Auburn football: 3 reasons why TJ Finley could take over as QB1

Reason #2: Finley’s composure under pressure

Time and time again, we as Auburn football fans have watched Bo get riled up and discombobulated when the pressure is jacked up in the stadium. Instead of remaining calm and focused, it seems that Nix’s natural response to pressure is scrambling, which leads to chaos and usually a loss of yardage.

However, one can argue that the pressure on TJ Finley’s shoulders on Saturday was huge. To be put into a losing game and turn things around is no easy feat, especially when there’s no way that Finley is taking nearly as many snaps as Nix at practice, and wide receiver Shedrick Jackson pointed that out:

"“People don’t understand. Coming into the game like that – not starting and just waiting a whole half – just coming in and making plays like that, that’s hard to do,” wide receiver Shedrick Jackson said. “He took control of the offense. He was confident and poised. He was ready to go.”"

Multiple times Finley was able to deliver on third down and in the red zone, which has been an issue of Nix’s in the past. Finley seemed to calm down and feel more comfortable the more things heated up, spinning to avoid tackles and maintaining composure to complete passes right up until the second he was tackled.

He has the ability to keep looking downfield and give the receivers an opportunity to make a play even if he’s under serious pressure. Finley’s poise could be what leads to his takeover of the QB1 role.