Payton Thorne new favorite to win Auburn quarterback battle

Vegas has changed their minds on the Tigers' QB situation overnight.

Lance Dawe | Jul 25, 2023

Payton Thorne new favorite to win Auburn quarterback battle /

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On July 24th, Vegas believed that Auburn's quarterback battle would be won by Robby Ashford.

BetOnline released odds for college football week one starting quarterbacks, with Robby Ashford over Payton Thorne. Ashford was -140, Thorne +100.

Overnight, the line has shifted dramatically in Thorne's favor. On July 25th Thorne became the favorite to win the battle:

Payton Thorne: -200

The Michigan State transfer is projected by a variety of outlets to be the Tigers' starting quarterback week one vs UMass despite not having taken a single rep in practice. Statistically, he's better than what the Tigers had coming back - Robby Ashford and Holden Geriner.

Thorne finished an accomplished quarterback at Michigan State, setting single-season records for total yards, total touchdowns and passing touchdowns. He ranks fifth in career total touchdowns, fifth in career total yards, fourth in career passing touchdowns and third in single-season passing yards.

He's not a dazzling arm talent but was excellent attacking downfield in his two seasons with the Spartans. He's a great system fit for Freeze and Montgomery.

The Tigers kick off the 2023 season on September 2nd at home vs UMass at 2 p.m. CT on ESPN.

Here's a look at the entire 2023 schedule:

Sept. 2nd vs UMass

Sept. 9th at California

Sept. 16th vs Samford

Sept. 23rd at Texas A&M

Sept. 30th vs Georgia

Oct. 14th at LSU

Oct. 21st vs Ole Miss

Oct. 28th vs Mississippi State

Nov. 4th at Vanderbilt

Nov. 11th at Arkansas