The undefeated 2004 Sugar Bowl Champions were honored before Saturday's kickoff against San Jose State, and their presence set the tone as Auburn defeated the Spartans, 59-13, improving their record to 2-0.
The Tigers wasted little time putting this one away.
The San Jose State defense had no answer for Cameron Artis-Payne, who ran with authority in the first half, picking up 106-yards and 3 touchdowns.
"I'm willing to do whatever to help the team," Artis-Payne said. "I'm just getting more and more comfortable with my role in the offense. All in all, these last two games have been good and I'm excited for what's coming up for the rest of the season."
After both teams exchanged fumbles, Nick Marshall found Ricardo Louis over the middle for a 4-yard touchdown pass in the red zone, putting the Tigers up 7-0 early.
Marshall looked good in the pocket but still missed on a few routine throws. His highlight pass of the game came on a 27-yard completion to D'haquille Williams in the middle of the first quarter.
Good play calling kept the Spartans in it initially, and the team responded well as senior quarterback Blake Jurich threw a laser to a streaking Tyler Ervin for a 75-yard touchdown strike tying the game at 7.
Once defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson made adjustments, the Tigers turned up the intensity and never looked back. Jurich found himself running for his life for the remainder of the game, finishing 16 of 27 with 218-yards and two interceptions. The Auburn defense had four sacks on the night.
San Jose State continued to show signs of life in the middle of the second quarter, but flat lined when Quan Bray returned a Michael Carrizosa punt 55-yards to the house.
Trovan Reed made his first career interception off of San Jose State back up quarterback Joe Gray after switching from receiver to defensive back this offseason.
Jermaine Whitehead also became the first Auburn player since 2007 to record an interception in consecutive games.
Marshall, who finished 10 of 19 passing with one touchdown and no interceptions, was held out in the final quarter of play.
Jeremy Johnson joined the touchdown party in the fourth scoring on a scramble from one yard out. Roc Thomas made his highly anticipated debut gaining 51-yards and scoring his first career touchdown set up by a fumbled punt attempt by San Jose State.
Auburn's ground game continued to dominate as the offense racked up 493 total yards. Auburn has scored at least 30 points in 12 consecutive games
It was a tune-up for Gus Malzahn and the Tigers as they prepare to head to Manhattan to take on 20th ranked Kansas State Wildcats in two weeks. Malzahn was content when asked about how his team performed.
"We're excited to be 2-0. Our crowd was unbelievable again and really helped us. Overall, I'm extremely happy to be 2-0."
Sammie Coates was "banged up" and did not suit up against San Jose State, but is expected to play against Kansas State after the bye week.
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