Auburn will reportedly start quarterback Payton Thorne on Saturday against Oklahoma.
ESPN’s Pete Thamel was first to share that news on Friday afternoon. Thorne began the year as Auburn’s starter, but the Tigers went with Hank Brown in Auburn’s last 2 contests against New Mexico and Arkansas.
However, after Brown struggled mightily against the Razorbacks, Auburn will now task the veteran Thorne with getting the offense back on track. Per Thamel, both Thorne and Brown had “solid” showings in practice this week.
Source: Payton Thorne is set to start for Auburn against Oklahoma on Saturday. His experience playing so many defenses over the years have him prepared him for Oklahoma’s stout defense. Both Thorne and Hank Brown had solid weeks of practice. pic.twitter.com/uS7wLG39hL
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) September 27, 2024
Brown, a redshirt freshman, threw 3 interceptions in Auburn’s loss to Arkansas last week. He was eventually benched in favor of Thorne, who tossed 2 touchdowns and 1 pick in a comeback effort that ultimately fell short.
Coach Hugh Freeze was critical of his quarterbacks following the loss to Arkansas last weekend.
“We’ve got to find a guy that won’t throw it to the other team and we’ve got to find running backs that hold on to it,” Freeze said.
Auburn will be facing an Oklahoma team that is also dealing with uncertainty at the quarterback position. The Sooners are set to start true freshman Michael Hawkins this weekend following a 3-turnover game by Jackson Arnold last week against Tennessee.
This is Oklahoma’s first-ever road game as a member of the SEC. OU is 2-0 all-time against the Tigers.
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
