Auburn Tigers head coach Hugh Freeze is reportedly dealing with an illness, suspected to be food poisoning, as the team prepares for a crucial game against Kentucky amid a four-game losing streak. Despite Freeze's late arrival, Auburn is only a one-point underdog, indicating a potential turnaround opportunity in their season. The Tigers have faced narrow losses, often due to critical mistakes, which Freeze acknowledges as a major frustration in his coaching career. Auburn's management has structured Freeze's contract to facilitate an easier financial exit if necessary, reflecting their readiness to consider firing him despite his $20.3 million buyout. ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum has criticized Freeze's performance, questioning his accomplishments outside of his success against Alabama's Nick Saban. Auburn's recent struggles include failing to capitalize on leads in closely contested games against ranked opponents.