Sean White to Start at QB over Jeremy Johnson for Auburn in 2015 Birmingham Bowl

Auburn announced Wednesday that Sean White will get the start over Jeremy Johnson in the Birmingham Bowl, according to Brett McMurphy of ESPN.

Johnson, a junior, threw for 1,043 yards, nine touchdowns and seven interceptions while rushing for 111 yards and five touchdowns this season. White, a freshman, threw for 1,064 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions in six appearances this year.

Johnson is also expected to play in the contest, per Charles Goldberg of AuburnTigers.com.

"Both the guys have had good practices since we've been here," Malzahn said on Tuesday, per Greg Ostendorf of ESPN. "It hasn't changed. Sean White is close to being 100 percent healthy, and Jeremy Johnson is healthy. We feel good about both the guys ... we feel good about our plan."

Johnson was the starter to open the season but didn't keep his job for long, losing it after throwing six interceptions in his first three games. He was benched after the LSU loss. 

White took over from there, starting the next five games before injuring his knee in late October. 

Regardless of Wednesday's result, both players could struggle to earn playing time next year—if Johnson doesn't transfer, that is—considering junior college transfer John Franklin III is expected to compete for the starting job next season.