Senior Tristan Davis starts things off with a bang: running the opening kickoff 95 yards back for a touchdown. Davis was named SEC Special Teams Player of the Week by the conference Monday. Morgan Thacker / ASSOCIATE PHOTO EDITOR
It may have been against an overmatched opponent, but Auburn (5-5, 2-4 SEC) finally ended its losing streak after four games.
The Tigers took down their D-IAA opponent Tennessee-Martin 37-20 in what was a close game late into the third quarter.
The Skyhawks tied the game at 20-20 after UTM quarterback Cade Thompson passed for a touchdown on their drive after recovering a fumble by Brad Lester.
One explanation for the points allowed could have been Auburn’s decision to sit several key starters to rest for the Tigers’ upcoming matchup with Georgia.
“We took a chance by putting some guys over there in jerseys and not pads,” Tuberville said. “We rolled the dice, and I am very proud of the six guys who played defensive line.”
Auburn defensive coordinator Paul Rhoads acknowledged the missing players’ effect on his defense’s play.
“There were a lot of horses on the sidelines in street clothes and (Doolittle) who could have just have well been in street clothes because he didn’t play,” Rhoads said. “I thought they answered, I thought they didn’t answer. I thought they played well, I thought they took their foot off the gas.”
Rhoads said he is proud of the defense for responding to the earlier losses this season.
“This game of football teaches you a lot of lessons, a lot of lessons you can apply in life,” Rhoads said. “I believe we’re learning what those are.”
Brad Lester celebrates a touchdown against UT-Martin Saturday.: JD Schein / PHOTO EDITOR
Auburn came out the gates with a 95-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by senior running back Tristan Davis.
Unfortunately, special teams also made a couple of mistakes, namely Robert Dunn’s decision to field a punt inside the 10-yard line which was bobbled and recovered by the Skyhawks in the end zone to tie the game up at 7-7.
Another highlight for Auburn running backs and special teams coach Eddie Gran was kicker Wes Byrum’s performance.
Byrum was 3-of-4 on field goal attempts, making 48, 44 and 24 yard kicks while missing a 46-yarder.
Byrum was perfect on extra points, but did kick one kickoff out of bounds, resulting in a penalty.
Auburn defensive tackle Zach Clayton said the team is confident heading into the Georgia and Alabama weekends known as “Amen Corner.”
“We’re feeling good,” Clayton said. “We got a ‘W,’ helped boost our confidence and get everyone ready for the (Georgia) game this week.”
Clayton said the win was crucial to the team’s overall morale.
“It was extremely important, any win is a good win, but we needed this one to get back on track where Auburn football needs to be,” Clayton said.
Auburn quarterback Kodi Burns led the Tigers in their attempt to regain the lead, rushing for 158 yards and two touchdowns on just 13 carries.
Burns completed 12-of-20 passes for 130 yards and did not throw an interception.
Auburn junior cornerback Jerraud Powers has been sidelined with an injury, but said he was determined to get some playing time versus the Skyhawks.
“I told several people I was going to play the whole game regardless (of the injury),” Powers said. “That was my mindset even though all the other people didn’t think I would play.”
When asked about his confidence level in playing versus Georgia, Powers said he was very confident he would be able to start.
Backup quarterback Neil Caudle came into the game in the final five minutes and went 4-of-5 passing the ball. Tuberville said it was necessary to see Caudle perform as the backup quarterback.
“We needed to see Neil throw the ball and throw it down the field,” Tuberville said. “I thought he did good. He showed some poise.”
The win improved the Tigers’ winning percentage to .500 on the year.
The victory was also important for Auburn’s postseason hopes. The Tigers will need to win at least one of their remaining two regular season matchups to become bowl eligible.
If Auburn can pick up wins against Georgia and Alabama Nov. 29, the Tigers will improve to .500 in SEC play, as well as finish with a winning record (7-5) in regular season play.
November 14, 2008 - 1:45pm
Auburn
I'm interested to see what happens vrs. Alabama...November 18, 2008 - 4:24pm
Re: untitled
Me too, but offensively it seems like Auburn is a little over matched to get into a shootout type game with Bama. Had Auburn beaten UGA it may be a little bit tougher to call, but it is going to take a very complete game from the Tigers to knock off No. 1. That said, it is a rivalry game and much stranger things have happened. If Bama turns the ball over too often and Auburn actually takes advantage of it, it's definitely possible that the streak remains intact.