Breaking News: Auburn Plans to Replace Experienced Quarterback Payton Thorne Against New Mexico
Auburn Live reported Friday that Auburn will be making a change at quarterback, with redshirt freshman Hank Brown starting on Saturday against New Mexico, who will be visiting.
This decision replaces fifth-year quarterback Payton Thorne, who was the returning starter and had started the first two games of the season for the Tigers.
However, Thorne's performance last weekend in a 21-14 upset loss to Cal was disappointing. He only completed 14 of 27 pass attempts for 165 yards, with a touchdown and four interceptions.
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According to Auburn Live, coach Hugh Freeze informed his quarterbacks of the switch on Friday.
In fact, Freeze had hinted at his thoughts on Wednesday, saying, "After watching the film, there is a very, very short leash on us playing as poorly as we did at that position." He also acknowledged that it's not always the quarterback's fault, but there were plays that Thorne was expected to make that were not executed in critical moments.
Last season, Thorne had started 12 of his 13 games after transferring from Michigan State. He threw for 1,755 yards and 16 touchdowns, but also had 10 interceptions. In the season opener against Alabama A&M two weeks ago, Thorne completed 61.9 percent of his pass attempts for 322 yards and four touchdowns in a 73-3 win.
In the game against Alabama A&M, Brown came in as a relief for Thorne and completed 3 of 5 passes for 96 yards and two touchdowns.
