On Saturday, Nov. 3, Auburn will find out if it actually has a starting-caliber quarterback on the roster.
At his Tuesday press conference, Gene Chizik announced that the team will start its third and final option at quarterback: Jonathan Wallace.
"We thought, going back and looking at the film and really reviewing it, that he really played well," Chizik said. "That's the decision that we've made, so we're going to forge ahead with that."
The selection comes as no surprise after Wallace's performance last weekend in Auburn's crushing 63-21 loss to Texas A&M.
Wallace finished the game 6-for-9 passing for 122 yards and two touchdowns.
In addition, the freshman rushed for 71 yards on 13 carries.
Wallace entered the game in relief of junior Clint Moseley (ankle) and Kiehl Frazier (shoulder) and provided a noticeable spark for Auburn's previously idling offensive engine.
According to Chizik, Wallace's promotion hasn't changed his mindset in the least.
"Jonathan's one of these guys that's very mature beyond his years," Chizik said. "He prepares that way. He was up here all day yesterday on his own just watching film. Not that that's the first day he's done that. He's just a little bit different. He's not into all of the fluff and all of the stuff around what all that means. He just loves football."
Wallace was a long shot to play before the season with Moseley, Frazier and the now-departed Zeke Pike filling the top of the roster.
Now, Wallace has the top spot and a chance to prove he's the answer for Auburn.
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