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The heartbeat of Auburn football wants Hank Brown to replace Payton Thorne as QB1

ByAndrew Hughes|
Many on the Plains are fed up with Hugh Freeze not making the switch under center for Auburn football
Many on the Plains are fed up with Hugh Freeze not making the switch under center for Auburn football | Michael Chang/GettyImages

Auburn football fans are fed up with being spoon-fed Payton Thorne as their QB1 amidst a now-two-season slog for the former Michigan State star. Hugh Freeze has given limited opportunities to other arms in the room -- but when he has given someone else a chance since the 2023 Music City Bowl, it's been Hank Brown.

Brown represents a much different animal than Thorne under center. While the current starter has been a pure dual-threat who sometimes isn't even a threat through the air at all, Brown is a pure passer who can sling jump-balls with airtime further downfield.

With the talent the Tigers have at receiver, someone who can do that may just be what the doctor ordered. The 2024 season isn't a lost year with a 21-14 loss to Cal at home in the rearview but it definitely feels like one that's falling off the rails quickly. Luckily, Week 3 could be a recalibration week with New Mexico in town.

Though who am I kidding even saying that? Any Group of 5 team program is a threat in the NIL era. Teams from New Mexico especially.

Against the Lobos, a quarterback switch is what the heartbeat of the Tigers, the avid fans who relentlessly support a program that often doesn't love them back with positive on-field results, is calling for.

Auburn football fans are over Payton Thorne, want to see Hank Brown get a chance

Social media was flooded with post-Week 2 calls to finally replace Thorne and embrace a new beginning with a QB who is 10/14 passing with three touchdowns in his brief career.

Thorne had to pass the Cal test to avoid these calls. He didn't. Instead, he threw four interceptions and led a lifeless, rudderless offensive vessel.

And Freeze's confidence in Thorne is being seen through a strictly negative lens because of it. To move the Tigers forward, Freeze needs to trust that playing the first QB he ever recruited to AU, Brown, is the guy for the job.

At least until 2025. If Brown's not QB1 material for a meaningful contender, it's high time to pay for one who is in the portal or the 2025 class.

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