Auburn football leaves cryptic last-second depth chart change at QB: Finley or Ashford?
AUBURN — After Auburn football's season opener, coach Bryan Harsin quipped with local reporters that he should have run his two-quarterback set on the first play of the game as a means of confusing everyone about who the starter is.
Now he has put some confusion on paper.
In Auburn's depth chart handed out before the Tigers' game against San Jose State (1-0) on Saturday (6:30 p.m. CT, ESPNU), T.J. Finley was no longer the only starting quarterback. He was listed as an "OR" with Robby Ashford, the Oregon transfer who came off the bench in Week 1 to create 168 total yards of offense. Finley threw two interceptions in a 42-16 win against Mercer for Auburn (1-0).
Finley was announced as the starter during player introductions on the big screen at Jordan-Hare Stadium, and he played the first series (a three-and-out). But in the depth chart released to media Monday, Finley was listed alone as the starter, with Ashford behind him at backup quarterback. So the last-second tweak is at least deliberate, which makes it notable.
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Finley was 9-for-14 against Mercer with 112 yards, one touchdown and the two interceptions. Ashford was 4-for-7 with 100 yards passing and 68 yards rushing. He entered the game in Auburn's first and second possessions for read option run plays designed for him.
Finley had been announced as the starter one week before the season after a quarterback competition with Ashford and Texas A&M transfer Zach Calzada.
Auburn football has starting receiver change
Koy Moore was announced as Auburn football's starting Z receiver in place of Malcolm Johnson Jr. This will be Moore's first Auburn start after transferring from LSU this offseason. He can also play in the slot, but Ja'Varrius Johnson is the starter at that position after a team-leading 117 yards against Mercer.
This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: TJ Finley or Robby Ashford? Auburn football's cryptic depth chart change
