3 days Ago By JACOB WATERS [email protected]
It was quite an eventful week for redshirt freshman quarterback Hank Brown prior to making his first start for Auburn on Saturday. On Monday, two days after the Tigers’ home loss to Cal, he met with head coach Hugh Freeze who wanted to go over some film with Brown from the Cal game to pick his brain. That same day, Freeze decided he was going to grant Brown the first college start of his career later that week when the Tigers faced New Mexico.
However, he didn’t make Brown or former starter Payton Thorne aware of his decision until Thursday. Brown said he had an inkling throughout the week that he might be making his first career college start as the Auburn coaching staff got him more involved in practice leading up to the game. Without complete confirmation from Freeze that he would start, Brown went through practice as normal.
In fact, even when Brown was the backup, he said he prepared for games like he was the starter. And then a couple days before Auburn’s third game of the season, Freeze gave Brown the news that he would hear his name called in the starting lineup pregame, and it resulted in a 45-19 Auburn win over New Mexico — where Brown completed 17 of his 25 passes for 235 yards, four touchdowns and zero interceptions. “It’s obviously great getting a win,” Brown said after the game.
“I think there’s a lot of things that I’ve got to clean up for SEC play, but just excited about the win and going to take it all in.” It was a performance that Freeze was pleased with after the game. During the week leading up to the game, Freeze voiced numerous times that in the Tigers’ loss to Cal, it was an execution issue that stifled their offense.
“But honestly, there was one play in this game that I think was a bad call by our staff,” Freeze said Monday after Auburn’s loss to Cal. Execution from the quarterback position didn’t seem to be an issue Saturday night, according to Freeze. While he acknowledged that there are things Brown can improve on as the Tigers prepare for SEC play next week, Freeze called it a “solid” performance from Brown in a game that at some points featured rainy conditions.
“I thought it was solid. Rain bothered him a little bit. It bothered all of us I think right before the half,” Freeze said.
“...
He missed a few throwing into blitzes that I’d like to see him get, but that comes probably with experience. But I thought it was a very solid night. Decision-making was pretty good.
” Brown said that before the game he wasn’t really dealing with nerves as he geared up for his first start, and his play backed that up. Brown came out on Auburn’s first drive and completed four of six passes for 24 yards and fired a touchdown to receiver Camden Brown. At one point in the first half, he was 7-for-9 for 107 yards and his touchdown from earlier.
Things tailed off some as rain began to fall with Brown firing incompletions on five of his final six passes in the first half, but in the second half, he completed his first nine passes – three of which were touchdowns. As Auburn got its running attack going in the second half — rushing for 147 yards — Brown served as the closer to the Tigers’ second-half scoring drives. With four touchdowns in the third and fourth quarter, three of those came through Brown’s arm.
Spreading the ball out with 10 different players catching a pass from Brown and going 4-for-4 for 130 yards on passes 15 or more yards down the field, Brown’s performance earned him the start in Auburn’s game next week against Arkansas. Freeze went ahead and said in his postgame press conference Saturday that Brown would start again against Arkansas. Brown said it was “encouraging” to hear that Freeze went ahead and named him the starter next week, but as he reflects on his first collegiate start, he’s more focused on improving in practice with SEC play set to start.
“It’s encouraging, but I think I got a lot to build on from this week and from this game,” Brown said. “So, I’m excited. I love when the competition level is raised.
” Students cheer from the stands before a college football game between Auburn and New Mexico at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024. Auburn majorettes march on the sideline with the marching band before a college football game between Auburn and New Mexico at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.
14, 2024. Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze and New Mexico head coach Bronco Mendenhall chat at midfield before a college football game between Auburn and New Mexico at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024.
Students cheer from the stands as the starting lineups are announced before a college football game between Auburn and New Mexico at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024. Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze looks on during warm-ups before a college football game against New Mexico at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.
14, 2024. Auburn offensive coordinator Derrick Nix looks on during warm-ups before a college football game against New Mexico at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024.
“Independence,” an Auburn Raptor Center bald eagle, flies around Jordan-Hare Stadium before a college football game between Auburn and New Mexico in Auburn on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024. “Independence,” an Auburn Raptor Center bald eagle, flies around Jordan-Hare Stadium before a college football game between Auburn and New Mexico in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.
14, 2024. Auburn cheerleaders perform on the field before a college football game between Auburn and New Mexico at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024.
Auburn cheerleaders perform on the field before a college football game between Auburn and New Mexico at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024. Aubie performs with the Auburn cheerleaders on the field before a college football game between Auburn and New Mexico at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.
14, 2024. Mic-Man Ben Timm leads the crowd in a cheer before a college football game between Auburn and New Mexico at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024.
Drum major Bella Nonales leads the Auburn University Marching Band onto the field to perform before a college football game between Auburn and New Mexico at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024. The Auburn University Marching Band performs on the field before a college football game between Auburn and New Mexico at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.
14, 2024. The Auburn University Marching Band performs on the field before a college football game between Auburn and New Mexico at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024.
The Auburn University Marching Band performs on the field before a college football game between Auburn and New Mexico at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024. Helicopters fly over Jordan-Hare Stadium as the Auburn University Marching Band performs the national anthem before a college football game between Auburn and New Mexico in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.
14, 2024. Fans wave shakers as the team takes the field before a college football game between Auburn and New Mexico at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024.
Auburn long snapper Reed Hughes (44) waves an American flag in the north end zone before a college football game between Auburn and New Mexico at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024. Auburn wide receiver Perry Thompson (3) kneels for a prayer in the north end zone before a college football game between Auburn and New Mexico at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.
14, 2024. Auburn safety Sylvester Smith (19) celebrates after a tackle in the first half of a college football game against New Mexico at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024.
New Mexico quarterback Devon Dampier (4) evades Auburn linebacker Dorian Mausi Jr. (12) in the first half of a college football game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024.
Auburn safety Caleb Wooden (21) defends a pass intended for New Mexico tight end Trace Bruckler (5) in the first half of a college football game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024. Auburn running back Jeremiah Cobb (23) returns a kick in the first half of a college football game against New Mexico at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.
14, 2024. Auburn running back Jeremiah Cobb (23) celebrates after a kick return in the first half of a college football game against New Mexico at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024.
Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter (27) carries in the first half of a college football game against New Mexico at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024. Auburn wide receiver Robert Lewis (14) carries after a catch in the first half of a college football game against New Mexico at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.
14, 2024. Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze calls a play from the sideline during the first half of a college football game between Auburn and New Mexico at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024.
Auburn wide receiver Camden Brown (4) catches a pass for a touchdown in the first half of a college football game against New Mexico at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024. Auburn receiver Camden Brown (4) celebrates after a touchdown catch in the first half against New Mexico at Jordan-Hare Stadium on Saturday.
Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze walks the sideline during the first half of a college football game between Auburn and New Mexico at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024. A young fan raises a sign that reads “War Eagle” in the stands during the first half of a college football game between Auburn and New Mexico at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.
14, 2024. Auburn offensive lineman Dillon Wade (52) looks to block New Mexico edge Gabriel Lopez (9) in the first half of a college football game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024.
Auburn tight end Rivaldo Fairweather (13) carries after a catch in the first half of a college football game against New Mexico at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024. Auburn quarterback Hank Brown throws a pass during first-half actions against New Mexico at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday.
Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter (27) carries in the first half of a college football game against New Mexico at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024. Auburn kicker Towns McGough (33) kicks an extra-point in the first half of a college football game against New Mexico at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.
14, 2024. Auburn safety Jerrin Thompson (1) celebrates after an interception in the first half of a college football game against New Mexico at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024.
Auburn safety Jerrin Thompson (1) celebrates after an interception in the first half of a college football game against New Mexico at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024. Auburn quarterback Hank Brown throws in the first half of Saturday’s game against New Mexico at Jordan-Hare Stadium.
Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze chats with running back Damari Alston (0) on the sideline in the first half of a college football game against New Mexico at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024. Auburn kicker Towns McGough (33) lines up for a field goal in the first half of a college football game against New Mexico at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.
14, 2024. Auburn kicker Towns McGough (33) kicks off in the first half of a college football game against New Mexico at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024.
Auburn tight end Micah Riley (84) is forced out-of-bounds by New Mexico safety Dereck Moore (20) after a catch in the first half of a college football game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024. Auburn offensive lineman Percy Lewis (73) looks to block New Mexico edge Gabriel Lopez (9) in the first half of a college football game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.
14, 2024. Auburn wide receiver Malcolm Simmons (11) celebrates after a tackle on a punt in the first half of a college football game against New Mexico at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024.
Fans lift their children for a chance to get on the video board during a timeout in the first half of a college football game between Auburn and New Mexico at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024. Auburn buck linebacker Keyron Crawford (24) tackles New Mexico running back Javen Jacobs (21) in the first half of a college football game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.
14, 2024. New Mexico wide receiver Ryan Davis (18) catches a pass in the first half of a college football game against Auburn at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024.
Auburn buck linebacker Jalen McLeod (35) tackles New Mexico running back Naquari Rogers (28) in the first half of a college football game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024. Auburn wide receiver Camden Brown (4) catches a pass in the first half of a college football game against New Mexico at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.
14, 2024. Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter (27) carries in the first half of a college football game against New Mexico at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024.
Auburn quarterback Hank Brown (15) looks to throw in the first half of a college football game against New Mexico at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024. Auburn running back Damari Alston (0) carries in the first half of a college football game against New Mexico at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.
14, 2024. Helen Talmadge poses for a photo with Alabama Governor Kay Ivey after being named Miss Homecoming at halftime of a college football game between Auburn and New Mexico at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024.
Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter (27) carries in the second half of a college football game against New Mexico at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024. Auburn quarterback Hank Brown (15) fakes a hand-off before throwing in the second half of a college football game against New Mexico at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.
14, 2024. Fans don ponchos in the stands during the second half of a college football game between Auburn and New Mexico at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024.
Students get loud in the stands during the second half of a college football game between Auburn and New Mexico at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024. New Mexico wide receiver Ryan Davis (18) falls forward after a catch in the second half of a college football game against Auburn at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.
14, 2024. New Mexico running back Javen Jacobs (21) carries after a catch in the second half of a college football game against Auburn at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024.
New Mexico wide receiver Luke Wysong (15) catches a pass in the second half of a college football game against Auburn at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024. New Mexico wide receiver Nic Trujillo (7) can’t reach a pass in the second half of a college football game against Auburn at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.
14, 2024. New Mexico wide receiver Luke Wysong (15) catches a pass in the second half of a college football game against Auburn at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024.
New Mexico quarterback Devon Dampier (4) throws in the second half of a college football game against Auburn at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024. Auburn defensive back Antonio Kite (8) returns an interception in the second half of a college football game against New Mexico at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.
14, 2024. New Mexico defensive back Noah Avinger (1) and safety Bryson Taylor (13) tackle Auburn wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith (5) after a catch in the second half of a college football game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024.
Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter celebrates after a touchdown catch against New Mexico on Saturday. New Mexico quarterback Devon Dampier (4) throws under pressure from Auburn defensive lineman Keldric Faulk (15) in the second half of a college football game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024.
New Mexico tight end Trace Bruckler (5) catches a pass in the second half of a college football game against Auburn at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024. Auburn defensive lineman Zykeivous Walker (91) tackles New Mexico running back Javen Jacobs (21) in the second half of a college football game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.
14, 2024. Auburn defensive coordinator DJ Durkin directs the defense from the sideline in the second half of a college football game between Auburn and New Mexico at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024.
Auburn defensive lineman Keldric Faulk (15) pressures New Mexico quarterback Devon Dampier (4) in the second half of a college football game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024. Auburn wide receiver Malcolm Simmons (11) returns a kick in the second half of a college football game against New Mexico at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.
14, 2024. Auburn wide receiver Malcolm Simmons (11) celebrates after a kick return in the second half of a college football game against New Mexico at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024.
Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter (27) carries in the second half of a college football game against New Mexico at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024. New Mexico linebacker Randolph Kpai (33) tackles Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter (27) in the second half of a college football game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.
14, 2024. New Mexico safety Bryson Taylor (13) forces Auburn tight end Luke Deal (86) out-of-bounds after a catch in the second half of a college football game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024.
Auburn tight end Rivaldo Fairweather (13) carries a catch for a touchdown in the second half of a college football game against New Mexico at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024. Auburn tight end Rivaldo Fairweather (13) carries a catch for a touchdown in the second half of a college football game against New Mexico at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.
14, 2024. New Mexico wide receiver Ryan Davis (18) catches a pass in the second half of a college football game against Auburn at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024.
Auburn defensive lineman Zykeivous Walker (91) tackles New Mexico running back Eli Sanders (6) in the second half of a college football game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024. Auburn linebacker Eugene Asante (9) tackles New Mexico quarterback Devon Dampier (4) in the second half of a college football game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.
14, 2024. Auburn defensive back JC Hart (20) tackles New Mexico wide receiver Luke Wysong (15) in the second half of a college football game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024.
Auburn defensive back Jay Crawford (23) defends a pass intended for New Mexico wide receiver Ryan Davis (18) in the second half of a college football game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024. Auburn offensive lineman Bradyn Joiner (55) moves into run protection in the second half of a college football game against New Mexico at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.
14, 2024. Auburn running back Damari Alston (0) carries in the second half of a college football game against New Mexico at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024.
Auburn running back Damari Alston (0) carries for a touchdown in the second half of a college football game against New Mexico at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024. Auburn running back Jeremiah Cobb (23) carries in the second half of a college football game against New Mexico at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep.
14, 2024. Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze tells his offense to wait before snapping the ball late in the second half of a college football game against New Mexico at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024.
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