Hugh Freeze, Payton Thorne motivated in year two for Auburn

DALLAS, Texas (WBRC) - It is year two for the Hugh Freeze era at Auburn and it begins the second season for Payton Thorne as the starting quarterback with big expectations set on The Plains.

The Tigers have an interesting setup where the schedule has the team playing the first five games of the year at home, including a matchup against Oklahoma, before a tough road stretch that begins with a trip to Athens, Georgia, to face the Georgia Bulldogs. Thorne and the Tigers feel more of a togetherness with this year’s team. It’s considered a younger squad, but one that Freeze believes is more talented than last year.

“They can expect energy, intensity, effort, relentless effort regardless of the game, or situation, or who we’re playing,” Auburn linebacker Eugene Asante said. “Coach Freeze has done a good job of corralling us this whole season and bringing the team together.”

Freeze also knows the offense needs to improve and understands that Thorne needs to deliver under center. Thorne told the media that he’s been watching a lot of film, not just from his first season with the Tigers, but also from his playing days with Michigan State.

“I’d say a lot of improvement,” Thorne said. “I’d say excited to show the world what we got and show ourselves who we got. And then I know our defense is really excited right now, new coaching staff, pretty much everybody, and we’re really excited, and I’m excited to get rolling here pretty soon.”

Auburn made some coaching changes in the offseason with DJ Durkin now calling the defense and Derrick Nix taking over play calling duties on the offense. It all begins for the Tigers on Aug. 31 as Auburn hosts Alabama A&M.

“Now, the five straight home games, it’s not ideal,” Freeze said. “But at the same time maybe advantageous, if we can get on a run.”

Get news alerts in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store or subscribe to our email newsletter here.