The Auburn faithful have been abuzz for almost two weeks now; from the moment Hugh Freeze first mentioned the starting QB position was up in the air, fans only wanted to know one thing: who would step into the spotlight for Auburn’s last three games?
Saturday, that question was answered.
Without any formal announcement, Coach Freeze sent Payton Thorne onto the field for the ULM game, cementing that Thorne will continue to be the starter; this resulted in an unfortunately somewhat anticlimactic conclusion to this saga. Thorne has started all of Auburn’s matchups this season, barring one in which he was put in the game for the second half after a subpar performance from Hank Brown.
Thorne has been admittedly decent since his horrific performance against Cal in which he threw four interceptions. Since, he’s only thrown three more; though Thorne does seem to have a knack for throwing picks in clutch moments (see the Oklahoma game).
That said, Thorne didn’t throw an interception against Vanderbilt- he just didn’t do much of anything else either. The Tigers, whether it be due to playcalling issues or subpar performances from key players, only managed to score seven points against the Commodores.
Payton Thorne didn't practice much leading into Auburn football's Week 11 bye
Another issue this announcement brings to light is Thorne’s shoulder injury: according to Coach Freeze, Thorne didn’t practice most of the first week before the bye due to this injury, leading many to fear a resurgence of the Thorne they saw against Cal.
Whatever the case, Coach Freeze evidently has something in mind, as he took this long and didn't officially announce who would start. Tiger fans will see how it goes.