Auburn Tigers quarterback Payton Thorne embraces challenging coaching, and head coach Hugh Freeze is impressed with what he’s seen from him.
Auburn Tigers head coach Hugh Freeze has been vocal about his confidence in quarterback Payton Thorne throughout the offseason. Rather than pursuing a transfer portal quarterback, Freeze stuck with Thorne, who rewarded that trust in the season opener by completing 13-of-21 passes for 322 yards and four touchdowns.
Freeze reflected on his in-game discussions with Thorne, especially after plays he didn’t approve of. “I talked to him right after the play on the sidelines,” Freeze said. “With the iPads on hand, either I or Jessie Stone can review plays and ask, ‘Do you see what I see?’ Payton can handle tough coaching.”
Freeze mentioned his visible reactions during the game, saying his wife even commented on one. He emphasized the importance of third downs and how critical those plays will be in the coming weeks. “I expect him to get those right because I believe he can, which is why I get upset,” Freeze explained. “He made good throws, including a touchdown, but he didn’t protect himself like he should, and I don’t want him taking unnecessary hits. He knows my belief in him comes with the expectation to execute.”
Freeze also pointed out areas for improvement after the game, noting Thorne missed a wide-open read on a third down, which is part of his first progression. As Thorne enters his fourth season as a Power Five starting quarterback, Freeze remains confident that he can clean up these mistakes and prepare Auburn for their matchup against Cal.
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