With the season coming to an overall disappointing end compared to preseason expectations for the Auburn Tigers and quarterback Jarrett Stidham, there are some major questions that need to be addressed when the regular season ultimately ends in the Iron Bowl against the Alabama Crimson Tide.
One of those questions may be answered when former Clemson quarterback Kelly Bryant makes his decision in early December about where he plans to transfer, and one of the places he is considering is Auburn.
So, if Kelly Bryant decides to spend his senior season on the Plains, where does that leave Jarrett Stidham? The junior quarterback has been Auburn's starter for the past two years and with his senior season approaching, should he even stay in school?
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Coming into this season, expectations were high for Stidham and his Auburn teammates, but struggles on offense have plagued them all season. First of all, his offensive line has done him no favors. They've been a huge disappointment in protected Stidham, especially in loses against Georgia and LSU where they were a non-factor.
Then again, Stidham didn't help his cause by stepping his game up either this season. When the team needed him to step up and make plays like in losses to Mississippi State, he turned the ball over three times. Also, Stidham hasn't set the world on fire with his statistics. Although he has over 2000 yards passing, he only has 10 touchdowns and through 10 games, which ties Nick Fitzgerald for second-fewest in the conference.
Stidham chose to stay once, but should he do it again?
With all that being said, should Stidham return to Auburn for his senior season? Conventional wisdom says he should if he wants to improve his draft status, but on the other hand, staying do the opposite and hurt it even futher.
If Auburn doesn't improve next year, Stidham could find himself in the same position as many former Auburn quarterbacks of the past not named Cam Newton and go completely undrafted.