What did we learn from Auburn’s loss to Cal?

AUBURN, ALABAMA – SEPTEMBER 07: Quarterback Payton Thorne #1 of the Auburn Tigers runs the ball by linebacker Cade Uluave #0 of the California Golden Bears during the first half of play at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 07, 2024 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)

Following a dominant week one victory over Alabama A&M, Auburn football had a lot of optimism surround its program on where it could go this season. Now, that script has been flipped on its head.

The Tigers posted a disappointing performance in a 21-14 loss to the California Golden Bears at Jordan-Hare Stadium, leaving many with the same questions that the team had entering the season.

Auburn did not have many shining moments in this game, and despite the low score, was dominated on both sides of the ball.

After all the action was said and done in Jordan-Hare Stadium, here is what we learned about this Tigers squad after the defeat.

The first thought that popped into the minds of the majority of fans is how quarterback [autotag]Payton Thorne[/autotag] will respond to this performance. The second-year starter went 14-for-27 on the day, throwing for just 165 yards and one touchdown.

The most alarming part of his stat line: he threw four interceptions. Much of that stemmed from bad decision making, throwing passes into traffic while being very inaccurate.

At the same time, the offensive line did not provide much time for the skill players to make much happen. Thorne was sacked four times and running back [autotag]Jarquez Hunter[/autotag] only gained 68 yards on 12 carries, with his longest run being for 27.

It seemed every player was being stuffed inside the box at any given moment, and with only two weeks until SEC play, things may need to change scheme wise.

As for the defense, the story between the first two weeks was very different, only…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/did-learn-auburns-loss-cal-161147890.html

Author : Auburn Wire

Publish date : 2024-09-08 16:11:47

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.