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Auburn (2-2, 0-1 SEC )has a big issue ahead of its Week 5 game against Southeastern Conference newcomer, No. 21 Oklahoma (3-1, 1-0). Following their 24-14 loss to Arkansas in Week 4, the Tigers welcome the Sooners to Jordan-Hare Stadium this weekend amid a significant problem at the quarterback position.
Hugh Freeze is still unsure about who will be the starting quarterback against Oklahoma. Senior Payton Thorne struggled in the first few games of the season, giving freshman Hank Brown a chance. However, none of the two has earned the right to keep the starting role.
As the game against the Sooners approaches, college football insider Pete Thamel disclosed the quarterback situation at Auburn is still uncertain in his appearance on “College Football Live.”
“Their QB situation, unlike Oklahoma, is now in flux,” Pete Thamel said. “There will be a battle this week in practice between Hank Brown and Payton Thorne, the veteran.”
“Auburn coach Hugh Freeze wants to see which one of those quarterbacks best handles the complex looks that Oklahoma is going to give them. Auburn has the most interceptions of any program in the county. Oklahoma is in the top 5 in turnover margin. That's not a great match-up for Auburn.”
Through three games, Thorne has completed just 57 percent of his passes, throwing for 700 yards with seven touchdowns and five interceptions. Although, he has added 102 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
Meanwhile, Brown has not been much better. After his four-touchdown performance against New Mexico, he threw three interceptions in the first half of their loss to Arkansas last weekend.
Auburn coach Hugh Freeze confirms it will be a battle between the two quarterbacks
Fixing the quarterback struggle is crucial to Hugh Freeze's success at Auburn and he wants to get that right as soon as possible. The coach confirmed during his media availability on Monday that the starting role is open for competition this week, ahead of the Oklahoma game.
“It’s going to be a battle this week,” Freeze said per Auburn Tigers on SI. “Trying to figure out who can master the plan against all these fronts that we’re going to face against Oklahoma.”
Freeze also had some words about his two quarterbacks on Monday. In a detailed review of Brown’s first-half performance against Arkansas, he emphasized that poor decision-making was the key issue, especially during Auburn’s opening drive when his interception set the tone.
“You watch the first drive and you believe Hank is making the right decisions until you get to the 25-yard line and we got the check down wide open and he makes that decision and then made two other poor ones but looked really, really sharp at times,” Freeze said.
On the other hand, Freeze acknowledged Thorne’s performance as solid when he was called into action, noting his steadier play provided some stability in contrast to Brown's early difficulties.
The Tigers will be looking to steal a win against the odds when they host Oklahoma on Saturday. The Sooners suffered their first loss of the season at the hands of Tennessee and will be looking to bounce back this weekend.
