Auburn’s starting quarterback has had an up-and-down tenure with the Tigers, but beating Alabama would secure his legacy in the program.

Just one week after throwing five touchdown passes, Thorne got off to a splendid start versus Texas A&M. The senior signal-caller completed seven of nine attempts (77.8%) for 190 yards and two scores in the first half against the Aggies. Both touchdown tosses – a 63-yard connection and 15-yard hook up – went to wide receiver Cam Coleman.

"Most of it's been about just the the mental toughness that he and I have kind of endured together to get through a lot of things," Freeze said.