Regarding the current quarterback issue and the long-term outlook under center, what should Tigers supporters think? And how will it be with all the skill the Tigers are bringing to the Plains at wide receiver?

To set the stage, let’s start with the 2024 Auburn snap counts. After that, it’s time to discuss Auburn football’s future.

Auburn Quarterbacks

Payton Thorne – 620 snaps at quarterback, 3 at receiver.

Robby Ashford – 130 snaps at quarterback, 1 snap playing slot receiver.

Projections

Could at least one of Geriner or incoming freshman Walker White eventually challenge Thorne? It’s possible, but let us start with the Music City Bowl first.

With the format of bowl games these days, particularly the lower-tier ones like this one, players at all levels of the depth chart have an opportunity to showcase their skills to finish the 2023 season strong and provide an example for the spring practice of 2024. Thorne is the first step, but quarterback is not an exception.

 

Thorne needs to make wise decisions with the ball, come up with big-yardage plays, and be inventive when running (666 yards, 6.4 yards per carry, and 3 touchdowns this season) against Maryland. If nothing unexpected happens, Thorne should start at quarterback against the Terrapins.

Perhaps Geriner plays a few snaps as Auburn plays Maryland? That is unlikely because Freeze needs the victory to build momentum heading into the offseason for himself and his staff. Playing a younger quarterback at random is uncommon unless it’s a blowout, as inexperienced quarterbacks frequently make mistakes and turnovers.

 

Hopefully, Geriner will score baskets and contribute to the Tigers’ victory if he is given the opportunity to play. If not, Thorne will have the opportunity to increase his career passing totals of 8,172 yards and 64 touchdowns while also contributing to Auburn’s victory. It’s time to start talking seriously about the 2024 season.

 

With only 32 snaps, Geriner is an unknown, whereas White is a highly sought-after talent without any noteworthy college snaps. The top ten of Auburn

In addition to the career passing totals previously noted, Thorne has 2,440 career snaps as a collegiate football player. It’s difficult for Freeze and his team to leave that behind.

 

It is true that Thorne needs to build stronger relationships with each of the

returning Auburn receivers. Jay Fair, who has 30 receptions, 300 yards, and

two touchdowns, is the top returning receiver for Auburn in 2024. Rivaldo

Fairweather, a flex tight end, is also affected. As of now in 2023, he has 33

receptions for 349 yards and 6 touchdowns. Help is also on the way.

For Thorne and other Auburn quarterbacks, the outstanding class of

2024 wide receivers that includes Bryce Cain, Malcolm Simmons, Perry

Thompson, and Cameron Coleman could pay off right away.

 

Thorne’s work will be made easier if he can establish a relationship with these up-and-coming playwrights as well as

better chemistry with Fair and Fairweather, among others. Auburn’s

spring practice will be thrilling for another reason.

All of the quarterbacks and receivers will be able to hone their timing and rhythm during spring ball, and Auburn’s offensive staff will be able to consolidate playbook elements for the 2024 squad.

 

Seeing the offense come to pass will be entertaining. Whichever quarterback starts at quarterback in 2024, that fact is encouraging for the future.