Hugh Freeze assesses why Auburn still uses two quarterback-system

Auburn’s quarterback competition has continued throughout the season in a sense with Payton Thorne and Robby Ashford seeing reps. While that has puzzled some at times, Hugh Freeze says that dynamic had no impact on the Tiger’s fourth straight loss this weekend.

Freeze addressed his quarterbacks and the scenarios in which he employs them during his postgame press conference after Auburn’s 28-21 defeat to Ole Miss. To him, using both wasn’t the issue on Saturday night as neither package was as effective as he had hoped they’d be, especially on third down.

“I don’t think that had anything to do with the outcome of the game. They both had a really good package and they both worked at times.”

“I felt good about both of these packages tonight. They both worked at times but it was when you get into the third down area where we don’t convert.

In what ended up as a one-possession home loss to the Rebels, Auburn went 4-14 on third down.

The play of Thorne and Ashford didn’t help the Tigers get over the hump in the end. As QB1, Thorne went 9-13 for just 100 passing yards, a touchdown, and an interception. He also rushed for 34 yards. Meanwhile, as the backup, Ashford went 3-4 for 22 yards and a pick. He paired that with 27 yards of his own on the ground.

It’s not hard to see why the question at this position has continued to draw out at Auburn. In Freeze’s opinion, Ashford is too dynamic of a weapon for them to not utilize at all. While it might be easier to stick with one and ride it out, he’s going to stick to what he has done this season and continue to find ways to help both try to be effective in order to give the Tigers their best shot.

“It’d be nice to have one of them – for sure. But we’re searching to see what is the best avenue for us to go to win. I still think that Robby should have a package,” said Freeze.

Lane Kiffin describes his relationship with Freeze

Ole Miss clashed with their former leader, Hugh Freeze, this weekend with Lane Kiffin leading the Rebels to a 28-21 victory over the Auburn Tigers.

Ahead of the showdown, Kiffin elaborated on his history with Freeze. While there isn’t much to write about regarding their paths crossing, it’s always been positive for Kiffin when they have.

“I haven’t been around him that much. A few times, over the years,” explained Kiffin. “My brother, when he coaches here? (I) really appreciated how he treated my brother. You know, I had nothing but good interactions the few times with him at SEC Media Days. Obviously, we played him at Liberty when they played here. So that’s about it.”