Auburn made a significant quarterback change, switching from Payton Thorne to Hank Brown before their Week 3 game against New Mexico, after Thorne’s disappointing start in his second season as a starter. Thorne struggled in Auburn’s first two games, a victory over Alabama A&M and a defeat to California, completing 56% of his throws for 487 yards, five touchdowns, and four interceptions.
Auburn quarterback Hank Brown (15) had a strong performance, delivering a touchdown pass in the second half of Auburn’s game against New Mexico on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at Auburn, Alabama. However, Arkansas football has little footage of the young quarterback they’ll face next.
Thorne struggled in Auburn’s first two games, a victory over Alabama A&M and a defeat to California, completing 56% of his throws for 487 yards, five touchdowns, and four interceptions. Following the defeat to California, Auburn coach Hugh Freeze chose to give Brown, a redshirt freshman, the opportunity to lead the team. Brown, who played high school football at Lipscomb Academy in Nashville under UAB coach Trent Dilfer, took advantage of the opportunity.
Brown performed admirably in his first start against New Mexico, completing 17-of-25 passes (68%) for 235 yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions, indicating that the Tigers have a bright future.
