Auburn football: AL.com says Zach Calzada is most likely QB1 by Penn State game
Even though it appears T.J. Finley will be Auburn football QB1 come September 3rd when Mercer comes to town, AL.com’s Joseph Goodman believes that by the Week 3 matchup against Penn State on September 17th, Zach Calzada will instead be the starter — speculating that Finley, Calzada and Robby Ashford will split time against the Bears in a week and a half and again vs. Week 2 opponent San Jose State, calling for a two week, three-way audition before things are settled in time for the Nittany Lions and the northeast invasion of the Plains.
Goodman said he still thinks Calzada is the most likely option for Harsin by the game against Penn State but asked if ‘there (has) ever been a more dispiriting quarterback competition than Auburn’s this preseason.’
Despite Goodman being down on the roster, there is much reason for optimism. 14 starters return, and continuity in college football is critical. Only Mississippi State and South Carolina have more starters returning in the conference (h/t Fox Sports).
Goodman is certainly correct that the Tigers starting signal-caller spot will have the brightest lights being shone on it by any in the conference because of the uncertainty. A massive showing against San Jose State from any one of the three QBs in the running could create a buzz that Bryan Harsin can’t ignore as a plugged-in coach to the fanbase, at least based on clever social media promotion.
Auburn football could seek production-by-committee
Perhaps Bryan Harsin could carve out an underdog legacy in the SEC with shock value play-calling stemming from a multiple quarterback offense overseen by the second-year HC and first-year offensive coordinator Eric Kiesau.
Zach Calzada has gone from heavy favorite to third-stringer quickly, giving Auburn football a luxury reserve with a win over Alabama under his belt but giving fans worry that the two transfers (with Robby Ashford) are behind in the offense.
T.J. Finley has reportedly been impressive in fall camp, so perhaps beating up on the Weeks 1 and 2 tomato cans can build up enough confidence to head into the Penn State matchup ready to avenge last season’s first shortcoming.
Either way, we still have at least another three weekends before we know for sure who will be representing the Tigers behind center against the Big Ten East foe.