Writer Says Auburn Is "An Elite QB Away" From Title Contention
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The Auburn Tigers are expected to be much more competitive in 2024 than they were last season.
A top 10 class has been added to a roster that is beginning to "trim the fat" by adding more valuable depth across the board. Auburn should be able to reach a bowl and possibly be competitive for more wins.
One writer believes that if the Tigers can figure out quarterback, they'll be in College Football Playoff contention.
Alex Graham of The Alex City Outlook recently wrote a piece explaining why he believes Auburn's Payton Thorne could be the difference between the Birmingham Bowl and the CFP.
"I believe the Tigers have improved every position on offense from last season through recruiting and the portal," Graham wrote. "Well, every position but quarterback. Senior Payton Thorne is back and is the presumed starter after an up-and-down 2023..."
"An elite QB can make a world of difference for a college football team. Cam Newton, Nick Marshall and Jarrett Stidham were all high level college QB’s and each one of them led the Tigers to the SEC title game and national championship game on two occasions. Can Thorne be elite? Certainly not with the numbers he put up through the air in 2023."
Graham makes the observation that everyone is pointing out: Auburn did not have a lot of talent surrounding Thorne last season. They have that talent now. The piece that needs to take the biggest step forward on paper is quarterback.
"It’s hard to know what to expect from the defense with a new coordinator and several new players from the portal, but I feel certain they’ll be competitive. I’m not trying to put undue pressure on Thorne, but I absolutely believe elite QB play is the difference between the Birmingham Bowl and the CFB Playoff."
We'll see if Thorne is able to make the jump given his new surroundings.