Takeaways: Hugh Freeze confirms Austin Keys’ injury, talks conference realignment, Cal QBs on SEC teleconference

AUBURN — Auburn football coach Hugh Freeze participated in the second SEC weekly teleconference of the season on Wednesday. Here’s what he said.

“We’re excited to be 1-0,” Freeze said. “When you watch the film, we have a lot to improve on. We’ll be tested with this trip to Cal. They have an explosive offense and good defense. Going to the west coast is a challenge and one we have to rise to. We’ll be tested this week.”

Linebacker Austin Keys suffered a thumb injury against UMass that required surgery, Freeze confirmed on Wednesday. Keys started at middle linebacker and finished with just two tackles in the game. Keys suffered a right shoulder injury in the first fall scrimmage and missed practice time leading into the season opener.

“He’s going to be out awhile,” Freeze said.

Without Keys, expect Larry Nixon III to start in the middle, with Wesley Steiner backing him up. Cam Riley and Eugene Asante will man the weakside position.

Cal offensive coordinator Jake Spavital is the former Texas A&M offensive coordinator in 2014-15, and has made previous stops at West Virginia, Oklahoma State, and even Cal once before. Cal’s offense racked up nearly 700 total yards in the opener against North Texas and Freeze sees Spavital doing some interesting things.

“I’ve got great respect fo him. I think he does a nice job. We only have one game at Cal and it appears he’s different than the lsat time I remember him in the conference. We’re preparing for both. He does a great job of scheming and playing fast. They put up crazy numbers. He’s got a great scheme and really good players.”

Freeze was asked about conference expansion, specifically about the fact that the SEC seems to be staying regional in its expansion versus The Big Ten or ACC adding teams from across the country.

“I’m very thankful that our conference at least appears to have little interest in being that spread out. I don’t see how that’s good for the student-athlete or the staff. It’ll take a toll on you just taking one trip for the rest of the season. I’m not sitting in those rooms for those meetings, but I’m thankful this conference is keeping things closer.”

The offensive line saw 13 different players get snaps against UMass. Freeze said on Monday he feels comfortable with “eight or nine,” but doesn’t expect to go beyond that when the game is still in doubt. On Wednesday, Freeze talked more about his comfort level with the group.

“I think we’re comfortable with nine guys right now. I think it’s going to be two, three or four games to see what that looks like game to game. I’m excited for Gunner Britton to be named lineman of the week. He’s valuable to us. The other seven to eight guys, I thought played well. We were able to run the football. We’ll get tested more with the fronts we face. I hope we stay healthy there.”

Cal starting quarterback Sam Jackson is questionable for the game against Auburn. Backup Ben Finley is plenty capable, though. Freeze talked about both of them on Wednesday.

“The first kid is an athlete. He can throw and run. Then Finley came in and didn’t miss a beat throwing. He’s not the same athlete, but he’s sure efficient. I don’t know if they’l use both or one, but we have to prepare for both of them. They played well last week.”

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