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.

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.

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

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

Here's what Hugh Freeze and Auburn football players say about QB Hank Brown after his first start in a win over New Mexico.

AUBURN — Auburn football will host Arkansas at Jordan-Hare Stadium on Saturday in its first SEC game of the 2024 season. Auburn leads 20-12-1 in the series with Arkansas, winning last season's matchup 48-10. However, the Razorbacks won their previous matchup in Auburn, 41-27 on Oct. 16, 2021.

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

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.