Bowl eligibility is no longer an issue for the Auburn Tigers after defeating the Idaho Vandals, 56-34, Saturday at Jordan-Hare Stadium.
The Tigers' sixth win of the season was full of firsts, including a touchdown for Tony Stevens and time in the pocket for quarterback Tucker Tuberville.
Jeremy Johnson built his confidence with two rushing touchdowns and went 13 for 19 with two scores -- and no interceptions.
“I thought (Jeremy) did a very good job in the air, and I thought he did a very good job on the ground,” said Auburn coach Gus Malzahn. “He managed the offense very well.”
Peyton Barber continued his drive toward the 1000-yard mark, setting his total at 947 with tonight’s game. Jovon Robinson stole the show on the ground, gaining 99 yards in 15 attempts and finding the end zone once.
It took time for the Auburn (6-5, 2-5) defense to find their rhythm after allowing Idaho to chalk up seven points on the board in just 40 seconds.
A Vandal fumble recovered by Tre’ Williams gave Johnson the opportunity to find Ricardo Louis in the end zone to add to the Tigers’ lead.
“I was in the right spot at the right time,” said Williams. “That’s all it was.”
Johnathan Ford earned time in the spotlight with a pick-six he returned from the Idaho 48-yard line for a 35-10 Auburn lead. Jonathan Jones also had a 29-yard interception and Blake Countess had a big night, leading the defense with eight tackles.
Offensively, the Tigers were constantly hitting Tony Stevens with a play-action stick route until he finally got his first six.
“I was just happy to get in the end zone,” Stevens said. “That’s my goal every game, to get in the end zone. I finally did it today.”
Auburn will move on to the Iron Bowl next weekend to face rival Alabama.
With the pressure of becoming bowl-eligible no longer on their shoulders, the Tigers can take a quick breath before heading into this week’s practice and preparing for the Tide.
“We’ve got to go out there and execute whatever the game plan is,” said Stevens. “Practice this week hard and get out there Saturday and just take care of business.”
Kickoff time is set for 2:30 p.m.
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