Auburn Tigers struggle with quarterback play in opening games

The Auburn Tigers opened with five straight home games and high hopes of using a strong start to show progress under second-year coach Hugh Freeze.They limped away from Jordan-Hare Stadium with a mistake-plagued 2-3 record and the Tigers’ biggest challenge yet awaiting: A visit to No. 5 Georgia on Saturday.So far, it’s been pretty much the same old Auburn that has posted three straight losing seasons with shaky quarterback play and other maladies.“We’re judged on results, and it’s my responsibility to bring results to this program that restores glory,” Freeze said.Freeze repeatedly touts recruiting successes with talented freshmen like wide receiver Cam Coleman. But the Tigers (2-3, 0-2 Southeastern Conference) clearly have a long way to go.The frustrating losses have started to pile up.— Auburn fell 21-14 to California after Payton Thorne was intercepted four times.— Two weeks later, replacement Hank Brown was picked off three times before halftime and Auburn lost 24-14 to Arkansas.— After another quarterback change back to Thorne, Auburn blew an 11-point fourth quarter lead and succumbed 27-21 to No. 19 Oklahoma. The back-breaking blow: Kip Lewis’s pick-six off a pass from Thorne.Freeze, who is having to preach patience instead of touting progress on the field,...