Barrett Trotter Report Card: How Did Cam Newton's Successor Do in Debut?

Cam Newton's miraculous year at Auburn is in the books and now his replacement must take over a team that will be defending their National Championship.

Newton's successor is Barry Trotter, a junior that has 64 career passing yardsand who is completely different from Newton. He's not as mobile, although that might just be impossible, and he doesn't have as strong of an arm.

Newton also had the "IT" factor going for him; he built buzz after every single game en route to a Heisman trophy and a National Championship. Now it's Trotter's turn.

So how did Trotter do in his debut against Utah State?

Trotter Has Accuracy to Go with a Strong Arm

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Trotter isn't going to be known for his legs like Newton was, instead he's going to have to make the brunt of his plays with his arm. Against Utah State, Trotter completed 17 of 23 passes for 261 yards and three touchdowns—a very solid performance.

Trotter came up huge in his final two drives in the game to put the Tigers up on Utah State,  ultimately sealing an Auburn victory. While the game wasn't exactly the prettiest to watch, Trotter did everything he needed to do in order to win the game.

Trotter found two targets in Emory Blake and Travante Stallworth who each had over 90 yards receiving and one touchdown a piece.

Trotter Delivered

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Trotter ultimately delivered in his first game as a starter and while he didn't rack up the yards or play in a flashy matter like Cam Newton, he won a thriller and avoided the dreaded upset against Utah State.

Trotter came up huge when he needed to, leading the Tigers to a victory. In reality, Auburn might not be as successful as they predicted. They struggled against Utah State and even though it was the first game of the season, it was still a scare and one that could have been avoided.

Trotter will be a good successor to Newton, but he won't be as exciting or as good—at least from the outside looking in. However, in his first game as a starter, he was impressive and showed plenty of poise.

Trotter Was the Offense

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If Trotter did have any similarities to Cam Newton it be that he was practically the entire offense. Running back Michael Dyer didn't exactly impress and had Trotter not completed clutch throws to receivers Emory Blake and Travante Stallworth, the game would have been lost.

Trotter provided all the offensive sparks needed and helped Auburn avoid a huge upset.

Trotter's Grade

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Trotter receives an "A" grade. He wasn't Cam Newton, but he's never going to be. He's not going to be a dynamic runner like Newton, but he will be able to make great plays with his arm.

Trotter showed that he's capable of managing the offense and making plays, which is important, and will determine whether or not this team is going to compete in the SEC.

Auburn escaped a huge upset, but in the process they showed they have a long way to go.  Thankfully they have a capable leader in Trotter.