Hugh Freeze had ‘mind made up’ on quarterback battle, re-evaluating after scrimmage

Auburn Tigers head coach Hugh Freeze had his mind made up on his quarterback rotation for the 2023 campaign. But the Tigers’ headman might have just had a change of heart. Following Auburn’s recent scrimmage during their fall camp, Freeze revealed that the performances on the day by Payton Thorne, Robby Ashford, and redshirt freshman Holden Geriner have him rethinking his previous decision.

“Take care of the ball,” said Freeze, highlighting the most important attribute he and his coaching staff were looking for in his quarterbacks. “Play within the offense and take what you should take on a given play; that the ball goes in the right spot. Hopefully, it’s accurate when we do throw it.

“The accuracy hopefully will come, but we got to take care of the ball, and we have to be playing in the right space on giving plays in our offense. I thought all three did that fairly well today. Robby threw a touchdown pass. I think Holden did also; Payton did not. But they all did not turn the ball over. That’s priority number one in offensive football, and so that was good.”

“I thought all three looked good at times today. Yesterday, I had my mind made up. After today, I need to watch the film before I say.”

While Geriner is making a case, many believe the battle to start ultimately boils down to Thorne and Ashford. Thorne entered the program during the offseason from Michigan State, where he had been the starting quarterback for the Spartans the past two seasons. While Ashford, on the other hand, was Auburn’s starting quarterback for much of last season.

In 2022 Ashford played in 12 games for Auburn. He had moments of ups and downs as he finished the year completing just under 50 percent of his throws for 1,613 yards, seven touchdowns, and seven interceptions. On the ground as he racked up 710 yards and seven touchdowns.

Thorne had a better stat line last season, but Michigan State and Auburn both finished 5-7 in 2022. For the Spartans, Thorne played in all 12 games completing 62.5 percent of his pass attempts for 2,679 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He wasn’t as effective as Ashford on the ground, finishing credited with 60 carries for 42 yards and one rushing touchdown.

Apparently, Freeze will need more time before he decides which quarterback will take the job.