Making the case: Why Robby Ashford should start vs Ole Miss

Auburn's quarterbacks have not performed up to expectations this season.

Michigan State transfer Payton Thorne has not impressed through four games as the Tigers' primary signal-caller, leading offensive coordinator Philip Montgomery to pull him out for Robby Ashford, last year's starter.

The rotation has been clunky, with no success and a clear lack of rhythm. It feels like a tale we've been reading about Auburn forever; they can't find a solid, consistent quarterback to lead the offense.

It's unclear how Auburn is going to approach the position for the final six games of the year, but more importantly this weekend against Ole Miss.

Here are three reasons why Robby Ashford, the primary starter a season ago, should start this weekend against the No. 13 Rebels.

Ashford's athleticism

Ashford may not be the perfect quarterback, but he is an incredible athlete and one of the fastest players on the team. He broke out for 710 rushing yards during his freshman season with the Tigers and already has 153 yards and five rushing touchdowns this year.

When it comes down to it, Ashford is one of the most dynamic, game-changing players on the team. It is simply a matter of whether or not he can string together four consistent quarters to display that fully.

Hugh Freeze's emphasis on the RPO

Ashford has proven himself to be effective in the running game while also explosive passing the ball downfield.

There's a stigma out there that Ashford simply can't throw at all. His completion percentage has left more to be desired - hovering around 50% for his two seasons with the Tigers - but it may be fair to propose a few things.

For one, Ashford's shoulder injury he was dealing with for the majority of last season greatly hindered his ability to throw.

This season, Ashford leads the SEC in receiver drop rate at 16.67% despite only having thrown 18 passes. If he had those three incompletions back, his completion percentage (61.1%) would be acceptable.

Let Ashford operate the RPO offense and make defenses respect his ability to run.

The need for change

Auburn's offense may truly just be what it has been; an anemic, mildly-paced unit that struggles to get drives started due to an extremely inept passing game.

Payton Thorne has had a few moments as the Tigers' signal caller but his overall product just hasn't been it. Auburn needs something to change here in order for things to start working.

Switching to Ashford for more than a drive (or portions of it) may benefit the offense, which has shown the ability to move the ball while he's out there.

Making the case: Why Robby Ashford should start vs Ole Miss

Ashford's athleticism

Hugh Freeze's emphasis on the RPO

The need for change

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