Auburn’s first season with Payton Thorne was uneventful. The Tigers concluded with a 6-7 record (3-5 SEC) behind the 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions thrown by the graduate transfer from Michigan State. The passing offense of Auburn was bottom in the conference and they had trouble moving the ball through the air.
Despite their poor passing game, the Tigers were competitive against nationally ranked opponents, losing to Ole Miss, Alabama, and Georgia by a touchdown or less. Any advancement in this field could have a big effect on how games turn out.
Even though Thorne had some difficulties during the previous season, he shouldn’t take all the responsibility. He did not have an easy time because the offensive line gave up 34 sacks. As they begin the season with a more seasoned offensive line that will include four seniors, including Mississippi State transfer left tackle Percy Lewis, the Tigers are hoping to remedy this. Lewis is highly regarded because of his 6-foot-7 height and strength, which might improve the passing game and free up more time for Thorne to operate in the pocket.
Another area of the club that caused concern was the wide receiver room. Last fall, Thorne found it difficult to consistently select a target among the mostly inexperienced group. Tight end Rivaldo Fairweather led the squad with 394 receiving yards; no receiver on the club ended with more than 500 yards.
Hugh Freeze, the head coach of Auburn, has added the right pieces to the wide receiver room this year to aid Thorne more.
Transitions KeAndre Lambert-Smith and Robert Lewis provide the Tigers with much-needed wide receiver experience. At Georgia State, where he started his career, Lewis amassed 1,323 yards and 14 touchdowns in three seasons, including a thrilling 220-yard performance versus Charlotte.
There’s also big-play potential with Lambert-Smith. During his four years with the Nittany Lions, the Penn State transfer amassed 1,598 yards and 11 touchdowns; he is the first player in Penn State history to have multiple receptions of 80 yards.
These additions, along with five-star rookie Cam Coleman, who has been making waves during spring and summer drills, should provide Thorne with the weapons he needs to step up his passing efficiency and get the Auburn offense going.
Thorne’s success will also depend on coaching improvements. The choice made by Freeze to choose Derrick Nix as the Tigers’ coordinator should pay off. Former wide receivers coach and running backs coach for the Rebels, Nix has a strong background in developing NFL players like Jonathan Mingo, Malik Heath, and Elijah Moore. This Auburn offense should be able to reach its maximum potential under Nix’s direction, setting up Payton Thorne for success.
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