The Auburn Tigers may not have a starting quarterback truly named yet, but the staff feels they can solve the turnover issues.
The Tigers have currently flip-flopped between quarterbacks Payton Thorne and Hank Brown due to serious turnover issues. Thorne, a veteran transfer from Michigan State, led the offense last season and struggle in doing so. After Thorne got off to a tough start to the 2024 season, coach Hugh Freeze quickly benched the quarterback in favor of the freshman Brown.
Brown looked exceptional in a 45-19 win over New Mexico, but was promptly benched against Arkansas during the 24-14 loss. Brown threw three interceptions and was benched in favor of Thorne by Freeze, but might return to the starting role.
Freeze has not made a clear decision on which quarterback is going to lead the team moving forward, but has found a way to limit the mistakes. Turnovers have been killing the Auburn Tigers, particularly in the form of interceptions as the Tigers have thrown eight.
Hugh Freeze knows there’s a mental side to cutting down interceptions, improving QB play and helping Payton Thorne and Hank Brown stay confident.
“We’ve got to try to focus on the things you are doing well and that you’re really comfortable with.” https://t.co/7Nnrdyz6DD pic.twitter.com/sdY3mGQiNp
— Nathan King (@NathanKing247) September 25, 2024
Freeze stated the quarterbacks and offensive staff need to focus on ‘…things you are doing well and feel really comfortable with.’ The coach is aiming to display a much improved offense this season after landing himself on the hot-seat previously following his first season.
Auburn Tigers fans have not been silent about the quarterback situation, and have been placing immense pressure on Freeze to fix something on offense. The Tigers currently turn the ball over once for every two touchdowns scored.
I won’t pretend to know his reasons but my God Payton Thorne is a god awful QB and has completely let him, the staff and his team down with not being able to run this offense and not get rid of the ball. He’s being paid so he’s no longer an amateur so why treat him like an infant
— NolaTiger91 (@NolaTiger91) September 26, 2024
BREAKING: Auburn Quarterbacks Payton Thorne and Hank Brown both plan to redshirt the remainder of the 2024 season and enter the transfer portal. They will spend time together in a special medical testing facility for people who suffer from color blindness in an effort to reduce… pic.twitter.com/JTxv6CT432
— Jimmy Chestnut (@Aubfather) September 26, 2024
Auburn Tigers, Coach Hugh Freeze Facing Oklahoma Sooners in ‘Prove-It’ Game
The clock is ticking on the Auburn team as there is not much time left before the season begins to truly unravel.
While the Tigers may not have had college football playoff hopes, they certainly did not expect to face three potential losses through five games. The Oklahoma Sooners were introduced to the SEC by the Tennessee Volunteers last week, and now have a banged up team for the Tigers clash. Oklahoma could be in a vulnerable position that the Tigers must capitalize upon.
Currently the Sooners are expected to be without the top five wide receivers on the depth chart. Along with this, the Sooners are also starting true freshman quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr against the Tigers. Auburn truly needs a win to put the team back on course for a solid season, and it will involve stopping Hawkins Jr and the Sooners offense.
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