GALLERY: Photos from Auburn's loss to Maryland in the Music City Bowl

Here are photos from Auburn's loss.

Author:
Lance Dawe
Publish date:
Dec 30, 2023 6:44 PM EST

In this story:

The Tigers just didn't have enough in the tank against the Terps.

Auburn (6-7, 3-5 SEC) was crushed by Maryland 31-13 in the Music City Bowl. The Terrapins raced out to a 21-0 lead in the first quarter and sat on their lead for the rest of the game.

Here are five takeaways from the game.

Payton Thorne finished the game 13-of-27 passing for 84 yards, one touchdown and a pick-six.

While there wasn't much help coming from either the receiving room or the offensive line, there were several moments that made fans grimace.

If Thorne is who Auburn truly wants to be their starting quarterback in 2024, they're going to need to get a lot more out of what's surrounding him.

He's not going to be able to carry the offense by himself.

Shoutout to third-string quarterback Hank Brown, who came into the game in the fourth quarter and was throwing absolute bombs all over the field. He finished 7-of-9 passing for 134 yards and led one of the Tigers' two scoring drives. The baby goat was amazing in limited action.

The Terrapins averaged 11.9 yards per play in the first quarter, exploding to put 21 points on the board. It was over after that.

Maryland went on to average 3.1, 1.5 and 1.8 yards per play in the ensuing three quarters, but it didn't matter. Auburn's offense just could not move the ball all afternoon. The Tigers only outgained by 10 yards and still lose by 18.

Rough way to end the 2023 season - Auburn's third straight losing season, the first stretch of its kind since 1975-77.

Here are photos from the loss.