview with Coach Hugh Freeze

The highlight of the episode is an exclusive interview with Auburn's Head Coach Hugh Freeze, addressing team dynamics, recruiting strategies, and personal challenges.

Recruiting and Team Building

• Selecting Jackson Arnold:
  Pollock (21:35) inquires about the decision to recruit Jackson Arnold, considering his previous performance.
  Freeze (21:35) responds:

  "I just thought he was elite... He has all the natural ability to run the offense."

• Restoring Confidence:
  Freeze (25:44) discusses rebuilding Arnold's confidence:

  "We have to restore the confidence that I saw with him... He's a Gatorade player of the year with tremendous potential."

Offensive Strategy

• RPO and Quick Passes:
  Pollock (29:14) asks about the offensive approach.
  Freeze (29:30) explains:

  "We're RPO-driven with a quick game and vary tempos, which makes Auburn a dangerous offense."

• Receiver Utilization:
  Highlighting receivers Coleman and Singleton, Freeze (30:26) states:

  "Cam is special with his length and speed... Singleton can run routes and has incredible hands."

Defensive Strategy and Depth

• Defensive Line Adjustments:
  Pollock (34:51) questions the defensive line strategy post-McLeod's departure.
  Freeze (35:14) answers:

  "We're six deep with solid bodies and new transfers... We're going to have sufficient rush."

SEC Media Days and Recruiting Challenges

• Media Preparation:
  Pollock (37:41) asks about preparing for SEC Media Days.
  Freeze (38:02) responds candidly, focusing on transparency:

  "I just like to be transparent and truthful... Our focus is 100% on winning."

• Recruiting Under Salary Cap Constraints:
  Freeze (38:02) elaborates on the complexities of recruiting with salary cap rules:

  "How do you convince a third five-star quarterback when operating under a true salary cap? It's complicated."

Personal Challenges and Leadership

• Health Battle:
  In a heartfelt moment, Pollock (45:25) asks Freeze about his recent health diagnosis.
  Freeze (45:46) shares:

  "I've surrendered my story to my faith in God... We're monitoring it and will tackle it in January."

• Balancing Personal Life and Coaching:
  Freeze emphasizes the support from his family and his unwavering focus on the team:

  "My focus is 100% on getting Auburn in the win column this fall."

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with Pollack commending Hugh Freeze for his resilience and commitment to Auburn despite personal challenges. Freeze reiterates his dedication to the team's success, blending personal faith with professional responsibility.

Notable Quotes

• David Pollock (02:00):

  "You have the best one-two punch in the country at linebacker, which is crucial for their defensive success."

• Brent Rollins (07:29):

  "I think LSU is going to be one of these teams that could somehow get it together and make a playoff run."

• Hugh Freeze (25:44):

  "I just think the way we believe the settlement is written to operate, it will work out in our favor."

• Hugh Freeze (29:30):

  "We're RPO-driven with a quick game and vary tempos, which makes Auburn a dangerous offense."

• Hugh Freeze (45:46):

  "I've surrendered my story to my faith in God... We're monitoring it and will tackle it in January."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and poignant moments from the episode, offering listeners a thorough overview of the SEC previews and an intimate look into Coach Hugh Freeze's outlook and personal journey.