Auburn transfer lauded on X for Week 9 breakout vs Mississippi State

Previously struggling Auburn football transfer quarterback Payton Thorne is struggling no more; having broken out in a brilliant Week 9 showing against Mississippi State in a convincing 27-13 win. Thorne completed 20 of his 26 pass attempts, three of those completed passes being touchdowns and amassed 230 yards through the air and 38 yards on the ground.

X celebrated No. 1, who had previously been called to be replaced by Robby Ashford and/or Holden Geriner by the fanbase, during the shocking turnaround for the Michigan State transfer following four straight games of 100 passing yards or less during non-garbage time.

“The fighting Payton Thorne’s have done it,” proclaimed one poster, hat-tipping the best player on October 28 with the sarcastic faux mascot.

“I see Auburn is finally letting Payton Thorne throw the damn ball…that coaching staff has been as bad as MSU in terms of play calling,” a Michigan State fan prefaced before saying, “Thorne finally getting the opportunity to cook.”

“Payton Thorne masterclass,” proudly proclaimed another poster.

“Play like this the rest of the season and everybody forgets the start,” observed another poster.

Payton Thorne just changed narrative of Auburn football season

With one brilliant showing in Week 9, Thorne and the Tigers now have momentum heading into the most winnable three-game stretch of the season against Vanderbilt, an Arkansas program in turmoil and likely to dismiss Sam Pittman, and New Mexico State at home.

All of a sudden, an Iron Bowl upset can be talked about without a slew of eye rolls. In fact, the Tigers playing spoiler to Alabama and the Crimson Tide’s 2023 College Football Playoff hopes — this coming off a four-game win streak — is the exact kind of cinema the rivalry has been built on over the years.

After playing the role of scapegoat most of the season, Thorne played the hero role against Mississippi State.