'Not where we need to be': Auburn quarterbacks working to meet high expectations of Bryan Harsin
AUBURN — If you ask head coach Bryan Harsin, the Auburn quarterbacks are improving, even if the statistics and things easily noticed on Saturdays don’t necessarily reflect it.
“I think they’re improving, but still not where we need to be,” Harsin said on Monday, as the Tigers prepare for Arkansas. “The expectations in that room are really, really high and I think those guys are working at it.”
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Robby Ashford has thrown for 127, 337, 165 and 140 yards in the first four starts of his career. Ashford’s touchdown to interception ratio during that stretch is 1:1, with three of each in the last four games. And while Ashford completed 66 percent of his passes during his first start, that dropped to 50 percent in start No. 2, followed by 34 percent and 47 percent in his last two starts.
Meanwhile, T.J. Finley threw four interceptions to one touchdown during the first three games of the season, completing 64, 65 and 58 percent of his passes. Finley never threw more than 20 passes in each of the first three games, while Ashford, the more inaccurate quarterback, has attempted 38 passes in two of his four starts.
According to Harsin, good things are happening in the meeting rooms, on the practice fields, and places where development often takes place. Harsin said practice, effort and attitude have all improved of late.
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And the turnovers have continued regardless of who starts at quarterback, with Auburn firmly in last place nationally in turnover margin.
“I think they’re taking the coaching, as far as what they need to do to get better. I think they’re taking it upon themselves to be better students of the game and really understand how to prepare yourself week in and week out to be ready to get out there and play against whatever opponent we’re playing,” Harsin said.
Harsin added the growth might not be happening as fast as coaches or fans would prefer, but it’s happening nonetheless.
“Ultimately,” Harsin said, “that needs to show up in the game and show up consistently through four quarters for us to do we need to do.”
