The Auburn Tigers’ quarterback situation has become complicated again just as they start Southeastern Conference play.
Second-year freshman Hank Brown made his second consecutive start, but he couldn’t get past three first-half interceptions in Saturday’s 24-14 loss to Arkansas.
Payton Thorne played much better after halftime, but it wasn’t enough to save the Tigers (2-2) from another home loss filled with turnovers.
Thorne had struggled two weeks ago, throwing four interceptions in a loss to California. This leaves coach Hugh Freeze with another decision to make before facing No. 15 Oklahoma next Saturday.
“I have no idea sitting here right now, but I’ll go back to work (Sunday) and I’ll be as locked in as I’ve ever been to try to get it fixed,” Freeze said.
He emphasized the need to find a quarterback who won’t turn the ball over and running backs who can hold onto it.
Damari Alston fumbled in the end zone on a long run late in the second quarter, contributing to a total of five turnovers.
The quarterback position continues to be a major issue for the offense, even after Freeze worked to improve the talent at receiver and other spots during the offseason.
Last week, Brown had thrown four touchdown passes with no interceptions against New Mexico. However, this time he completed only 7 of 13 passes for 72 yards, along with the interceptions.
“He did not play well in the first half and missed open guys and obviously threw the ball into coverage,” Freeze said. “We’re in the red zone again and he kind of double-clutches one and floats it over the middle.”
“Obviously we’re not doing a very good job coaching quarterbacks right now.”
Thorne went 13 of 22 for 213 yards, throwing touchdowns of 10 and 67 yards to KeAndre Lambert-Smith, with the second one coming on a fourth-and-2 play. Thorne was intercepted on a tipped pass.
“I thought Payton was pretty solid,” Freeze said. “He had one off a hand again that was picked, but it was the right read.”
