In a recent showdown against Cal, Auburn football tried something different by using not one but two quarterbacks. However, Head Coach Hugh Freeze wasn’t too thrilled with how it all played out.
During a chat on the SEC coaches teleconference this past Wednesday, Freeze didn’t hold back. He said, “The other night was not something that I’m OK with.” He openly acknowledged that Auburn is a work in progress, trying to figure out the best way to win games. Freeze knows they might not have the depth that some of their SEC rivals do, but they’re determined to find their winning formula.
So, what exactly happened on the field? Well, Payton Thorne, a transfer from Michigan State, got the start and spent 43 snaps in the game, according to Pro Football Focus. Robby Ashford also made appearances, tallying up 15 snaps. Thorne was initially named Auburn’s starter during fall camp and had 37 plays under his belt in Week 1 against UMass before being subbed out during garbage time. Ashford, meanwhile, got his chance with 25 reps, some in the first half and some during the game’s less competitive moments.
Freeze had this to say, “I think we’ve got to decide who is the guy.” While he recognizes that Robby Ashford deserves playing time, he’s concerned that all the back-and-forth between quarterbacks might not be the healthiest approach. He stressed that earning playing time is something that applies to every player, not just those in the quarterback position.
Looking ahead, Freeze believes that things will become clearer in the next few weeks. He sees Payton Thorne as the quarterback who can effectively run the entire offense. However, competition from Holden Geriner and Robby Ashford is keeping things interesting. The coming weeks will be telling in terms of how the quarterback situation pans out.
Now, about that passing game against Cal – it generated a mere 94 yards. But here’s the thing: Freeze isn’t putting all the blame on the quarterbacks. He pointed out that the receivers need to step up their game by running precise routes at the right depth to ensure that the timing is spot on. Freeze knows there’s work to be done, but he’s hopeful that they’ll see improvements in the passing game in their upcoming match.
Freeze was hired as the head coach at Auburn University in November 2022. He is the 31st head coach in Auburn’s 129-year history. He is known for his offensive prowess and his ability to develop quarterbacks.
In a nutshell, the quarterback situation at Auburn is still up in the air as Coach Hugh Freeze tries to figure out who’s the best fit for the job. While Payton Thorne currently holds the starting position, competition from Robby Ashford and Holden Geriner adds an extra layer of intrigue.
Getting the passing game on point will require efforts from both quarterbacks and receivers, with Freeze stressing the importance of precision and timing. The games to come will reveal how this quarterback puzzle unfolds.
