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It wasn’t pretty by a longshot, but Auburn managed to escape Jacksonville State’s monumental upset bid Saturday and stay unbeaten heading into its SEC opener at SEC.
RELATED: Malzahn’s post-game thoughts | QB Johnson’s reaction
One of the preseason league favorites, the Tigers didn’t pass the eye test and will likely drop in today’s AP Top 25.
TAKEAWAYS
- Jeremy Johnson not yet confident this season: Five interceptions through two games. Auburn’s QB1 has issues that need to be addressed, notably his decision-making and confidence within the offense. There’s no quarterback controversy at this point, but if Johnson’s inconsistent play continues, this won’t last long in the Top 10 when SEC play begins next weekend in Baton Rouge.
- Will Muschamp’s defense underachieves: Jacksonville State ran 89 plays, managed three completions of at least 25 yards and became the second straight opponent to eclipse 400 yards of total offense against Muschamp’s revamped unit. The Tigers’ defensive line struggled with pressure (no Carl Lawson didn’t help) and the Gamecocks managed decent push despite the obvious athleticism and size disadvantages.
- Peyton Barber making the most of opportunity: With Jovon Robinson on the mend and Roc Thomas handling second-team carries, Barber ran hard throughout for a career-best 125 yards. His second straight 100-yard outing was highlighted by 53 yards rushing on Auburn’s second-to-last drive in the fourth quarter.
REPORT CARD
Offense: (B-) — Auburn was largely out-played offensively before Johnson’s clutch strike to Melvin Ray from 10 yards out tied the game with 39 seconds remaining. It showed all was not lost despite a sub-par outing. Johnson’s final numbers weren’t terrible (21-of-32, 236 yards), but the two picks came on bad reads.
Defense: (C) — Playing without starters Lawson and Tray Matthews who were out with injuries, Auburn gave up 438 total yards and nearly had it all magnified when Jacksonville State converted a fourth down and took the lead inside of six minutes to play. Auburn’s secondary struggled as a unit, but Johnathan Ford was stellar at the back end with 12 tackles and a leaping third-quarter interception in the end zone.
Special Teams: (A) — Daniel Carlson made both of his field goal tries from 27 and 49 yards. And three of his five kickoffs went for touchbacks.
Coaching: (C) — Auburn didn’t look well-prepared defensively, often guessing wrong on Jacksonville State’s zone-read calls and perhaps under-estimated one of the FCS ranks’ top receivers Josh Barge (who caught 14 passes for 132 yards). Gus Malzahn’s head-scratching call late in the fourth to give Roc Thomas a carry after a steady dose of Barber nearly cost the Tigers following a lost fumble.
Overall: (C-) — As a 40-point favorite, the Tigers needed a late game-tying touchdown and a clutch sack in overtime from Cassanova McKinzy to beat the Gamecocks. This wasn’t the performance many expected, especially from Johnson after a lackluster effort against Louisville in the opener.
GAME PLAN
Malzahn’s plan wasn’t the issue. It was Johnson’s faulty execution through the air and Auburn’s lack of awareness at the line of scrimmage and in the secondary that led to too many big plays. Jacksonville State was game for 60 minutes-plus and nearly pulled off the biggest win in school history. The Tigers must improve.
GAME BALLS
- RB Peyton Barber, Auburn: 125 yards rushing, TD
- LB Cassanova McKinzy, Auburn: Fought through an injury with 13 tackles, 2 sacks, FF
- QB Eli Jenkins, Jacksonville State: 330 yards total offense, TD
INJURY UPDATE
- Cornerback Josh Hosley went down awkwardly in the first half with a knee injury and did not return.
- McKinzy was nicked up in the third quarter on a kickoff return coverage play, but remained in the game following a slight delay.
- Wideout Duke Williams was attended to in the third quarter after getting smashed on a crossing route, but returned.
