Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze confirmed on Saturday morning that Payton Thorne will start at quarterback against Oklahoma later in the day. Thorne replaced Hank Brown during last week's loss to Arkansas.
Auburn quarterback Payton Thorne looks to throw a pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game against California, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, in Auburn , Ala. Hugh Freeze appeared Saturday morning on SEC Nation on the SEC Network, confirming that Payton Thorne will start at quarterback vs. Oklahoma later in the day.
Thorne replaced Hank Brown behind center at halftime of last week’s 24-14 loss to Arkansas, after Brown had thrown three interceptions in the first half. Thorne — who started the first two games of the season before giving way to Brown — completed 13 of 22 passes for 213 yards and two touchdowns with an interception.
“He came in in the second half and … led us on two scoring drives out of the four that he had,” Freeze said. “And one of those was a pick that I think should have been caught. I think really the nod comes down to Oklahoma’s defense is one of the more complicated ones you’re going to face. I think they’re one of the best in the country defensively.
“His experience of identifying ‘this is where the protection should be — nothing against Hank, Hank’s young, and he will be ready to play also — but has played more ball. I think he can get us into more of the early checks that hopefully give us some success that gets us into the fourth quarter with a chance to win it.”
Oklahoma also made a quarterback change this week, giving true freshman Michael Hawkins the nod over incumbent starter Jackson Arnold. Hawkins also replaced Arnold during the Sooners’ game last week, a 25-15 loss to Tennessee.“They’re starting a freshman quarterback in Jordan-Hare and we have the absolute best fans in the world,” Freeze said. “That freshman can run, he can fly, but we need our fans to make it very difficult on them when they’re on offense today.
Auburn Oklahoma Payton Thorne Hank Brown SEC
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Auburn football news: Payton Thorne reportedly to start at QB vs. OklahomaThorne will make his first start since Auburn's Week 2 loss to Cal
Read more »
Auburn Coach Hugh Freeze Asks for More from QB Payton Thorne Ahead of CalAuburn Tigers head coach Hugh Freeze searching for improvements in pass protection appears to focus in on his quarterback Payton Thorne.
Read more »
Paul Finebaum Stirring Pot with Auburn Tigers QB Payton ThorneESPN college football expert Paul Finebaum suggests fingers will point at Auburn Tigers quarterback Payton Thorne if the Tigers don't hit the ground running.
Read more »
Auburn Tigers QB Payton Thorne: ‘We Got Something To Build On’Auburn’s quarterback is pleased with what he saw from his team in the season opener against Alabama A&M.
Read more »
Payton Thorne throws 4 TD passes in first half, Auburn routs Alabama A&M 73-3Montgomery, Alabama
Read more »
Auburn Tigers QB Payton Thorne: ‘We Gotta Do a Better Job Protecting the Ball’Auburn Tigers quarterback Payton Thorne threw four interceptions in a 21-14 loss to the Cal Golden Bears.
Read more »