Optimism was high at Auburn as the 2020 college football season approached, especially at the quarterback position. Head coach Hugh Freeze made the bold decision to stick with Payton Thorne for a second year instead of looking for a new transfer quarterback. However, this risky move did not yield the results that were expected. Despite being a fifth-year senior, Thorne failed to find his rhythm and struggled to lead the offense.
As the 2021 season looms, Freeze’s decision to keep Thorne has been called into question once again. And things have only intensified with a shocking revelation by a national reporter, who claims that Thorne’s salary is a whopping $900,000. This has added an extra layer to the already existing dilemma facing Hugh Freeze as the Auburn head coach.
Thorne’s performance last season was a major disappointment for Auburn fans and the coaching staff. As a fifth-year senior, he was expected to be the leader of the team and take them to new heights. However, Thorne’s struggles in commanding the offense were evident from the very beginning of the season. He lacked the confidence and precision needed to be a successful quarterback and it showed in his performance.
Despite having a talented group of receivers and a solid offensive line, Thorne failed to make use of the weapons at his disposal. His decision-making was often questionable and his inability to read the defense led to turnovers and missed opportunities. This was not the kind of performance one would expect from a fifth-year senior, and it ultimately cost Auburn dearly.
As a result, Hugh Freeze is now faced with a difficult decision. He must choose between sticking with Thorne for another year and hoping for a turnaround, or looking for a new quarterback in the transfer portal. The latter option seems more appealing, especially with the recent revelation about Thorne’s high salary. It raises questions about whether Thorne’s performance was worth the investment and if he should continue to be given chances to prove himself.
However, making a decision solely based on Thorne’s salary would not be fair to the player. He is a hard-working and dedicated athlete who has put in years of effort to reach this level. He deserves a fair chance to redeem himself and prove his worth to the team. It is also important to note that the quarterback position is not the only area of concern for Auburn. The team has several other issues to address, such as their defense and special teams, which also played a role in their underwhelming performance last season.
But with the pressure to win and succeed, Hugh Freeze may not have the luxury of time to wait for Thorne to improve. If he sticks with Thorne and the team fails to perform up to expectations, it could have serious consequences for his job security. On the other hand, if he decides to bring in a new quarterback, it could also create a rift within the team and affect team chemistry.
The $900,000 revelation by the national reporter has only added more fuel to the fire. It has intensified the pressure on Hugh Freeze and put him in a difficult position. However, it could also be a blessing in disguise. It forces Freeze to carefully evaluate his options and make a well-informed decision for the betterment of the team.
In the end, it all comes down to what is best for Auburn football. The ultimate goal is to win and bring glory to the university. Whether it is with Payton Thorne or a new transfer quarterback, Hugh Freeze must make the decision that gives the team the best chance to succeed. The fans are eagerly waiting to see how this situation plays out and are hoping for a successful season ahead.
In conclusion, the national reporter’s $900,000 revelation has only added more drama to the already existing QB dilemma at Auburn. It has intensified the pressure on Hugh Freeze and brought the team’s struggles to the forefront. However, it also presents an opportunity for the team to come together and work towards a common goal. With hard work, determination, and the right decision, Auburn can overcome this hurdle and emerge as a strong and successful team in the upcoming season. Let’s hope for the best and trust Hugh Freeze to make the right call for Auburn football.
