TJ Finley reacts to taking over as Auburn's starting QB

Quarterback TJ Finley will make his second first start of a season against South Carolina on Saturday.

Finley’s first career start came for LSU last year against the Gamecocks, a 52-24 win, and he will make his first start in an Auburn uniform on Saturday against the same school.

While he has yet to start for Bryan Harsin this year, the move is not a huge change. He has been in the Auburn system all season and has gotten a decent amount of playing time.

“I don’t think it’s a big difference,” Finley said Wednesday, via Jordan Hill. “Like I said earlier, I’ve been preparing to be the starter since Week 1 … Getting those physical reps does matter as well.”

Prior to Saturday, Finley had not seen the field since Oct. 9, but he played in five early-season games. He is 17-for-33 for 275 passing yards and three total touchdowns this season. His biggest contribution came when he stepped in for Bo Nix against Georgia State and led a comeback victory over a Sun Belt opponent.

Finley is taking over for an injured Nix. The third-year starter broke his ankle in last week’s loss to Mississippi State and is out for the remainder of the year. Nix had surgery on Monday.

2021 South Carolina is a different team

Despite the similarities to his first career start, Finley does not see Saturday’s game as a repeat of 2020; the coaching staff and the team in Columbia are different.

“My performance last year has nothing to do with this year,” Finley said, per Tom Green.

Finley was 17-for-21 with 265 yards, two touchdowns and an interception in his first trip to South Carolina. He also had eight carries for 24 yards and a rushing score.

With regards to another trip to Columbia, Finley added he does not “believe in coincidences,” and “God has a plan for everything.”

The 6-foot-7, 247-pound quarterback will try to challenge what has been a surprisingly stout South Carolina pass defense. The Gamecocks are allowing just seven yards per pass attempt, which is 14th in the nation. Senior defensive back Jaylan Foster leads the SEC with five interceptions this season.

The Gamecocks are fighting for bowl eligibility at 5-5. They must beat either Auburn or in-state rival Clemson next weekend to be eligible for the postseason. At 6-4, the Tigers are already bowl eligible.

Auburn is a 7.5-point favorite in Columbia. The game kicks off at 7:00 p.m. ET on ESPN.