Auburn Survives A Defensive Slugfest At California.
BERKELEY, Calif - What a game. Auburn did what they always seem to do. Winning in the most insane way you can imagine. Let's get into how they won this game.
The Auburn Defense
"There's a lot of focus on the name Auburn. But what I see on film is not really in comparison to what their name is. I just want to get that into my guys' heads that a name doesn't mean anything." - Cal running back Jaydn Ott.
The Auburn defense saw that and ran with it. Time after time they made play after play. In all my life as an Auburn fan, this is one of the best defensive performances I've seen Auburn have.
The defensive line was dominating at the point of attack, linebackers were filling their holes, and the secondary was highly efficient intercepting Cal quarterback - Sam Jackson V twice.
If we're gonna talk about the Auburn defense we have to discuss the play of the linebacker Eugene Asante. That was a man playing with his hair on fire. He finished the game with 12 total tackles, one sack, and a pass deflection. Earning him SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Week.
Auburn won this game because of play on the defensive side ball. Cornerback D.J. James had the play of the game intercepting the ball in the end zone to end the game.
The Auburn Offense
The Auburn offense struggled mightily in this game. Payton Thorne threw for 9 out of 14 completions, 97 yards, 2 touchdowns, and an interception. A QBR of 56.9.
Coach Hugh Freeze even said in today's press conference that we need Payton Thorne to play better. Payton stepped up on the last drive and led a game-winning touchdown drive. He connected with Rivaldo Fairweather for a 5-yard fade route to put Auburn up 14-10.
I'm a believer that Thorne can be a solid quarterback for Auburn. Especially if the run game continues to develop especially with the return of Jarquez Hunter adding to a loaded backfield.
Summary:
I wish the offense looked better but you'll never see me complain about an Auburn win. Especially a win on the road over 2,438 miles away. Lots to improve on the offensive side but at the end of the day we are still 2-0. Not a lot of teams can say that. Especially not in the state of Alabama.
Auburn returns for their homecoming game welcoming in the Samford Bulldogs.
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