Q&A: Payton Thorne on being Auburn football's starting QB, expectations, leadership and more

Michigan State transfer and new Auburn football starting quarterback Payton Thorne met the media on Wednesday for the first time since arriving on campus. Thorne was recently named the Tigers' starting signal caller for the opener against UMass on September 2. Head coach Hugh Freeze said Thorne always led the quarterback battle, but pressing during the first scrimmage resulted in Freeze wanting to go ahead and name Thorne the starter to relieve pressure and allow Thorne to return to operating with efficiency leading into the season opener. Here's a lengthy Q&A with Thorne on preparing for Auburn's season opener, leadership, offensive expectations and much more.