[autotag]Payton Thorne[/autotag]’s college career has seen its share of highs and lows, which has led to heavy criticism.
However, he has shown signs of being a solid quarterback against power competition. In 2021, he led Michigan State to an 11-win campaign by passing for 3,223 yards and 27 touchdowns. He was able to obtain those high numbers thanks to a great supporting cast that included wide receivers Jayden Reed and Jalen Nailor.
This offseason, Auburn head coach [autotag]Hugh Freeze[/autotag] revamped Auburn’s wide receiver unit by adding two experienced pieces from the transfer portal in [autotag]KeAndre Lambert-Smith[/autotag] and [autotag]Robert Lewis[/autotag] to go along with the Tigers’ record-setting 2024 high school receiver class led by [autotag]Cam Coleman[/autotag].
Will Thorne be able to replicate, or even exceed, his 2021 stats thanks to these new additions? The Athletic’s Kennington Smith III believes in the possibility.
Smith evaluated each SEC team ahead of the 2024 season, and compared 2024 Auburn to 2021 Michigan State. Smith says that Auburn’s revamped offense that includes the newcomers at receiver as well as returning stars [autotag]Jarquez Hunter[/autotag] and [autotag]Rivaldo Fairweather[/autotag] to the Spartans’ 2021 squad that featured running back Kenneth Walker and tight end Connor Heyward in addition to Thorne’s top receivers.
If that comparison rings true, Smith expects Thorne’s play to be “elevated.” It also helps Thorne’s case that Freeze has consistently shown confidence in Thorne’s ability to lead the Tigers’ offense.
Freeze’s confidence in Thorne is apparent as Auburn didn’t bring in any transfers at quarterback. And Freeze has adapted, bringing in Derrick Nix as the offensive coordinator, an indication that Freeze will be more involved as a play caller. Will Auburn make a second-year leap under Freeze? It relies on Thorne, and Auburn has done what it can to make sure it happens.
Thorne passed for a disappointing 1,755 yards and 16 scores last season with 10 interceptions. Freeze has added many talented pieces to the offense and has brought in a coordinator that he is familiar with in an effort to boost Thorne’s 2024 output. Auburn’s 2024 success on offense relies heavily on Thorne’s ability, and we will see early on if he will be able to lead the Tigers to significant victories in his final season.
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