last 2022 open fall practice

[aubiefifty 18,248]

AUBURN — The final open practice of Auburn football's 2022 preseason wasn't just for media: The gates of Jordan-Hare Stadium were open for fans to take a sneak peak before the Tigers face Mercer in the season opener Sept. 3.

In a last glimpse at quarterbacks, T.J. Finley's hold on the starting job seemed to grow more secure. Meanwhile, among the three QB1 candidates, Texas A&M transfer Zach Calzada is the least likely to play next Saturday (6 p.m. CT, ESPN+). Here are the biggest takeaways as game week nears.

Offensive line and receivers struggled, but why so much scrambling?

During seven-on-seven periods, it was common to see Finley and Robby Ashford scrambling to create plays. A few thoughts about that.

First: The offensive line allowed pressure to leak through a number of times, forcing quarterbacks out of the pocket. Colby Wooden and Marcus Harris both "sacked" Finley.

Second: Receivers weren't consistently getting open, which didn't make life easy.

Third: It's not exactly productive to scramble in these dwindling practice reps regardless, because quarterbacks have not been live this entire preseason. When defenders can't tackle them, it becomes harder to measure the validity of a scramble. Throwing reps are more important.

Fourth: Ashford did try to make a few throws in motion when he was flushed out, but they often landed at least 5 yards out of bounds (including two that sailed over the end zone). It's easy to understand why he might be a good fit if Auburn needs a quarterback who can improvise, but Ashford's accuracy is erratic.

Fifth: Ashford scrambled during one rep when the pocket collapsed, and it ended with an unforced fumble.

Sixth: Calzada took the second-team reps during Auburn's situational drills that started with fourth-and-1 simulations. A handoff got stuffed on the first try. On the second, Calzada scrambled for a first down. The practice ended with him running the offense with third- and fourth-team players. The last play was Calzada getting sacked by true freshman linebacker Robert Woodyard.

Bad day for quarterbacks, but TJ Finley was best

OK, not just for the quarterbacks: The entire offense looked overmatched by Auburn's defense. But Finley had a few impressive moments that stood out most. (He and Ashford continued to split first-team reps.)

Finley lofted a beautiful ball to Camden Brown at the pylon, but cornerback Jaylin Simpson made a great pass breakup. On another fade to the back corner of the end zone, he fit his throw perfectly over Simpson's fingertips, but Ze'Vian Capers flat-out dropped it. Finley also made the smartest play of the day when a quarterback was forced out, moving to his left and finding tight end Micah Riley-Ducker. However, one of Finley's last reps was a bad interception to Donovan Kaufman.

QUARTERBACKTJ Finley was always ready for this. Will the super suit fit Auburn football's backup QB?

AD SEARCHFormer prominent AD Kevin White blasts Auburn in bizarre statement after Allen Greene resigns: 'a death blow moment'

Kickoff and punt returners becoming clear

Receiver Ja'Varrius Johnson is the Tigers' top punt returner. Cornerback Keionte Scott took the second reps, with Kaufman third. On kickoffs, it was cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett and receiver Koy Moore.

Injuries

Starting center Nick Brahms was not dressed for practice. He has missed Auburn's preseason scrimmages, and his status for this season is in question. Tate Johnson took most first-team reps. Brandon Council and Kameron Stutts continued to split left guard reps, and Brenden Coffey was in the mix with Austin Troxell at right tackle.

Defensive lineman Zykeivous Walker and safety Marquise Gilbert were also out.

This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Auburn football: Zach Calzada appears out of quarterback com