The No. 22 Auburn Tigers once again young on the defensive side of the ball.

There are pros and cons to utilizing the team's youth, according to head coach Hugh Freeze. Auburn has played a significant amount of newcomers compared to a lot of teams.

"I saw a stat somewhere where we played like 20 freshmen or redshirt freshmen in the first three games. That’s good and bad," Freeze said. "I think that speaks well for the recruiting we’ve done. Also, they need some time to develop. I’m always trying to get them some leeway for people to be patient with them, for us to be patient with them as they develop because they’re going to be really good players.”

In the defensive secondary, Freeze's attention has been caught by two young standouts.

“I would say Newboy (AnQuon Fegans) and (Eric) Winters are pushing," Freeze said. I don’t know if pushing is the right word or proving that they deserve some time in our rotation back there."

The linebacker corps is the same way, as young players have put Freeze and company on notice throughout the middle of the defense. 

"The linebackers are playing so it’s not like they’re having to push," Freeze said. "Those young guys are playing. X (Xavier Atkins), (Bryce) Deas, (Elijah) Melendez, they’re playing. We’re young in the middle of that defense, and it’s really going to be tested in the next few weeks. It’ll be a good test for us to see where we are with those young guys. (Blake) Woodby is another one pushing to get some time at nickel."

Oklahoma will put these players who still have a lot to prove to the test, but it could be an opportunity for them to have breakout moments as well.

The Tigers and the 22nd-ranked Sooners go head-to-head at 2:30 p.m. CT on Saturday, ABC will carry the broadcast.