With both units running mostly base packages and schemes, the defense defeated the offense 63-32 Saturday in Auburn's annual A-Day game in front of an estimated crowd of 54,290 at Jordan-Hare Stadium.
"I thought today went well," said head coach Gene Chizik. "I thought there were some things that we will obviously be able to look back at on film and have some teaching moments on. Overall, we came out of the game healthy."
Junior quarterback Barrett Trotter led the offense on two scoring drives, including an eight-play, 70-yard drive on the offense's first possession that resulted in the only touchdown of the afternoon.
Trotter rifled a pass to wide-open junior tight end Philip Lutzenkirchen, who strolled into the end zone for a 19-yard touchdown play to give the offense an early lead.
Trotter finished the day with six completions in 12 attempts for 120 yards passing.
Sophomore Clint Moseley, who is battling Trotter for the starting quarterback position, passed for 82 yards, completing nine of his 15 pass attempts.
Chizik and offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn said the quarterback competition will likely extend into fall practice.
"I think probably the thing that stands out most after going through the past 14 days is the inconsistency from both of them," Chizik said. "That is what we are trying to get out of our quarterback position right now."
The defense dominated most of the game, forcing two fumbles and six three-and-out possessions by the offense.
There weren't many familiar faces on the field, as many of the leaders from last season's national champions either graduated or declared for the NFL Draft.
"As you noticed today, we are going to have to get used to a lot of new names and faces, which is okay," Chizik said, "but they have really been focused, and they have really tried to become better as individuals which in turn makes our team better."
The Tigers rushing attack was paced by converted cornerback Anthony Morgan, who rushed for 57 yards on six carries. Morgan was moved to running back to provide depth at the position.
"We moved him there with the intent that he could help our football team, and he is going to have to," Chizik said. "He can help us at that spot if he gets into the film room and studies the game and the offense. He is struggling a little bit with that right now, but he is talented."
Senior placekicker Chandler Brooks connected on fields goals of 43, 41 and 48 yards in the first half, but missed twice in the second half.
The defense was paced by junior defensive end Joel Bonomolo's seven tackles and two sacks and junior cornerback T'Sharvan Bell's six tackles and one sack.
The Tigers will have one more practice Monday to correct mistakes and prepare players for off-season workouts.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
