But the Tigers didn't lose. They improved their record to 5-5. They will play at Alabama, a 24-3 loser at Oklahoma, next Saturday. If they can pull that one off, they will go to a bowl game.

Was Saturday night's victory a turning point for Freeze and his program? I don't know. But it was for sure a sign that, despite all the close losses, despite losing five times in six games, his players never gave up and never gave in.

And they should all be proud.

-Philip Marshall 11-24-24