Hugh Freeze evaluates Payton Thorne, says offensive struggles are not all on QB
By Keith Farner
Published:
Hugh Freeze understands that Payton Thorne’s performance against Georgia was not necessarily all on the quarterback.
During a long answer on Monday at Freeze’s press conference, the coach said, “We’ve got to get him his tools. That better get fixed.”
Thorne was 10-for-19 passing for 82 yards with an interception in the 27-20 loss to Georgia. He also had 12 carries for 92 yards, which led the Tigers in rushing.
Freeze evaluated the 9 incompletions against Georgia before the bye week, and said 6 of them could have gone either way.
“I’m certainly not saying they were total drops, but they were chances for us to make plays to put us in position to get points,” he said. “… “We’re trying to build upon it. I thought he made some really good throws. There’s going to be some contested catches.”
Long answer from Hugh Freeze on how Auburn needs to help QB Payton Thorne succeed. Said there were several moments against Georgia where the Tigers missed some big plays because of poor protection, wrong calls, etc. “We’ve got to get him his tools. That better get fixed.”
— Nathan King (@NathanKing247) October 9, 2023
Payton Thorne had nine incompletions against Georgia.
Hugh Freeze: “I think six of them could’ve gone either way. I’m certainly not saying they were total drops, but they were chances for us to make plays to put us in position to get points.”
— Richard Silva (@rich_silva18) October 9, 2023
Overall, Freeze reiterated that the coaches were pleased with Thorne’s performance against Georgia.
A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.
