Auburn LB Eltoro Freeman ineligible for opener

Published Sep. 3, 2011 1:14 p.m. ET

foxsports

Auburn linebacker Eltoro Freeman is ineligible for the season opener with Utah State.

Auburn said shortly before Saturday's game that Freeman had to sit out ''after an administrative oversight was discovered'' in his initial eligibility certification. He'll be able to return next weekend against Mississippi State.

Tigers coach Gene Chizik says ''he hates that this occurred because this is on Auburn.''

Freeman was listed as a second-team middle linebacker behind sophomore Jake Holland, but the senior is one of Auburn's most experienced linebackers.

He transferred to Auburn after spending two years and playing one season in junior college.