AUBURN, Ala. —

Auburn head football coach Hugh Freeze opened his weekly press conference Monday with congratulations for men’s basketball coach Bruce Pearl , calling him “one of the best men I’ve ever met.”

Freeze also applauded Pearl’s son, Stephen, on his promotion to head coach , saying he looks forward to building the same kind of relationship he has with Bruce.

>> THROUGH THE YEARS: Photos show key moments from Bruce Pearl's legendary time as Auburn's head basketball coach

Key Points

Pearl praise: Freeze started out saying he will still be able to laugh with Bruce Pearl at the lake and looks forward to seeing Steven Pearl succeed.

Special teams : The plays were the decisive factor in the recent loss.

Test time: Freeze said Aggies will be the hardest team yet.

Turning t

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