Auburn’s 21-14 loss to California last Saturday continues to ripple through the football program, and it’s clear that head coach Hugh Freeze is taking the performance seriously. The game itself was a frustrating one, marked by five turnovers and inconsistent play on both sides of the ball. Auburn, a team expected to handle Cal, fell short despite a hard-fought effort. While it’s just one game, the loss has ignited anger and disappointment among the fanbase and staff alike.
Hugh Freeze, however, is not focused on dwelling in the past. As he arrived at Monday’s press conference, he was faced with a significant decision: Should he stand by his starting quarterback, Payton Thorne, or make a change? The performance of Thorne, who threw four interceptions, has understandably raised questions about his future in the starting role. However, Freeze didn’t immediately pull the trigger on a switch, instead acknowledging Thorne’s struggles while also noting his strong performances in practice.
Freeze’s stance leaves room for Thorne to redeem himself, but the pressure is mounting. With New Mexico on the horizon, a game in which Auburn is heavily favored, the quarterback situation remains fluid. Thorne is expected to start, but backup Hank Brown could see significant playing time if things don’t improve. Freeze was candid about the offense’s overall performance, calling it “awful” and recognizing that the team is not yet capable of playing poorly and still winning games.
Auburn’s offense clearly has much to work on, and Freeze’s priority this week will be solving the issues that plagued them against Cal. This Saturday’s matchup with New Mexico presents an opportunity for Auburn to regroup and build momentum, but it also presents potential challenges if the quarterback situation remains unresolved.
The stakes are high, and the future of the Tigers’ offense could hinge on how Thorne and Brown perform in this upcoming game. Freeze’s honest and transparent approach has set a tone for the program, but now it’s time to see if Auburn can turn its frustrations into progress as the season moves forward.
