Andy Burcham has kept a close eye on the Auburn quarterback situation, and got the first glimpse in live action last week against Mercer.

The Tigers’ radio play-by-play voice recalled that he was impressed with TJ Finley’s presence even before Saturday, as Burcham referred to Finley’s appearance on the radio show “Tiger Talk” on Thursday.

“I think he has embraced the role of being the starting quarterback going into the season,” he said. “Which is very different than a guy coming off the bench and taking over for an injured starter, and that was the case a year ago. He’s already admitted that a year ago he probably wasn’t as ready as he needed to be both mentally and physically for the job.”

Burcham recalled that Finley’s first-half play was terrific up until the interception against Mercer. As for Robby Ashford, the backup revealed his full arsenal in the second half.

“I was impressed with both guys, I know that TJ would like to have 2 throws back,” Burcham said. “I thought both guys performed well, both guys are going to play this Saturday, according to Bryan Harsin who talked to the media on Monday, and that is the way it’s going to be at least for a while.”