JD PicKell: Breaking down the current state of Auburn's quarterback battle
There may be movement in the quarterback battle down on The Plains with fall camp reaching the midway point. The Auburn Tigers have yet to name a starter with Zach Calzada and TJ Finley wrestling for the QB1 spot. After it reportedly leaned one way to start, On3’s JD PicKell says it’s now leaning the other direction.
PicKell discussed multiple QB battles, including Auburn’s, during a recent episode of ‘The Hard Count’. He says Calzada was the leader early but that Finley has now taken the slight edge at the moment.
“Last time we talked about this quarterback race down there in Auburn, Alabama, we were talking about Zach Calzada. It’s not necessarily set in stone but it felt like it’s his job to lose. They were kind of putting things in for him that are similar to the scheme he ran at Texas A&M. He’s going to be comfortable, to be the guy, and just has to take it and run with it, right?,” said PicKell. “Well, the report is that TJ Finley, who took some plays for them last year and started a few games for them, sounds like he has looked the best so far.”
Finley played in nine games for Auburn last season. Three of those came as a starter to end the season with Bo Nix’s ankle injured. In those three starts, Finley completed 56.6% of his passes for 552 yards and four touchdowns.
JD PicKell says it’s Finley’s command of the offense, though, that has him in the lead. The coaches think he’s taking ownership of the team when on the field and, while Calzada has plenty of opportunity left, it has given Finley their vote to this point.
“TJ Finley looked the best in the scrimmage and has taken coaching very well. Bryan Harsin was saying how he loves the way that he’s kind of a coach on the field and commands the offense, which is one of the main things he’s looking for in a quarterback,” JD PicKell said. “It’s far from over…But, coming as a surprise to a lot of people, Finley seems to have the ever so slight edge as it stands right now in fall camp.”
A lot of pressure is on Harsin to get this decision right. The winner of the starting job may very well have Harsin’s job in his hands. While both are more than serviceable options, it sounds like Finley’s experience at Auburn is shining through with the clock winding down in the competition.