Hugh Freeze evaluates how much Payton Thorne has grown through non-conference play

When Payton Thorne transferred from Michigan State to Auburn in the offseason, most assumed the quarterback would win the starting job for first year head coach Hugh Freeze. And rightly so, as Thorne went out and took the QB1 job, but the adjustment period through non-conference play has still been notable.

On the SEC coaches teleconference on Wednesday, Freeze expressed his confidence in where Thorne is at. He explained that a lot of the offensive woes aren’t inherently because of the quarterback or subpar play there.

“I think he’s gotten better and better and he’s getting more comfortable with our receivers and the team and — it’s not always the quarterbacks issues when we’re not effective,” Freeze said. “It takes everybody being on the same page. I think we’re still a work in progress with that in our passing game and our run game, truthfully, too.”

The Tigers are 3-0, but the offense has been up and down. Auburn is averaging a shade under 40 points a game, but the bulk of the scoring came against UMass and Samford. Against Cal, the lone Power 5 opponent to date, the Tigers scored 14.

Going to Texas A&M this weekend, the level of defensive talent will be the best Auburn has faced all year, and Freeze is hopeful the progression he’s seen from Thorne will begin bleeding into a cleaner, crisper and confident offensive operation.

“But, I do see that he has a really good understanding of things and he knows when a receiver’s depth was a little off or the route was not run correct against the coverage that we were facing. We just gotta get everybody on the same page,” Freeze said. “Sometimes he presses a little and tries to force throws that have caused a few turnovers which, we can’t afford that going into league play. But I do think he has a really good understanding of what is supposed to happen on every play that we’re putting in the game plan, which is good to see.”

Robby Ashford will remain part of the Auburn QB situation

According to Freeze, Robby Ashford will still play a role in the offense, but in a less pronounced way to avoid any interruptions to the offensive rhythm.

“I’ve been clear about Robby has a role. I do believe, particularly against the level of athleticism we’re getting ready to see. I think there’s a role for him too. He threw it well when he came in the other night,” Freeze said earlier in the week.