Payton Thorne can cap his college career by helping the Auburn Tigers reach a bowl game, recapturing some semblance of program luster. Yet, doubts remain if the Michigan State transfer will lead the Tigers back to respectability in 2024.
With at least a dozen games ahead, the fate of the 2024 Auburn University Tigers rests in his hands. Next year does not exist in his vocabulary as his eligibility expires.
Time on the Plains may end for Thorne in December, but for the fans, alums and boosters, time does not cease. In all honesty, Thorne can either cement his legacy as someone that helped the program or another quarterback that allowed the program to float aimlessly in a sea of hopeful mediocrity. The Tigers have lost at least four games in 10-straight seasons.
When Thorne arrived at Auburn, the team had been struggling through atrocious coaching, coupled with quarterback play that took the speed train from bad to terrible. When Auburn wins, the signal-caller, like most teams, plays a significant role. Yet, the litany of passers that couldn’t complete a clutch pass meant the team will struggled.
Unfortunately, that’s what Auburn did in 2023 as well. Too many multiple-game losing streaks, close losses that derailed the season. Additionally, watching the New Mexico State Aggies stroll in Jordan-Hare to punch the Tigers squarely in the mouth irks the fanbase. However, looking behind Thorne on this year’s depth chart. pray that he plays the whole season.
Freshman Walker White, a project for the future remains the only viable threat. Unfortunately for White, despite talent he lacks experience, greener than Kermit the Frog eating spinach, while sitting on a leaf wearing a jade pinky ring.
