Earlier this week, we said a win against the lowly Mississippi State Bulldogs was a must for the Auburn Tigers, and Hugh Freeze and company responded with their best offensive performance of the season.

Despite all the buzz surrounding Peyton Thorne and the offense in recent weeks, Thorne was phenomenal today. The Freeze haven’t played Robbie Ashford in any games since Thorne started hitting his stride, leaving him out of the second-quarter back system.

The Tigers got off to an eight-play, 75-yard scoring drive on their first drive of the game, which ended with a 27-yard touchdown pass from Peyton Thorne to Shane Fuchs, Fuchs’ second score of the season. .

Shane Hook scores a 27-yard touchdown! #wde pic.twitter.com/95iAlgydu5

— Power of Dixieland (@PwrofDixieland) October 28, 2023

Auburn’s second drive was even better, going five plays, 75 yards and a touchdown, perhaps Thorne’s best throw of the entire season thus far, with a 45-yarder to Javarius Johnson. .

As easy as you like: Peyton Thorne to Javarius Johnson for a touchdown.
pic.twitter.com/X8OBCC634W

— Auburn Gold Mine (@AUGoldMine) October 28, 2023

Jeremiah Cobb caught Thorne’s third touchdown of the half on a beautiful goal-line toss in the final seconds of the first half, giving Auburn a 24-3 lead at the half.

Peyton Thorne to Jeremiah Cobb

touchdown auburn pic.twitter.com/rOvVQAu5lu

— Auburn Gold Mine (@AUGoldMine) October 28, 2023

Thorne finished 20-of-26 for 230 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions.

The Tigers’ defense was also amazing today, with Mike Wright only completing 50% of his passes and an interception in the fourth quarter clinching the victory.

The team totaled 416 yards, which was a good first SEC win in the Hugh Freeze era. Only time will tell if Auburn can repeat the win next week on the road to Vanderbilt.

Follow Michael Browner on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP