Making the case: Why Holden Geriner should start at quarterback vs Ole Miss

Here's why Auburn should turn to the redshirt freshman against the Rebels.

Author:
Lance Dawe
Publish date:
Oct 18, 2023 11:50 AM EDT

In this story:

Auburn football heads into week seven without a true answer at quarterback.

Michigan State transfer Payton Thorne hasn't been it. Robby Ashford isn't getting enough time to show whether or not he can run the offense better. Holden Geriner has received one drive at the end of a game that was lost.

There are a number of issues around the quarterback spot that are hurting the Tigers' offense, but the position has not been improving the unit as a whole.

With no clear direction with Thorne and Ashford operating the offense, could Hugh Freeze and Auburn turn to Holden Geriner as the starter this weekend against No. 13 Ole Miss?

Here are three reasons why the Tigers should start Holden Geriner.

With more reps, he could be the guy

Geriner had a few passes at the end of Auburn's loss to Texas A&M. He was 2-for-7 passing and missed a couple of throws. According to Freeze, Geriner could be more accurate with more playing time.

"I think Holden if he ends up being the guy, he's got to have a lot of reps," Freeze said in a press conference following the A&M game. "He seemed poised, his throws were inaccurate... but really he was about 1-for-5 on accuracy... You're talking about a guy we haven't given quality reps. I think with more reps he could be more accurate... He stands tall in the pocket."

If he gets more playing time, there could be something there with Geriner.

Confidence

Geriner doesn't look like a quarterback that lacks for confidence. He slung the ball around at the end of the A&M game and throws a beautiful ball.

It would be nice to see that confidence put on the field, especially considering how the current rotation at QB looks. Thorne does not look confident in what he's doing. That may be because of a lack of trust in his receivers, his line... whatever the case may be, he looks shaken at times.

Could swapping to Geriner lead to a more confident, aggressive passing attack?

The need for change

This was one of the reasons we listed for why Robby Ashford should start against the Rebels. There needs to be some kind of change in order for the Auburn offense to improve.

Maybe it comes with Ashford. Maybe it comes with Geriner. Regardless, we're halfway through the season and the team cannot move the ball. Trying new things out at QB may be useful.