The quarterback battle on the Plains has been one of the key storylines throughout the 2022 offseason for Auburn football, and continues to go on throughout the regular season, as well. Things began with TJ Finley named as the official starter with Robby Ashford as his backup. The pair split playtime throughout the first three matchups until an injury gave the keys to Ashford against Missouri.
Now, as the Tigers prepare to take on LSU under the lights of Jordan-Hare Stadium, things have swapped around and Robby Ashford is listed as QB1 on the official depth chart. Ashford was one of the most inexperienced quarterbacks in the competition initially, but his athleticism pushed him to the forefront during fall camp.
With Finley reportedly out of tonight’s game with a shoulder injury–his second consecutive absence–as well as the importance of keeping Holden Geriner’s redshirt, it’s possible that tonight’s tiger-on-tiger matchup will cement Robby Ashford as Auburn football’s QB1 moving forward.
Of course, the Tigers’ quarterback play hasn’t been very impressive this season, but that’s largely been due to the fact that the offensive line is not creating enough time for the quarterback, no matter who it is, to make a good play.
If they want to have any chance to beat LSU, Auburn is going to have to score points. To do that, Ashford will need to step up and create conversions on third down as well as start completing passes. As one of three teams without a touchdown through the air, the Tigers’ passing game has got to improve.
It may be a long shot, but if Robby Ashford can lead Auburn football to a win tonight, it’s possible that the QB1 on the depth chart next to his name stays there for the remainder of the Tigers’ season