Auburn’s starting quarterback, Jackson Arnold, was benched during the recent match against the Arkansas Razorbacks after a critical mistake led to a pivotal moment in the game. Arnold threw a red zone interception for a touchdown, known as a pick-six, which contributed to a halftime score of 21-10 in favor of Arkansas. In his place, Ashton Daniels stepped in and led the Tigers to a comeback victory, finishing the game with a 33-24 win.
Auburn’s head coach, Hugh Freeze, praised Arnold’s maturity in dealing with the situation, highlighting his readiness to contribute despite being sidelined. Following the game, Freeze noted, “We had a great conversation. He came to work ready to roll.” This reflects Arnold’s positive attitude as he prepares for upcoming challenges.
Arnold completed 7-of-12 passes for 73 yards, including one touchdown and one interception, before being replaced. He was also sacked once, resulting in a nine-yard loss that led to an Auburn punt. Despite the setback, Arnold managed to maintain a record of leading Auburn to a touchdown on its first offensive series for three consecutive games.
Hugh Freeze refrained from naming a starting quarterback for the upcoming matchup against Kentucky, instead announcing an open competition between Arnold and Daniels. “Whatever happens come Saturday, you’ve got to be ready,” Freeze emphasized. He acknowledged Arnold’s competitive spirit, stating, “He’s a mature kid and obviously going to compete like heck this week to prove that he should lead us on that first drive again.”
The change in quarterback sparked a significant turnaround for the Tigers, with Daniels orchestrating five consecutive scoring drives in his debut. This shift was crucial in securing Auburn’s first Southeastern Conference (SEC) victory of the season, allowing the team to improve their overall record.
As Auburn prepares for their next challenge, the coaching staff is focused on analyzing film to make the best decision for the team’s future. With both quarterbacks demonstrating potential, fans are eager to see how the situation unfolds in the coming week as the Tigers aim to build on their recent success and continue their momentum into the next game.
