Thorne struggled early, throwing four interceptions in Auburn’s loss to Cal in a performance that lost him the starting job for two weeks. However, upon returning to the starter role, Thorne was stronger down the stretch, throwing 11 touchdowns and just three interceptions in Auburn’s final seven games.

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.

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.