The Ole Miss Rebels have breathed new life into their football program under Lane Kiffin, positioning themselves as strong contenders for the College Football Playoff as the SEC schedule approaches for 2024.
Across the SEC, the Auburn Tigers are led by former Ole Miss head coach Hugh Freeze. Freeze, who coached the Rebels from 2012 to 2016, significantly elevated the program’s profile. Under his leadership, Ole Miss achieved a remarkable 9-3 record in 2014, culminating in their first major bowl appearance since the 1970 Sugar Bowl—the 2014 Peach Bowl.
In 2015, Freeze continued the momentum, guiding the Rebels to another nine-win season and a spot in the 2016 Sugar Bowl, where they triumphed over Oklahoma State with a score of 48-20. This success earned Ole Miss its first top-10 finishes in the final AP and Coaches’ Polls since 1969.
However, Freeze’s tenure was marred by controversy. In 2015, the NCAA launched an investigation into serious allegations against the program, uncovering that boosters had provided numerous impermissible benefits to players, including car loans and cash. The investigation revealed inappropriate communications between Freeze and escort services through his university-issued phone.
As a result, the NCAA imposed severe penalties, stripping the program of 27 wins during Freeze’s tenure and banning them from postseason play for two years. Freeze resigned in 2017 after the revelation of his repeated use of a university phone to contact escort services.
Following his move to Auburn, Freeze faced criticism after the Tigers’ recent upset loss to Arkansas. Despite decent stats from both quarterbacks he played, Freeze openly lambasted their performance in his post-game press conference. “We’ve got to find a guy that won’t throw it to the other team,” he stated, emphasizing the need for running backs to secure the ball.
Former Ole Miss QB Bo Wallace did not hold back in response to Freeze’s comments. Taking to X, he accused Freeze of habitually throwing players under the bus while avoiding personal accountability. “He’s thrown so many QBs under the bus that maybe no one wants to play for him?” Wallace remarked. He acknowledged that Freeze’s offensive system had helped him during his time at Ole Miss but questioned why losses were always blamed on others.
Wallace transferred to Ole Miss in 2012 specifically to play for Freeze, ultimately starting in 2012 and leading the team to a Music City Bowl MVP award. Yet, he now feels disillusioned. After Freeze’s recent remarks, Wallace expressed his frustration, claiming Freeze is primarily motivated by financial gain.
Reflecting on his playing days, Wallace said, “All that guy did was break my body in half… He hasn’t helped me ONE TIME!” He highlighted the sacrifices he made, including playing through pain for Freeze’s benefit, only to feel abandoned after graduation.
Wallace’s candid comments shed light on the complexities of player-coach relationships and the consequences of high-stakes college football, especially as both Ole Miss and Auburn navigate their respective challenges in the SEC.