As Auburn prepares for the Iron Bowl, the spotlight is on quarterback Payton Thorne, whose gritty ground game could play a pivotal role in pulling off an upset against Alabama. Thorne, known for his dual-threat ability, has demonstrated flashes of brilliance as both a passer and a runner this season. However, his performance in the ground game will be key to Auburn’s success, particularly in the high-stakes environment of the Iron Bowl.
Thorne’s ability to extend plays with his legs has been a crucial asset for Auburn. With 300 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns on the season, he’s proven that he can make defenses pay when they overcommit to the pass. Against Alabama’s stout defense, which ranks among the best in the SEC, Thorne will need to use his mobility to escape pressure and create opportunities for explosive plays. Auburn’s offensive line has struggled at times, and Thorne’s ability to improvise and pick up key first downs with his legs could keep Alabama’s defense on its heels.
In the past, Auburn has relied on a strong running game to neutralize Alabama’s pass rush. With Thorne capable of running the football effectively, he adds an extra dimension to the Tigers’ offense, making it harder for the Crimson Tide to predict and counter their attack. If Thorne can avoid turnovers and capitalize on the opportunities that his legs afford him, Auburn’s ground game might be just gritty enough to outlast Alabama in what is sure to be a hard-fought Iron Bowl.
The outcome of the game could ultimately come down to whether Thorne’s ground game can match the intensity and physicality required to overcome Alabama’s defense in one of college football’s most heated rivalries.