Trent Dilfer was hardly surprised when his old quarterback Hank Brown made a mostly pristine starting debut for Auburn, avoiding blunders even during stretches where heavy rain was falling.

After Hank Brown completed 17 of his 25 passes for 235 yards and four TDs in a win over New Mexico, the QB is excited for the challenge to increase.

Brown had been committed to Liberty for nearly six months prior to signing with Auburn, committing to play for Freeze in Conference USA. Recruiting and the coaching carousel are hardly ever predictable, though, and the two intertwined at the end of the 2022 season.

Auburn Tigers head coach Hugh Freeze thought highly of Hank Brown's first career college start. However, he still has a lot to prove.

AUBURN — Auburn football benched quarterback Hank Brown after a three-interception first half during the Arkansas game Saturday at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Payton Thorne got the second half start after being benched for Brown the previous week against New Mexico. Auburn finished with 72 passing yards in the first half as it trailed 7-0 at the break.

Sam Pittman and Arkansas host Auburn on Saturday, looking to bounce back from a disappointing Week 3 overtime loss to Oklahoma State.

New Auburn Tigers starting quarterback may be a freshman, but his relationship with head coach Hugh Freeze goes back several years.

Hank Brown had a rough first half against the Razorbacks. He threw 3 interceptions in the half, leading to coach Hugh Freeze deciding to make a change at the break. Auburn turned back to Thorne — its starter to begin the year — to start the second half.

Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze and quarterback Hank Brown fundamentally need each other if they're going to survive and thrive against the SEC.