The Birmingham Bowl December 28, 2021 Auburn vs. Houston

Glad we're in this bowl here in town.  Good for local area.  Auburn limps in at 6 & 6.  The Cougars are 11 and 2 having played in their conference's championship game.  Auburn is maybe a 2 point favorite.  Auburn has a bunch of players out including Bo Nix and Roger McCreary, but plenty of others.  I will be surprised if we win this game.  11 AM kickoff on ESPN.  A rainy day in town but warm for this time of year.

FIRST QUARTER

Houston receives and comes out completing short passes.

Out to their 39.

To our 41 after a fumble that we should have recovered.

We are not getting to their QB.

Houston converts two third downs and a fourth and one.

Short passes are killing us.

Third and goal from the five.

TD pass when their QB gets outside and finds an open receiver.

We get after their QB but he is very mobile.

87 yard drive.

 

Auburn 0 Houston 7

We return the kickoff just across the 20.

The Tigers are quickly three and out.

Punt to their 30

The Cougars go three and out.  So far Houston cannot run the ball.

Punt goes out of bounds at our 35.

We go three and out again after failing to convert a third and three.

Offense looks totally discombobulated.

Houston on their 12.

QB keeper all the way out to their 39.

Houston is punting close to their 45.

From their 25 Auburn finally makes their initial first down to their 38.

Another first down close to midfield.

The quarter ends with Auburn facing third down just across midfield.

SECOND QUARTR

First down completion to their 38.

First down to the 28.

Second and two.

Bigsby is running hard.

Third and two.  Incomplete pass in the end zone caught but out of bounds.

Fourth and two.

Going for it.

First down pass to the 21 to Shedrick Jackson but reviewed and ruled incomplete.

Houston on their 21.

Houston to their 44 now running the ball.

They have a great short passing game.

On our 33.

Their QB is not fast but he is elusive.

Back to our 43.

Third and 12.

A targeting call against Smoke Monday is reversed.

Fourth and 12.

A 53 yd. FG attempt is good.

Auburn 0 Houston 10

Can our offense respond?  From what I've seen so far I doubt it.

Auburn returns to the 23.

Short pass to Bigsby who runs all the way inside the 25.

From the 22 first down completion to around the ten.

Two plays later we are at third and nine from the ten.

Jackson is open at the five but Finley throws short.

Houston is getting pressure on Finley.

Auburn 3 Houston 10

3:10 to go.

Houston is punting from just across their 40 with 1:43 to go.

Auburn starts from their 15.

Completion to the Auburn 45.

1:26 to go.

To midfield third and five.

First down completion to the Houston 45.

Finely misses an open Kobe Hudson at the five,

We move to third and 10 from the Cougar 45.

53 seconds left.

A bad snap and the drive fizzles.

Now Houston has a chance with 44 seconds left.

Punt to the 15.

35 seconds left Houston at their 15.

One play and the half ends.

THIRD QUARTER

The Tigers receive and are quickly at the Cougar 19.

Alas, as usual, the drive stalls.

The 35 yd. field goal is good.

Auburn 6 Houston 10

But once again a red zone failure.

After one first down Houston is punting.

Auburn begins on their 22.

Auburn is quickly to the Houston 33.

A long completion to Shenker.

We move to a 4th and 1.

First down to the 22.

Finley is sacked on the 29 as an unblocked Cougar comes in.

5:59 left in the third.

First down completion to the 9 by Javarius Johnson.

We desperately need the end zone.

TD pass but called for a false start.

Touchdown pass to Kobe Hudson but it's reviewed.  Did he have a foot inbounds.

Call on the field stands.

Auburn 13 Houston 10

3:52 left in the third.

From their 22 first down pass Houston.

Big interception by Pritchett!

Auburn at the Cougar 25.

On the interception Smoke Monday is called for targeting on a block.

First and then on their 25.  A 47 penalty in effect.

Monday is done for the day.

Auburn quickly at the Cougar 49.

Auburn to the 44.

Auburn is punting from the Cougar 44.

The targeting call hurt. 

Huge call.

Short punt almost almost blocked.

Houston at their 35.

The third quarter ends with Houston facing second and six.

FOURTH QUARTER

Houston to the Auburn 36.

Houston moves to 4th and 8 at the Auburn 34.

Their QB runs for it and comes up short.

Auburn ball!

On third and one near midfield we come up short.

The Tigers punting from midfield.

Fair catch at the five.

On third and 12 from inside the five our defense gives up the first down to a wide-open receiver to the 25.

Houston is near midfield.  We are giving the QB all day to throw the ball.

Auburn gets the interception on a tipped ball!

Auburn first and ten at the Houston 49.

JJ is open at the eight but Finley overthrows him.

We move to third and nine.

Almost down to 7 minutes left.

Finely again overthrows an open receiver.

Finely squanders field position on after a turnover.

Houston begins on their 20.

The Tigers not able to take advantage of the turnover .  This could mean the game.  Houston is hard to stop.

6:47 left.

Houston to their 34.

Late hit targeting on Simpson.

We're in trouble.

Jaylin Simpson is ejected.

Next man up.

Stan White doesn't know what the definition of targeting is anymore.

Houston is at the Auburn 49.

Two targeting calls on Auburn in this game.

4:47 left.

Houston inside out 30. We cannot pressure their QB.

A grounding call on their QB is not called.

Next play touchdown pass.  Not good.

Too easy for their QB.

Auburn 13 Houston 17

We're down to cases, but as Pat Dye once said there are no miracles on the football field.

Kobe Hudson drops a first down pass.

The Tigers fail on 4 and 2.  Game, set, match.

We lose this game on a inept offense and lack of pressure on their quarterback.

That simple.

NSD

The Alabama Game November 27, 2021

 This could have been a competitive game a few weeks ago. But then Auburn lost three straight games including blowing leads in the last two games including losing 21-17 to lowly South Carolina.  Now starting QB Bo Nix is out for the year.  Owen Papoe, our best linebacker, is out for the year.  Anders Carlson, our placekicker is out for the duration.  The Tigers limp into this game at 6 and 5.  Alabama is 10 and 1 having clinched the SEC West.  Again for me this is NOT the Iron Bowl.  The Iron Bowl is for when the game was played in Birmingham.  It's the Auburn-Alabama game.

FIRST QUARTER

Both teams go three and out on their first possessions.  Auburn punts from inside their 5 going backwards from their 13.  Alabama punts back inside our 5 from midfield as Johnson lets the ball hit the turf.

From the two Auburn gets a first down to the 26 helped by a face guard penalty against Alabama.  Another first down to the 36.  First down to the 46.  Punt from there.  Fair catch at the Alabama 14.  At least we flipped the field.

Moultry sack back to the seven.  But there is a long completion across midfield.  Great QB they have.  

Our defense holds on third and one around midfield.  Punt fair caught around our 11.

Completion to the AU 30.  Now punting from the 35.  Auburn is committed to running the football but it's tough sledding between the tackles. Out of bounds at the Alabama 35 not a very good punt.

Moving to third and one at the 44.  Fourth and less than one.  Surprisingly the Tide punts fair caught at the Tiger 25.

SECOND QUARTER

Second and nine and a holding call on us.  On third and four Finley is sacked.  Finley doesn't have Nix's escapability.  Drat!  Fair caught at their 29.

First down pass to the 40.  But we're in this game but it's early.  Bama moves to fourth and 14 and things get a little chippy.  I think the Tide is getting frustrated.  We are getting pressure on their quarterback.  And so far they have not any explosive downfield pass completions.  That's the difference.  The Tigers on their 26,

First down to the Auburn 40.  Punting on 4th and 7.  A receiver misses a catch he should have made.  Punt into the end zone.

The Tide is three and out.  Their QB is misfiring.  Auburn feeds the punt near midfield.  Still chippy out there.  There is clear targeting on the punt receiver.  Targeting call is upheld.  First down at the Alabama 41.  Big completion to Robertson to the Alabama 14.  Kobe Hudson 14 yard TD reception at the line of scrimmage and he runs it right in!  Wow!

Auburn 7 Alabama 0

From the 24 first down Alabama to their 36.  Then Young goes down!  Holding on the Tide!  Second and 28.  Third and 27.  Down he goes!  Fourth and 35.  The Tigers take the ball on Alabama 45.  

Three and out on third and four Finely eats the ball.  Alabama fields the ball inside their 10.  Good time for a turnover down there.

1:23 left.  Third and 10 with 46 seconds left.   First down run with 38 seconds left.  Turnover time.  First down incompletion.  The half ends.  

Auburn leads 7 zip at the half.  So far Alabama looks bumfuzzled.

THIRD QUARTER

Alabama goes backwards three and now punting from around their five yard line.  The Auburn defense is aroused.  Good punt runback to the Alabama 21.  Bigsby for five.  No gain on a swing pass.  Third and five.  Incomplete pass.  Squat!  Ben Patton makes the field goal.

Auburn 10  Alabama 0

Two rushes and an Alabama first down.  Their offense looks more energized.  But there is a personal foul on the Tide t negate the first down.   We move to third and 13.  Interception at the Tide 45!  That's what I have been looking for. I knew that if we kept getting pressure on Young he would throw one up for grabs.

We need to take advantage here for sure.  Five yards on first down.  Face mask on Alabama.  First down to the Alabama 25.  First down running loss.  Still tough to run the football.  There is a rushing gain.  Third and five.  Finely in a big sack to take us out of field goal range. Drat!  Big play in the game.  Fourth and 17 and we're punting.  Missed a big opportunity there.  Finley leaves the field slightly limping.  Punt into the end zone.  Missed a golden opportunity for sure.  I hope this is not a momentum changer.

Let's not give Alabama the momentum.  Their best receiver is out after a targeting call in the first half.  Halfway thru the third quarter.  Alabama first down out to their 37. Alabama called for holding.  We move to third and 8.  First down completion.  No gain.  Second and 10 at the Auburn 45. Third and 8.  First down pass inside the Auburn 20.  Second and 11.  Timeout Alabama.  Third and 11.  4th and 11.  Their FG attempt is botched by the holder.  No good!  Auburn retains the lead 10 zip.

From our 20 move to second and 17.  LONG short pass to Hunter across midfield but a holding call negates the play.  Next play we keep going backwards.  Oh, that holding call hurt.  Second and 25.  The quarter expires as we go in the final stanza Auburn leading 10 to 0.

FOURTH QUARTER

CAN WE HANG ON?  I am utterly amazed that we have held Alabama scoreless thru 3 quarters.

10 to 0 Auburn starting the fourth quarter.

We move to 4th down Auburn punting Alabama ball at their 26.  Quick first down to their 43.  Incompletion.  First down pass across midfield.  Run to our 40.  Third and short.  Fourth and two from our 39 AND YOUNG IS SACKED!  WOW!  A snap on the ground.

But then Finley throws the interception.  Alabama ball on their 42.  Good play by their DB.  Defense has to bow up again.

11:50 left.  Uh-oh.  Long run down to our 20.  First down on the ground.  They are gashing us now on the ground.  First and goal from the 9.  Second and goal from the 7.  Third and goal from the 7.  YOUNG IS SACKED!    The FG is good.

Auburn 10 Alabama 3

8:44 left.  Our offense can win this game right here.  Big run on first down by Bigsby.  A gain of one to the Auburn 48. Third and 7.  Another interception.  But roughing the passer on the Tide.  Finley is gimpy.  Auburn is milking the clock  We move to third and 13.  Finley almost throws another interception.  Fourth and 13.  Auburn downs the ball on the Alabama one yard line.

4:47 left.  

Gain of one.  Third and two. First down close to the 40.  Incompletion.  Second and 10.  Un, oh.  McCreary is on the turf.  3:18 left.  Third and short.  Fourth and one.  Here's the game if we can stop them.  2:06 left Alabama fourth and one from their 47.  Measurement.  FIRST DOWN AUBURN.  I LOVE IT!  AUBURN FOOTBALL.

1:54 left.  Second and 11.  Ball security is paramount.  At the Alabama 47.  Now third and two.  First down and the game is over.  Bigsby is tackled behind the line.  1:43 left with an Alabama timeout.  Chapman to punt.  The punt is downed at the three.  1:35 left.

Second and 10 from the three.  TD is playing the game of his life.  Third and 10 from the three.  First down pass to the 25.  From the 34 completion to the Auburn 45.  53 seconds left from the Auburn 42.  Third and 7 from the Auburn 42.  48 seconds left no Alabama timeouts.  Fourth and 7. We are down to cases. 43 seconds left.  Completion to the Auburn 28.  Incompletion to the end zone.  33 seconds left.  incompletion.  Wow completion in the end zone.  Touchdown Alabama.  24 seconds left.  Game tied.  OH, MY.

Auburn 10 Alabama 10

We are headed for overtime with Alabama having the momentum.

First overtime in this series.

OVERTIME

Both teams score touchdowns in the first overtime.

Auburn 17 Alabama 17

SECOND OVERTIME

Both teams get field goals.

Auburn 20 Alabama 20

THIRD OVERTIME

Determined by a 2 pt. conversion attempt starting in the third overtime.

Auburn 22 Alabama 22

FOURTH OVERTIME

Auburn's pass into the end zone is incomplete.

Alabama gets the completion and wins the game,  Tough loss but give Alabama credit.

Auburn 22 Alabama 24

The South Carolina Game November 20, 2021

 For the second consecutive week the Tigers blow an early lead and lose 21 to 17 at South Carolina.  With Bo Nix out for the season and top linebacker Owen Papoe also out, the Tigers an early 14-0 lead into a 21-17 loss.  We are not happy Tiger Campers.  This is our third straight loss.  No chance of beating Alabama now.

The Mississippi State Game November 13, 2021

 Kickoff at Jordan-Hare is at 11 on ESPN.  Auburn is 6 & 3 and MSU is 5-4.  Mike Leach brings in his amazing flying machine for which he is famous.  Auburn is maybe a 4 point favorite.  After last week's debacle in Texas will our offense show up?  It will need to because State will score some points.  Can our defense slow down their air raid offense?  We will see.

FIRST QUARTER

First play from scrimmage Auburn with a long completion to Jackson from the Auburn 33 to the State 19. First down to the 9.  Bigsby to the 5.  Bigsby bulls his way to the end zone.  Auburn goes 67 yards in 5 plays.  Nice way to start this game. 

Auburn 7 State 0

Anders kickoff goes out of bounds.  From the 35 to the State 46 go the Bulldogs.  To the Auburn 49.   State goes to 4th and 1 at the Auburn 45.  First down completion to the 39.  We move to third and 10 from the Auburn 39.  Would've been 4th and 10 but a roughing penalty against Moultry allows State to keep the ball. State on our 24. Big mistake by Moultry.  First down at the 15.  False start first and 15.  Second and 15.  Third and 10 at the Auburn 15.  Fourth and 12 after a delay penalty.  FG good.  

Auburn 7 State 3

First down Auburn at our 18.  A block in the back negates a huge return.  First down Bigsby run to the 30. Bigsby for 8 yards.  Bigsby to the 41.  Short pass completion for 2 yards.  From the Auburn 43 Javarius Johnson goes 57 yards to the end zone after a reception at the line of scrimmage.  Johnson had nothing but green grass in front of him.

Auburn 14 State 3

State begins on the 15.  First down on a third and ten to the 26.  Fourth down State.  Robertson falls on the punt at the Auburn 34.

First down 16 yard completion to Shed Jackson.  Hunter runs to the State 37.  Clock expires Auburn facing third and 8 at the State 35.

SECOND QUARTER

Completion to the state 18.  Nix runs to the 13.  To the 9.  4th and one.  First down run by Shivers to the 4.  On second down from the 4 Nix finds Luke Deal in the end zone.  11:59 in the second.

Auburn 21 State 3

State is three and out.  Defense playing well so far.  Robertson fair catches at the AU 32.

Completion to Robertson across midfield.  First down inside the State 35.  We move to third and seven.  First down pass to Hudson to the State 23.  Malcolm Johnson reception to the 15.  Touchdown pass to Hudson a one-handed catch in the end zone!

Auburn 28 State 3

State drives to the Auburn 20 with a little more than 2 minutes left in the half.  Completion to the Auburn 4.  Next play touchdown to an open receiver in the end zone.

Auburn 28 State 10

1:55 left.  First down to midfield.  To the State 42 timeout with 43 seconds left.  Completion to the 31.  Nix is sacked after a bad snap back to the 38.  28 seconds left.  Auburn attempts a 55 yard field goal but no good.  The QB sack is costly.

12 seconds left.  First down to the Auburn 45 with 5 seconds left.  Incompletion half over.

Auburn 28 to 10 at the half.

THIRD QUARTER

State receives and goes right down the 75 yards for the touchdown.  Looked easy.

Auburn 28 State 17

Not the way we wanted to start the second half.  Can our offense respond?

After one first down Auburn is punting.  The punt is downed at the State two.  If we manage to hold them here this will be a big play in this game.

An interference call on third and two gets a first down.  Down the field the Bullies go driving 98 yards for the touchdown.  My oh, my, how this game has turned around.  State goes for two and we finally sack their QB.  

Auburn 28 State 23

What now?

On third and 8 there is a long completion of 46 yards.  Facing third down at the 18.  Fourth down at the 18.  THE FIELD GOAL ATTEMPT IS BLOCKED.  OH MY!!!  This game is amazingly going in reverse motion.

Momentum is totally going their way.  Now our defense seems unable to stop them.  As the quarter ends State has a first down at our 25.  

FOURTH QUARTER

State goes right down the field unstoppable for the third straight time in this half the score coming from the 6 to a wide open receiver in the end zone.  The two point attempt is no good,

Auburn 28 State 29

I am in shock.

This team has got to get itself together in a hurry.

But we go 3 and out on 4th and 19.  This game has slipped away.  The Bulldogs will have the ball in great field position after the punt.  This is sad to watch.  This is a complete second half collapse.

Quickly they are inside our 15.  They move inside our five.  Our defense looks helpless.  TD pass from the four.  What a collapse by Auburn.  This has to be one of the worst in history.

Auburn 28 State 36

I don't what to say.

9:35 left.

No offense.  We try a fake punt but the punter's pass is batted away.  With good field position we get a sack but they are still threatening.  Another sack.  The second sack was reviewed and called targeting.  The TV announcers denounce the call on Moultry.  Adding insult to injury.  First and 10 at our 11.  Touchdown State.  Amazing comeback and collapse by Auburn.  The Tigers have no answers.  The call on Moultry is disgusting but our team in the second half is more disgusting.

Auburn 28 State 43

The offense finally gets it going.  Touchdown pass to J Johnson.  The play is reviewed to make sure he crossed the goal line.  In review the ball is placed inside the one.  Touchdown.

But the 2 point attempt is no good.

Auburn 34 State 43

The onside kick is not recovered.

3:29 left.  Game over.

Auburn gets the ball, Finley comes, and promptly drops the football and State recovers.

2:48 left and Auburn is out of timeouts.  The Tigers completely broke down in the second half.

FINAL SCORE

43 - 34 STATE

The Texas A & M Game November 6, 2021

 Here we go at Kyle Field where Auburn has never lost.  The CBS afternoon game.  Auburn ranked #12 TAMU ranked #13.  Both teams 6 and 2.  Auburn controls its destiny.  TAMU is a slight favorite.  It's a tossup.

FIRST QUARTER

Auburn receives and drives to midfield but Nix is sacked at our 41 and the Tigers punt to the Aggie 16.  The Aggies drive smartly to a first and goal at the Auburn 5.  Second and goal from the 5. Third and goal from the 4.  Timeout Aggies.  Fourth and four after the incompletion.  Our defense holds them to a field goal.  

Auburn 0 TAMU 3

First down just across the 35.  Third and four now.  First down run by Shivers.  First down across midfield.     First own run up the middle by Nix.  Our offense is crisp.  Fist down inside the Aggie 20.  Second and 10. Third and 8.  Oh, no.  Hamm is on the ground.  We don't need to lose our center.  Fourth down FG attempt,  It's good with 20 seconds left in the first quarter.

Auburn 3 TAMU 3

TAMU runs the KO out of the end zone and the returner is dropped inside the 10.  Little gain on first down.

SECOND QUARTER

The Aggies go three and out.

Punt return almost to midfield.  Nix overthrows an open receiver.  First down across midfield.  Then third and long.  Fourth and long from midfield.  First down TAMU from around their 15.

The Aggies are quickly three and out again.  Auburn ball.

Alas, Auburn is three and out around midfield.  Fair catch called for but our defender ran into him to give them 15 yards.  First down TAMU on their 20.

First down run to the 38.  We move to 4th and 4.  Neither team can mount a consistent offense.

Auburn is punting from our 28.  TAMU starts on their 30.  A good punting contest so far.

First down Aggie completion.  We aren't getting to their QB enough.  Another running first down.  And another running first down.  Aggies having sudden success on the ground.  We move to an Aggie fourth down.  Forty-two yd. FG attempt NO GOOD.

After one first down Auburn is punting on 4th and 9 with 1:18 left.  TAMU on their 20 after the punt.  Nothing doing. 

HALFTIME

Total defensive/punting duel so far.  Neither offense can mount much consistency.

THIRD QUARTER

To open the Aggies go three and out.  Auburn starts on their 30.

Two first downs and Auburn is across midfield.  Bigsby for 9 yards.  First down at the Aggie 17.  We move to third and 9 from the 16.  4th and 9.  FG attempt no good.  Not good.  We completely lose momentum.   We were driving, can't pick up the first down on third and nine, and then miss the FG.  Not good.  What now?

Here is a ke moment in this game.  There is a long pass completion.  Yikes!  Another completion and another firs down Aggies.  First and goal completion.  From the four two straight procedure penalties on TAMU.  5:46 in the third.  TAMU first and goal from the 14.  Second and goal from the 14.  Holding on TAMU.  Third penalty in the red zone this Aggie possession.  Third and goal from the 17.  Their good QB is injured and has to leave the game for the net play.  Fourth and goal now from the 17.  FG is good.

Auburn 3 TAMU 6

Under the circumstances that worked out okay. 3:39 in the third.

No one expected this low scoring game.  Auburn is three and out not even close to moving the ball.  We need a big play from somewhere.  Great punt to the Aggie 12.

Backup Aggie QB still in the game.  But big run out to the Aggie 35.  Come on, guys, can't allow that.  Starting QB back in the game.  We move to third and 8 from their 37.  First down pass across midfield.  Is this game slipping away from us?  Another gashing run for a first down. Our defense looks like it's tired.  The quarter ends with TAMU on the march.

FOUTH QUARTER

TAMU on our 30 first and ten.  Second and ten.  14:44 left.  Third and ten from the 30.  Fourth and ten from the 30.  FG is good.

Auburn 3 TAMU 9

Okay, Bo.  What can you show us?

First down pass to the 35.  Second and 10 from the 35. Now disaster.  Bo drops the ball back to pass, TAMU picks it up and runs it in for the touchdown.  Bo just dropped the ball under pressure.  Bo just blew the game all by himself. Pressure, pressure,pressure.  The TV audience sees a sad Bo on the Auburn sideline.  2 pointer is good.

Auburn 3 TAMU 17

So sad.

Three and out 4th and 16.  Our offense has disappeared.  Punt OOB inside their 30.  Sad, sad game.

TAMU gets a big run on first down but the ball is stripped and Auburn recovers at our 5.

Bigsby for a first down to the 16.  Nine yd. completion play reviewed and overturned.  Bo scrambles for 9.  Bigsby for a yard and a first down.  First down completion but reviewed and overturned.  9:40 left.  4th and one first down Bigsby.  THEN huge sack on Nix.  That oughta do it. as the clock goes under 8 minutes.  Second and long now third and long.  This is agonizing to watch.  4th and 13.  They are chasing Nix all over the field.  Just short by a yard.  Aggie ball.  6:50 left.  Our offense lost this game pure and simple.  Bo is hanging his head on the Auburn sideline.  So painful to watch.

TAMU tacks on a FG with 3:15 left.

Auburn 3 TAMU 20

Disgusting.Our offense did not compete.  Last Auburn possession Nix gets picked off.  Totally embarrassing.  

FINAL SCORE

Auburn 3 TAMU 

The Ole Miss Game October 30, 2021

 Auburn vs. Ole Miss

10/30/21

Watching at Applebees

FIRST QUARTER

Auburn receives and marches sharply down the field Bo running it in on a designed qb keeper around left end. for the TD.

Auburn 7 Ole Miss 0 (converted a 4th and 1)

Ole Miss drives to a first and goal but we hold them to a FG.  We are stopping the run but their short accurate passing is hard to stop no pressure on their good QB.

Auburn 7 Ole Miss 3

Auburn drives for the touchdown again.  On third and goal from the one Bigsby dives into the end zone.

Auburn 14 Ole Miss 3

Ole Miss goes three and out.  Their good QB goes to the sidelines limping on one foot.

End of first quarter.

SECOND QUARTER

Next possession Auburn is punting.

After the punt their sub QB is in the game.

Corral returns as Ole Miss drives for the touchdown.  They’re running too easy on us.Auburn 14 Ole Miss 10

Auburn drives smartly and from the 7 after faking to the rb Nix walks in around left end.

Auburn 21 Ole Miss 10

Ole Miss drives for the touchdown.  We are going to have to outscore these guys.

Auburn 21 Ole Miss 17

2:42 left

Good KO runback to the Auburn 31.

Two plays across midfield.

Two the Ole Miss 32.

1 minute left second and 10.

First and goal on the 10.

15 seconds left.

TOUCHDOWN AUBURN!  Pass from the 9 to Hunter.

Auburn is in this game to win.  Impressive late second quarter drive.

Auburn 28 Ole Miss 17

THIRD QUARTER

OLE MISS gets the ball first coming out.

Quickly 4th and three.

Auburn starts on their 29.

First play pass across midfield.

Long FG attempt no good.  Not good.  Drive stalled.  Not good.

Onus back on the defense.  To win this game we need to score on every possession.

This game will come down to one side needing to score to win the game and the other side needing a stop.

Here comes the Rebels.

They go for it on 4th and one and our defense stops them!

Tigers go three and out.

Ole Miss starts on their 24.

The Rebels are quickly across midfield.

Hard to stop this offense when you can’t get any pressure on their QB.

Our defense stiffens but they hit a long FG.

Auburn 28 Ole Miss 20.

Our offense must answer the call.  Calling Bo Nix!

KO runback good negated by a penalty on us.

Starting on our 20.

Bo misses a wide open receiver.  Come on Bo!

The Rebels have had numerous players lying on the turf tonight.

Auburn is punting.

Bo is all of a sudden off target.

Punt into the end zone.

Ole miss drives but we stop them on 4th and 6.

FOURTH QUARTER

We move to 4th & two from the Ole Miss 42.  First down on the 40.

First down to the 15.

Another Rebel drops to the ground.

Anders is good on the FG.

Auburn 31 Ole Miss 20 still fairly early in the 4th quarter.

Ole miss threatens.

An Auburn player is on the ground.

#10 since I am watching from Appellees I do not know who it is.

AUBURN INTERCEPTS IN THE END ZONE AFTER WE CHASE THEIR QB!

BIG STOP!

9:01 LEFT.

Auburn out to their 40 with lots of energy.

Across midfield.

But then Auburn fumbles Ole Miss recovers.

Ole Miss on their 45 with 6:27 left.

Ole Miss inside the Auburn 25 under 6 minutes left.

We move to OM 4th and 3.  

Clock moves under 5 minutes.

4:52 left.

Auburn ball on downs.

First down Bigsby running hard.

AS the clock runs Auburn maintains possession.

Auburn runs the ball down Mississippi’s throat to ice the game.

Time to take a knee and claim victory as the clock goes under a minute.

FINAL SCORE AUBURN 31 OLE MISS 20

A most satisfying win!

The Arkansas Game October 16, 2021

 For some reason even though Auburn has dominated this game the last few years having won the last five  the Arkansas game brings fear into play especially when we play at Arkansas.  I am always apprehensive playing in Fayetteville.  The Razorbacks are a 4 pt. favorite.  Both teams are 4 & 2 and Auburn is 1-1 in the conference and Arkansas 1-2.  Can Auburn run the football?  The key fact as far as I can see going into this game.  Arkansas can score no doubt & would like a high scoring game I assume.

FIRST QUARTER

Not a full stadium at Reynolds Razorback Stadium for a cool 11 AM kickoff.

The Tigers receive and promptly go right down the field both running and passing.  The TD pass to J Johnson from the Razorback 39.  Wow, that was one impressive initial drive!

Auburn 7 Arkansas 0

Arkansas running tempo is quickly into Auburn territory.  To the Auburn 24 and third and 12.  Make that 4th and 12.  The 44 yd. FG is good.

Auburn 7 Arkansas 3

If this game is a shootout I hope we can keep up.  Their offense playing tempo looks tough to stop.

Alas, we go three and out.  Punt into the end zone.

Arkansas gets the ball back too soon. I don't like the feel of this game so far.  From their 20 Arky is quickly across midfield.  On 4th and three from the AU 41 Arky punts to a fair catch at the Auburn 7.

Three and out to a 4th down and very short after three runs.  Arkansas starts at their 49.

Second play to the Auburn 40.  Our defensive line is getting gashed.  Arkansas faces third and four in Auburn territory as the quarter ends.

SECOND QUARTER

Failing on third and four Arky will try a 52 FG which is way short.

Auburn on our 35. Completion to Landon King to the Arkansas 40.  Completion to Jackson moves the ball to the Arky 23.  Bigsby runs for five up the middle.  Bigsby for 17 to the one.  On second and goal Bigsby for the touchdown.  A balanced 65 yd. TD drive for sure!

Auburn 14 Arkansas 3

Arky moves to the Arkansas 46,  Arky to the Auburn 37.  We are not getting any pressure or containment on their QB.  Marquis Burks is injured.  Second and eight from the Auburn 35.  FD to the 27.  We move to 4th and one.  DEFENSE HOLDS BY ABOUT FOUR INCHES.  The spot on that fourth down play is reviewed.  Could be overturned on review.  Huge turnaround if the stop is overturned.  The ruling on the field stands!  Auburn ball.

From the Auburn 17 let's what the offense can do as the clock winds under 6 minutes.  First down to the 34.  First down to Jackson to the AU 49.  Then Arkansas intercepts at their 16 with 2:53 left.

First play from the 16 moves the ball to their 38 after a face mask penalty.  Sack on the 30!  We move to third and long for Arkansas.  To the Auburn 42.  Just over a minute left.  First down to the 30.  To the 17.  To the 11.  25 seconds left.  Touchdown Arkansas on a jump pass lack of pressure to the end zone.

Auburn 14 Arkansas 10

A back and forth game.  It seems that this game will go the limit till the last whistle.

HALFTIME

AUBURN 14 ARKANAS 10

Arkansas goes quickly to the Auburn 32.  Touchdown pass from there.  Very quick.  Good QB they have running and throwing.  We cannot contain their quarterback.  Allowing long third conversions are killing us.

Auburn 14 Arkansas 17

The Tigers go three and failing to convert on a third and two.  The Razorbacks will start from their 30.  What now?

Finally we get a stop on a three and out.  Robertson returns to the 27.

The Tigers go three and out.  On third and five Landon King is wide-open but can't bring the ball in.  Would have been a big gainer.  Punt to the Razorback 11.  Big, big possibility missed.

BIG defense.  A sack leads to third and long.  Their qb is sacked in the end zone fumble forced by Derrick Hall recovered in the end zone by Marcus Harris.  Touchdown Auburn!  How big is that? Finally we get pressure on their QB and it pays off big time.

Auburn 21 Arkansas 17

Arky to their 47.  To the Auburn 37.  To the 31.  Their qb is stopped at the 30.  4th and 3 and they go for it.  Auburn stops their QB.  Auburn ball a yard and a half short.  Auburn at their 29.

First play a 71yard TD pass to Robertson.  Wow!!!  Robertson had a step and Bo hit him in stride.  Wow!

Auburn 28 Arkansas 17

To the Arky 48 on a third down conversion.  First down across midfield.  Big third and nine now.  First down to the Auburn 29 no pressure on the QB.  No gain on first down from the 29.  Once again third and 6.  First down run to the 11.  Second down at the 10.  Run up the middle for the touchdown.  Two point attempt incomplete as the quarter ends.

Auburn 28 Arkansas 23

What is going to happen in the 4th quarter???

Auburn drives to a first down at the 15.  We move to third and five at the 10.  Bo loses a yard on on a qb draw.  The 29 yd. FG is good.  10:35 left

Auburn 31 Arkansas 23

Here we go!

On third and eight their QB runs shy of the first down.  That's a three and out for the defense.  Kick goes out of bounds somewhere around our 25  Big offensive possession coming up.

Quickly we face third and 10.  First down pass to Tyler Fromm to the 36.  Six minutes left.  Complete pass to Hudson to midfield.  Jackson on a back shoulder grab to the Arky 33.  Third and three.  Timeout Auburn with 3:10.  Third and three at the Arkansas 26.  Bo runs for the first down to the 20.  Auburn moves before the first snap from there.  Not good.  Second and thirteen 2:37 left as Arkansas calls timeout.    With 5 wideouts with an empty set Nix runs up the middle to an open field for a defining touchdown.  Great play call.  Arkansas HAD to know that Auburn would run the ball but weren't ready for the QB draw.

Auburn 38 Arkansas 23

Arkansas out to their 45.  Pass inside the Auburn 40 a minute 54 left.  Incomplete pass 1:46 left.  Incomplete pass 1:39 left.  Fourth down and 10 with 1:34.  INCOMPLETE PASS!!!  Auburn ball.  Game, set, match.  What a fourth quarter for the Tigers!  The Tigers dominate the 4th quarter

Bigsby for four yards as Arky calls timeout.  First down Nix running.  Auburn is in victory formation!

FINAL SCORE

Auburn 38 Arkansas 23

Big, big win now to an open week with a smile on our faces.

The Georgia Game October 9, 2021

 In this year's oldest football rivalry in the Deep South Georgia is a 15. 5 favorite at Jordan Hare and why not?  They have what is touted to be the best defense in the country and a good offense.  How will Auburn score on this defense?  No one else has done it.  The Dogs shut out Arkansas last week and have given up only two touchdowns so far this year.  An upset here really would be a monumental upset, but I am not looking for it.

FIRST QUARTER

Auburn receives.  One first down on a pass to Hudson at the AU 44.  Second first down running on a 4th and one across the AU 45.  Penalty moves the ball to the Bulldog 9.  Nix misses on a wheel route THEN Nix fumbles on the next play and Georgia recovers to the Dog 21.  Oh, those turnovers!  Nix scrambles and just loses the ball of his own accord.  Oh, my!  It looked like for all purposes that Auburn was driving for a touchdown or at least a FG.  Nix looks sharp on the the initial drive but then drops the ball with 9:03 The play is reviewed and ruled grounding rather than a fumble.  Complete short pass to Shivers but short of the first down.  The 24 FG attempt is good.  Not the best outcome but at least no turnover.

Auburn 3  Georgia 0

8:19 in the second as Auburn kicks off.  Bennett is the QB.  The Dogs three and out.  Fair catch just short of the AU 20.

Third and short and the pass goes off the hands of our receiver Shivers and UGA has the interception on the Auburn 26.  Sort of a tough chance but the ball should have been caught.

First down UGA to the Auburn 12.  UGA moves to third and three.  Incomplete pass.  4th and three.  Short FG is good.

Auburn 3  Georgia 3

We give them three on a turnover.  Please, no more turnovers.

From the 25 the Tigers go three and out.  On third down Nix rolls right but is chased and barely throws the ball away.  Their punt returner makes a good play keeping his balance and returning the punt across their 40.  The play is reviewed and the replay clearly shows the punt returner was down before he escaped why it wasn't called at the time is unexplainable.  But there was a penalty on the punting team and Auburn punts again.  First down Georgia on their 30 after another punt.

First down Georgia just across the Bulldog 40.  Then a long completion to the Auburn 24.  Pass interference on Auburn bad call.  First down UGA now on the Auburn 11.  We stuff their first running play from there as the quarter ends.  

SECOND QUARTER

Georgia is not having much success running the ball.  It's only success is passing.

Next play their QB is running almost to the end zone when Smoke Monday pops him helmet to helmet.  Obvious targeting.  Big mistake by Monday.  Replay shows clear targeting.  Next play from the one touchdown Georgia.  Can we recover from this adversity?

Auburn 3  Georgia 10

Can Auburn respond to this adversity?

Kickoff return short of the 20.  One first down then we are punting on fourth and two.  UGA fair catches around their 22.  We need a turnover!

Second play completion to midfield.  Next a long completion to an open receiver to the Auburn 6.  The sad thing is that we are stuffing their rushing but seem helpless against the pass.  Leads to third and goal from the Auburn three.  TD pass on an angle route beating McCreary.  Their passing is the difference in this game.

Auburn 3 Georgia 17

Auburn is quickly punting as Nix is acting befuddled.  The punt is to the Georgia 25ish.

Georgia goes three and out.  Short OOB at the Auburn 35.

On third and 9 there's a perfect pass to Shed Jackson and he can't comedown with the ball, a drop.  Three and out.  You can't win a game like this dropping open passes.

A little over 5 minutes left.  UGA starts on their 14.  UGA is precise in their short passing; Auburn is not. Big sack back to the Bulldog 25 as the clock moves under 3 minutes.  After the punt AU starts on their 26.

Nix looks silly throwing the ball too hard.  There's a first down pass to Shenker.  The Tigers move to the 7 but on fourth and goal from the 3 and a half the pass is incomplete.  Should have been interference on their defender but it is not called.  We have a good share of what could have been beens in this game so far.  We can still win this game.

HALF AUBURN 3  GEORGIA 17

THIRD QUARTER

UGA receives.  They come out running the ball effectively.  Power running.  What's this?  UGA drives to a missed FG.  The kick hits the right upright.

The Tigers drive ti a 4th and 8 from the UGA 40.  The pass should have been caught for the first down but our received lets it go thru his hands.  Nix throws a hard ball.

First UGA play from the 40 a 60 touchdown pass and there's your ballgame.

Auburn 3  Georgia 24

Finally we get the drive we need.  Complete passes.  Nix runs for a crucial first down.  Bigsby powers over from the five.  This team is not giving up.

Auburn 10  Georgia 24

UGA comes out running.  We need a stop.  UGA crosses midfield to the Auburn 49 on a pass.  Alas UGA can't be stopped.  The quarter ends with UGA facing third and 3 inside our 10.

FOURTH QUARTER

UGA gets the short FG.

Auburn10 Georgia 27

The Tigers cannot move the ball as Bo sustains a big sack on third and 4.  

UGA ball again.  The Dogs pound the ball down the field between the tackles.  Our run defense at this stage is helpless to stop them.  Tired, missing tackles.

Auburn  10 Georgia 34

The Tigers have one last laughable ball possession.  Sad to watch.  The game will end on a downer.  The best team won easily.

The LSU Game October 2, 2021

Once again it's LSU time.  Crazy things tend to happen in this series.  What might happen tonight?  Both teams are 3 & 1.  Auburn has not won in Baton Rouge since 1999.  LSU is a 3 point favorite.  The initial drama is who start at QB for Auburn.  Bo Nix was benched in last week's game in time for PJ Finley to lead the Tigers to a game winning 98 touchdown drive.  I'm guessing Nix.

LSU drives 91 yds for the score the scoring play coming on second and goal from the 31.

Carlson misses a 51 yd. FG attempt.

LSU makes a 33 yd. FG.

Finley enters the game in the second quarter but no score.

LSU gets another short FG.  LSU 13 Auburn 0

Big drive  by Auburn as Nix makes a spectacular play scrambling first to his right then back to his left avoiding tacklers staying inbounds and finding an open Fromm in the end zone for the touchdown.

LSU 13 Auburn 7

With seconds left in the half Auburn cuts the lead to 13-10.

Auburn starts the second half with an onside kick recovered by LSU.

LSU gets a FG

LSU 16 Auburn 10.

Late third qt. another LSU FG.

LSU 19 Auburn 10

Auburn drives for the end zone capped by a Bo Nix run of five yards around right end.

LSU 19  Auburn 17.

 Bo leads the offense to the winning TD.  Final score:

Auburn 24  LSU 17

First win at LSU since 1999.  A joyous celebration on the field by Tiger players and fans.

The Georgia State game September 25, 2121

Auburn is a 24 point favorite at home on homecoming.  Historically Auburn slops around on homecoming a slow start being normal.   GS is a triple option team.  This should be interesting.   What will happen today?  A trap game.  Could be.

FIRST QUARTER

The Panthers receive the kickoff and go three and out.  Booming punt makes Auburn start from inside their 15.

After one first down Auburn is punting.  Auburn is sluggish to start which is what I would expect.  So much for a fast start.

GS from their 27.

Second play from scrimmage a long run to the Auburn 13.  A 53 yard run.

Defense holds.  27 yd no good but delay of game gives them another chance from 32 yards.  The kick is good.  8:34 in the first.  58 yards 6 plays.

Auburn 0 Georgia State 3

Georgia State has come to play.

72 yard kickoff return to the Panther 28 by Pritchett.

4th and 6.  The 40 yd FG is good,

Auburn 3  Georgia State 3

Our offense is anemic.  This has got to change.  This game is not going to be a cakewalk.

7:34 mark.

GS is three and out.

Good punt return by Johnson but Auburn is backed up to our 29 after a penalty.

Shivers runs 26 yards on the jet sweep to the GS 37.

Completed pass to Javirus Johnson to the Panther 18.

Bigsby runs inside the 10 but there is a false start.

First and goal from the 11.

Bigsby to the 7.  Nix has Canion wide open in the end zone but Nix overthrows him.  Another questionable throw to Capers in the end zone a little high.  Again the field goal.  Carlson has made 14 straight field goals.

Auburn 6  Penn State 3

Nix is not looking good.  Throwing high.  Balls sailing on him.

I am not feeling good about this game.

I thought GS was a triple option team.  I haven't seen it yet.

GA State moves the chains with short passes.

The first quarter ends with Georgia State driving impressively currently at the Auburn 32.

SECOND QUARTER

First down GS at the 16.  Yikes!

From the 12 a wide open receiver is in the end zone.  A complete breakdown in the Auburn secondary. 75 yards 15 plays. No Auburn defensive back followed the receiver.   Mixing short passing and runs.

12:45

Auburn 6 Georgia State 10

Georgia State has come to play.

Auburn offense is discombobulated.

Nix is throwing high again.

Finally a 27 yard completion to  the GS 45.  Maybe Nix will get act together now.

Hunter runs for 28 yards to the 15.

Third and 6 from the 11. Nix tucks it but only to the 10.

Another FG attempt but good.  That's 15 in a row for Anders Carlson.

Auburn 9 Georgia State 10

9 minutes left in the half.

GS on their 25.  Last possession they went 75 yards.

First play a rush for 18 yards.  Oh, my.  They are gashing our defense.  I don't understand this.

Pass interference on McCreary.

Completion to the Auburn 18.  Our defense cannot stop these guys.

They are moving the ball at will

First down to the 7

GS is dialing up play after play.

TD pass from the 7.  Their offense is completely dominating our defense.  7:29 to go.

Auburn 9 Georgia State 17

Upset alert for sure! I expected a slow start but not this.

Pritchett returns the kick to midfield but it's ruined by a holding penalty.

From the 24.  What is going on in Nix's mind.

First down to the 36.

Completion to the GS 46.

To the GS 24.  Finally a decent drive but we need the end zone.

A loss of 5 leads to another FG attempt.  Four field goals now for Carlson.

Auburn 12  Georgia State 17

At least it could be worse but Georgia State is dominating.  Our offense is perplexing looking completely inconsistent unable to find the end zone for an entire half.  GS still has plenty of time left to score.  We get a 15 yard penalty on the kickoff.  Auburn now has 65 yards in penalties.  FD GS on their 40.  How can Auburn look so bad?

Completion on third and four to keep the drive alive slightly across midfield.  First play from there a 49 yard TD pass short pass and quickly there wee no defenders in front of the receiver.  Totally breakdown.  So embarrassing.

Auburn 12 Georgia State 24

Mind boggling.

From  the AU 24 there is a completion to the 45.

We only get to the 49 before its 4th and 6 and a punt inside their 5.

Mind boggling.  Unexplainable.

The half ends thank goodness.  This is embarrassing.   I don't understand it.

HALFTIME

AUBURN 12  GEORGIA STATE 24

Auburn receives to start the second half.  Something better start to happen there.  If we don't have a completely different and better second half this is going to be a brutal loss.  Auburn is getting outplayed in every phase of the game.  Bo Nix can't set his feet and throw the football accurately and we cannot run the football.  A sad spectacle.  Our team is getting physically whipped by Georgia State.  At the half I see no way we will win this football game.

THIRD QUARTER

Auburn receives and promptly goes three and out.  We have no answers on offense against a team we are favored by 24.  Same inept offense.  They are stopping our run.  This is the most perplexing thing.

GS starts on their 15 and here they go again.  First down to their 35.

Another first down.  We cannot stop these guys.  I don't believe what I am seeing.

We finally force a punt and take possession on our 9.  At least we stopped the bleeding but if our offense doesn't show up it won't matter.

There's a first down but then Bo misses a wide-open receiver for what would have a touchdown, throws high on the next throw, and then throws one away.  GS fair catches the punt on their 25.  First two possessions in the half lead to nothing.  Is Finley coming in next?

On a turnover can turn this game around.

Defense gets a three and out.

BLOCKED PUNT RECOVERED IN THE END ZONE.  WE GOT THE TURNOVER WE NEEDED. Pritchett was on the ball in the end zone.

Auburn 19 Georgia State 24

GS is three and out.  The crowd has come alive and our defense has come alive.

Muffed punt but J J but he falls on it at the Auburn 40.

Finley is in the game!  Nix is benched.

First down Auburn on the 25.

The quarter ends with Auburn facing third and 8 from the 23.

FOURTH QUARTER

CARLSON MISSES THE 40 yd.  Oh, my.

We've got to keep the momentum.

GS is three and out.

Auburn fair catches on the 28.  It's time for the offense to reach the end zone.

Not sure how much the coaches trust Finley to throw the ball he is going to have to before this thing is over if we are to win.  Our run game is still not good.  Maybe Jarquez can break one.  We need some kind of big play but it doesn't happen.  I don't us winning if Finley cannot throw the ball.  Since our offense is inept we may have to another turnover or blocked punt.

Alas, three and out punt to heir 23.

GS is three and out.

Fair catch on our 38.  The game is on the line a little over 9 minutes left.

First play overthrow just like Bo.  

Short pass first down just across midfield.

Open receiver Finley leads him too far.

First down on another shot pass Finley completing the pass to Kobe Hudson as he is falling down,  Hudson is injured.  He sits up and walks off the field.

First down on the 33.  Finley is going to have to keep passing.

Now disaster,  Bigsby fumbles trying to get bull his way forward and GS recovers.  6:43 left.

Quickly from their 25 GS is close to midfield.

We hold there and GS is punting.  Our offense will have one more chance,

Brilliant punt goes OOB at our two yard line.  We are 98 long yards from winning this football game.

First play Jacquez runs to the 20.  Next play fails to gain. Incompletion.  Third and 11.  First down completion across the 30.  But we need a big play.  Finley runs to their 42. Almost a completion in the end zone.  1:19 left.  First down to the 30.  First down pass to Shenker reviewed but stands.  First down on the 11.  We are down to cases. Timeout with 1:02 left.  Second down at the 10.  FOURTH DOWN AT THE TEN.  Finley misses an open receiver in the end zone.  TOUCHDOWN AUBURN.  FINELY ALMOST GOES DOWN BUT KEEPS HIS BALANCE  AND HITS #11 in the end zone.    Wow!  TJ Finley has joined Auburn history.  45 seconds left.  Two point conversion is GOOD.

AUBURN 27 GEORGIA STATE 24

PICK SIX by Smoke Monday 36 yards.  Wow!

AUBURN 34 GEORGIA STATE 24

WOW WOW WOW!!!

September 18, 2121 The Penn Stat Game

 45 yard FG.  Auburn scores first

Auburn 3  Penn. State 0

PS TD pass.

Auburn 3  Penn State 7

Bigsby 4 yd. touchdown run.

Auburn 10  Penn State 7

Long Lions TD drive.

Auburn 10  Penn State  14

Auburn intercepts in front of our end zone as the half ends.

Kobe Hudson fumbles on the first play from scrimmage.  Disaster.

Auburn 10  Penn State 21

Impressive AU drive to answer.

Auburn 17  Penn State 21

First play of the 4th quarter field goal.

Auburn 20  Penn State 21

Four yd. rushing TD by PS.

Auburn 20  Penn State 21

That is the final score as the Tigers have 4th and goal from the PS 2 late in the game but in a strange call that will be talked Nix throws an air ball on a fade route.  Why not give the ball to Bigsby?

September 11, 2021 The Alabama State Game

Auburn starts the 2021 season with 2 games we are supposed to win.  Akron was last week.  Alabama State kicks off at 11 today on the SEC Channel.   This before the challenge vs. Penn. State next week.  I am glad we play instate teams.  Auburn is a 49 point favorite. Shaun Shivers is not playing today.

FIRST QUARTER

First Auburn drive.  34 yd. Carlson FG.  Team not as sharp as last week so far.  Alabama State looks better than Akron.

Auburn 3  Alabama State 0

Second Auburn drive starting from the ASU 25 after a blocked punt.

Sloppy so far with two holing penalties.  Two drops so far with Cailyn Newton dropping a sure TD pass.

First an goal from the nine.

Fourth and goal from inside the one.

Then we get a delay penalty.  Sloppy so far.

Short FG is good.

Auburn 6  Alabama State 0

Penalties have hurt Auburn particularly when you get inside the one and get a penalt

ASU three and out punting as the clock goes under a minute in the first quarter.

Quarter ends with AU facing second and one from the AU 41 after a strong 9 yd. run by Hunter.

SECOND QUARTER

Another drop on first down.

First down to the ASU 22.  So far Jarquez Hunter is the star of the day if we have one.

First down to the 9.

Second and goal from the 5.

TD pass to Robertson in the end zone.

Auburn 13  Alabama State 0

First down for Alabama State at midfield.

Our defense is slacking.

First down to the Auburn 35.

First down complete pass and face guard on Auburn to the Auburn 6.  Nice drive by the Hornets.

Not good.

We hold them to a short FG attempt blocked by Wooden picked up by Pritchett for the touchdown run of 80 yards.

Auburn 20  Alabama State 0

Maybe we'll get some enthusiasm going now.

Offsides on the kickoff.  Six penalties so far.

Three and out for ASU.

Bigsby drops what probably would have been a touchdown.

Three and out.  Nix misses Hudson for what might have been a long run.

Auburn has to punt fair catch Hornets at their 15 with 4:06 left.  Auburn not sharp on offense.

Three and out for our defense.  Punt return by Robertson to the Alabama state 32

On third down Nix fumbles just drops the ball. and ASU has the ball with 1:36 at their 36.

First down on third and 11 by a yard.

Sack on first down.

That's the way the first half ends.

HALFTIME SCORE AUBURN 20 ALABAMA STATE 0

THIRD QUARTER

ASU surprises by a perfectly executed pooch onside kick recovered by the Hornets on the Auburn 43.  But the visitors go three and out.  Auburn starts at their 10.  Will our offense show up now and execute?

Long 50 yard rush by Bigsby to the ASU 23.

After a 5 yard penalty TD pass to Robertson to the corner of the end zone.

Auburn 27  Alabama State 0

ASU drivess to the AU 46 before Auburn recovers the QB fumble at the Auburn 49.

End around from the 39 by Robertson for six.

Auburn 34  Alabama State 0

Pick 6 by Mr. Roger McCreary 34 yards.  Our best defensive back makes a big play.

Auburn 41  Alabama State 0

Auburn at their 26 after a punt.  Finley is in at quarterback.

Big run by Hunter to the Hornet 48.

TD pass by Finley 48 years to Malcom Johnson.  Takes in the ball at the five and muscles his way into the end zone. 

Auburn 48  Alabama State 0

2:59 in the third.  After slopping around in the first half Auburn is dominating in the third quarter.

Jarquez Hunter goes 94 yards for a touchdown, the longest TD run in Auburn history untouched.  A record setting run breaks the Auburn record from 1936.  Jarquez the freshman puts his name early into the Auburn record book.  Auburn has exploded in the third quarter.  Hunter has rushed for over a hundred yards in each of his first two games.

Auburn 55  Alabama State 0

The third quarter ends and what an explosive quarter it was for the Tigers,

FOURTH QUARTER

Auburn drive relentlessly with Finley at QB.

First down from the four.

Sean Jackson is impressive, a hard runner with a forward lean.

On third down Jackson takes the option pitch from Finely and crosses the end line around the right  Good for him.

Auburn 62  Alabama State 0

This has been like two different games.  After a sloppy first half the Tigers crank it up in the second half.

Auburn has the ball with the last possession of the game.  After a slow first half the Tigers burn on all cylinders in the second.  Now comes Penn. State.

FINAL SCORE

Auburn 62  Alabama State 0

September 4, 2021 The Akron Game

A new season!  All seats available.  A new coaching team.  The Harsin Era begins.  What to expect?  Who knows.

Akron is not supposed to be a good football team.  Their coach who succeeded Terry Bowden has gone 1 and 17 so far.  Auburn is a prohibitive favorite at home.

I watch the game online at Applebees.

Auburn 6 - 0

Bigsby a 32 yard run.

Anders misses the point after.

Auburn 13 - 0

19 yd completion to Shaun Shivers nice run to the end zone.

Open drives of 65 & 66 yards

Auburn 20 - 0

34 yard TD pass to J. Johnson.

Auburn 27 - 0

27 TD pass to Hudson.

Nix 10 for 10 with3 touchdowns

Auburn 34 - 0

Bigsby a one yard power run into the end zone.

Late first half drive with 7 seconds left.

Auburn 37 - 0

Carlson 44 yd. FG

Team is crisp, prepared, well-coached.

Auburn 44 - 0

Shivers run.

7 straight scores.

Auburn 46 0

Safety

Auburn 46 - 3

Auburn 53 - 3

Finley one yard sneak.

Auburn 53 - 10

Auburn 60 - 10

Long run by Jarquez Hunter

Finis

Season Opening Depth Chart

 By Tom Green | tgreen@al.com

The 2021 season has arrived, and as Saturday’s season opener against Akron approaches, Auburn on Monday released its official depth chart to open the season, which will be the program’s first under new head coach Bryan Harsin.

Here’s how the team’s two-deep will look entering Week 1:

OFFENSE

Quarterback

Bo Nix, junior

T.J. Finley, sophomore

Running back

Tank Bigsby, sophomore

Shaun Shivers, senior

Tight end

John Samuel Shenker, senior

Luke Deal, sophomore OR

Tyler Fromm, sophomore

Wide receiver/X

Shedrick Jackson, senior

Ze’Vian Capers, sophomore

Wide receiver/H

Ja’Varrius Johnson, sophomore

Tar’Varish Dawson Jr., freshman

Wide receiver/Z

Demetris Robertson, senior

Kobe Hudson, sophomore OR

Malcolm Johnson Jr., sophomore 

Left tackle

Austin Troxell, senior

Kilian Zierer, senior

Left guard

Brandon Council, senior OR

Alec Jackson, senior

Center

Nick Brahms, senior

Jalil Irvin, junior

Right guard

Keiondre Jones, sophomore OR

Tashawn Manning, senior

Right tackle

Brodarious Hamm, senior

Brenden Coffey, senior

DEFENSE

Defensive end

Colby Wooden, sophomore

Zykeivous Walker, sophomore

Nose tackle

Tony Fair, senior

J.J. Pegues, sophomore

Defensive tackle

Marcus Harris, sophomore

Marquis Burks, senior

Defensive end

Derick Hall, junior

T.D. Moultry, senior

Mike linebacker

Owen Pappoe, junior

Chandler Wooten, senior

Will linebacker

Zakoby McClain, senior

Wesley Steiner, sophomore

Star

Chandler Wooten, senior

Cam Riley, sophomore OR

Joko Willis, redshirt freshman

Cornerback

Roger McCreary, senior

Ro Torrence, sophomore

Cornerback

Nehemiah Pritchett, junior

Jaylin Simpson, sophomore

Safety

Smoke Monday, senior

Donovan Kaufman, redshirt freshman

Safety

Bydarrius Knighten, senior

Zion Puckett, sophomore

SPECIAL TEAMS

Kicker

Anders Carlson, senior

Ben Patton, sophomore

Punter

Oscar Chapman, sophomore

Aidan Marshall, senior

Long snapper

Jacob Quattlebaum, junior

Reed Hughes, redshirt freshman

Kick returner

Donovan Kaufman, redshirt freshman

Nehemiah Pritchett, junior

Punt returner

Ja’Varrius Johnson, sophomore

Demetris Robertson, senior

Tom Green is an Auburn beat reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Tomas_Verde.

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