For those who follow Auburn football, it is fairly easy to admit that quarterback [autotag]Payton Thorne[/autotag] had a less than stellar year in his first season on the Plains. The Tigers went 6-7 in 2023, their third losing season in a row.
The transfer from Michigan State was the SEC’s least efficient passer last year. He posted a 61.1% completion rate and threw 16 touchdowns with 10 interceptions.
With Thorne preparing for year two as the starting quarterback, it is no secret that his performance will need to majorly improve, and head coach [autotag]Hugh Freeze[/autotag] believes he can do just that, especially with a massive increase in his number of weapons to choose from.
The confidence that Freeze has in his sixth-year senior is higher than ever, something the two have been constantly discussing over the course of the offseason.
“I’m really confident,” Freeze said on Tuesday. “I believe in him, I believe in his leadership. I meet with him every single week right now. He has a knowledge of the game that’s as good as I’ve been around for a quarterback. Now that we’ve gone back to some of the things I’m really familiar with, I think he’s going to be more comfortable.”
Thorne has gone through some minor changes in the basics of his game, but those changes have led to him having a tight hold on the starting position heading into the 2024 season.
Freeze made good use of his quarterbacks while at Ole Miss, especially Bo Wallace and Chad Kelly. Part of that had to do with the talent they had in the receiving corps, something Freeze is trying to bring to Auburn.
While the development of those key pieces is crucial, Thorne has to play strongly in order to aid them. Freeze believes that no matter what, he is optimistic that his quarterback will adapt and help put the offense on the map.
“The pieces around the quarterback have to play really well,” Freeze said. “And I think we’ve improved that. How well can those freshmen play at certain positions? I don’t know; I’ve seen it go really well, and I’ve seen some have to have time to develop. I’m optimistic and believe in Payton, for sure.”
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