Auburn football: Bryan Harsin says Tigers could play two quarterbacks

Auburn football could play two quarterbacks in its season opener against Akron, according to coach Bryan Harsin. The Tigers held their first scrimmage Saturday, and both Bo Nix and LSU transfer TJ Finley got reps with the first team.

While the goal is to name a single starter before Sept. 4, Harsin acknowledged a decision might not be made by then.

“Yeah, well come Sept. 4, that’s — I’ve done that before, so that’s not out of the (realm of) possibilities,” he said. “Let’s be clear: That’s not what we’re working toward right now. Right now, we’re developing each quarterback to go out there and play the position and be the quarterback. I’ve used multiple quarterbacks for situational things, and because guys deserve to play at that position; I’ve coached some good players, starters and backups.”

Nix started the past two seasons, so it should be a bit concerning that he finds himself in the midst of a quarterback battle. Auburn finished 6-5 this past season and cut ties with coach Gus Malzahn. Can Nix learn the new offense quickly enough to hold on to the starting job?

Finley started five games as a freshman at LSU after injuries forced him into the spotlight. He threw for 941 yards and five touchdowns and went 2-3. The former 3-star prospect is apparently making a positive impression on his new coach.

Harsin provided a bit more insight into what he is looking for from his starting quarterback.

“All the time at the quarterback position it really comes down to decision-making,” Harsin said. “That’s a huge part of what we’re working through now just learning and making progress as far as what we’re doing and learning to execute the offense and how it needs to look each and every day and every practice and then making great decisions on the field.”

Whether the Auburn football starts the season with one quarterback or two, it’s clear there is much to work on. The coach liked what he saw from Saturday’s scrimmage, but said there is still plenty of room to improve for both quarterbacks.

“There’s some really good things tonight at the quarterback position,” Harsin said. “I thought all the guys ran the ball well and did some things and threw the ball well at times. There’s plenty to correct. That will be the focus with that position moving forward this week is the decision-making process.”