That loss was also Thorne's fifth-straight start. He was benched in favor of redshirt freshman Hank Brown for Auburn's Week 3 win against New Mexico after Thorne threw four interceptions in the Tigers' loss to Cal the week prior.

Struggling Auburn Tigers quarterback Payton Thorne is battling a sore shoulder, and Hugh Freeze may pounce on the opportunity to make a change.

Quarterback Payton Thorne did not practice during the Tigers' bye week, head coach Hugh Freeze said Monday, as Thorne was sidelined with a shoulder injury he suffered against Vanderbilt on Nov. 2.