T.J. Finley will be Auburn's starting QB: Commentary and quotes on the decision
AUBURN – T.J. Finley has won the fall camp quarterback battle and will start the season opener against Mercer on September 3.
Auburn Live confirmed the news on Sunday. An official announcement is expected soon.
Finley, a junior, completed 54 percent of his passes last season for 827 yards, six touchdowns and one interception. Finley played in nine games last season, starting the final three games against South Carolina, Alabama and Houston. Auburn went 0-3 in those games.
The competition at quarterback was tight during fall camp, and remains tight, despite Finley being named the starter. If you missed it, read Auburn Live’s Football Insider breaking down the quarterback race.
Here’s what Harsin said about Finley over the last week of fall camp:
“I’ve always been impressed with TJ as far as his command. He’s like a coach on the field. He picks things up quickly. He listens to the nuances — if there’s a coaching point, he’ll remember that coaching point and echo it when it comes up, which you appreciate. He’s got a good understand of what we’re trying to accomplish. I thought tonight he was good. He led the team down the field, executed well in critical moments, can improve in some of the easier throws that we didn’t complete tonight. There’s things we can improve from an accuracy standpoint, but he operated well.”
And here’s what offensive coordinator Eric Kiesau said of Finley following Auburn’s second major scrimmage:
“It’s been really good. He’s gotten tabbed as the older player because he was in the system. He has a different command, different confidence about him when he’s in the huddle — I’m excited about T.J. He’s a smart football player, football is important to him. You’ll see that on Saturdays.”
Commentary on T.J. Finley earning the initial nod
Based on the performance from T.J. Finley, Zach Calzada and Robby Ashford this fall, this was a logical and expected decision from Harsin and Co.
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Sources tell Auburn Live that Finley and Calzada were neck and neck in terms of statistics during fall camp. Finley threw more touchdowns, while Calzada threw less interceptions. Their completion percentage was basically the same with both hovering around 60 percent. Ashford’s completion percentage was far, far lower than Finley and Calzada, but his athletic ability makes him an incredible asset. Expect third downs and situational play from Ashford all season.
Harsin is consistent in his messaging in terms of what he wants in a quarterback. Talent? Yes. Accuracy? Yes. Every coach wants that. But just as importantly, Harsin wants a player that’s reliable. Harsin doesn’t want to manage a roller coaster of performance and emotions on the field. He wants a quarterback that takes command, knows the cadence, assignment and alignment, shows great awareness, and so on. And during fall camp, Finley performed the best in those intangible categories. Credit Finley for that.
I expect Finley and Ashford to play against Mercer, and possibly San Jose State. Calzada, I’m not so sure. We’ll have to wait and see how the games go in terms of Calzada repetitions, it appears.
Finley won the battle, but the war isn’t won until Auburn’s offense is successful, games are won, and a quarterback takes complete control of the quarterback room, this team, and this season.
