Auburn jumped to a 24-0, lead in first half over Louisiana Monroe Saturday.

Hugh Freeze was asked at halftime how the offense performed against the Sun Belt opponent.

“Better,” the Auburn coach said at halftime. “Better. Still, a few inconsistent plays that I think are wrong in our reading progression.

Payton Thorne finished 16 of 24 for 188 yards and three scores.

“I think we can run the football,” Freeze said. “We’re trying to throw a little bit, but I thought Payton made a solid pass. It could have been a little better.

The Tigers rushed for 292 yards in the half, while the defense held Monroe to just 70 yards.

“Not a bad half at all,” Freeze said. “We scored points in every possession, but one when we were backed up. Pretty happy.

Freeze said he hoped to see other guys take a chance at quarterback in the second half.

“I would love to see that happen,” he said. “As coaches, we’re careful not to get too far ahead of ourselves, but if we can go out and recover some good possessions, I’d like to see some other guys step up.”

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM on mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile app from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. daily.