The Auburn Tigers are not where they envisioned being at the midpoint of the season. With a 2-4 record, they remain winless in SEC play and are currently on a three-game losing streak, with their next two games scheduled away from home. Some of Auburn’s issues stem from key players not meeting expectations. Who are the most notable disappointments for the Tigers this season?
Payton Thorne, QB The fifth-year senior from Naperville, Ill., has had a tough time in his second year as the starting quarterback for the Tigers. In Auburn’s loss to Cal, Thorne threw four interceptions, leading to his temporary demotion. He regained the starting position after redshirt freshman Hank Brown struggled to protect the ball during the first half against Arkansas. Thorne currently holds the most interceptions in the SEC, despite having the sixth-most passing attempts.
Thorne seemed to have turned a corner in the game against Oklahoma, finishing with 21 completions on 32 attempts for 338 yards and three touchdowns. However, a costly pick-six allowed the game to slip away from the Tigers.
Cam Coleman, WR Coleman, a 6-foot-3 true freshman from Phenix City, Ala., and a key recruit in Auburn’s 2024 class, hasn’t had the start to his college career that he expected. As the fifth-ranked prospect nationally and the highest-rated offensive recruit in the program’s history, he has made nine catches for 212 yards and one touchdown this season. Since injuring his shoulder in the second week against Cal, Coleman hasn’t performed at his best. It’s not surprising that he has struggled, given the quarterback challenges the Tigers have faced in 2024. This leads us to…
Perry Thompson, WR-Thompson, a true freshman from Foley, Ala., was also anticipated to make a quick impact in Auburn’s revamped receiving corps. Unfortunately, his performance has fallen short, with only four receptions for 123 yards and a touchdown. He hasn’t seen as many chances as some of his fellow receivers, but he has made the most of the opportunities he has had. Thompson aims to improve his standing on the depth chart in the season’s second half. Auburn will be back in action on Saturday, Oct. 19, facing the No. 21 Missouri Tigers on the road at Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for either 11:00 or 11:45 a.m. CT, with the game broadcast on either ESPN or SEC Network.
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