The ULM vs. Auburn game, in statistics.
40: Auburn possessed the ball for 40 minutes-40 minutes and 15 seconds to be precise-and outpossessed their opponent for the first time this season. This resulted from a larger focus on the running game, which gained 255 net rushing yards to keep the chains moving and the clock running. The increase in time of possession showed that Auburn can keep opposing defenses on the field, while allowing rest for their own.
2: Auburn converted two of their three red zone opportunities and the scores could not have been bigger for Auburn. Tre Mason scored on a 1-yard rushing touchdown to put Auburn up by 14 in the third quarter. The final conversion proved to be the game-winning one as Cody Parkey connected on a 35-yard field goal. Auburn should have gone three of three, but running back Mike Blakely fumbled inside the 5-yard line.
1: Kiehl Frazier completed only one pass in the second half despite six attempts. While Scot Loeffler was right to keep the ball on the ground where the team enjoyed its biggest success Saturday, Frazier must still maintain control of the game. Judging from the post-game comments, Frazier's game plan was designed for him to manage the game and occassionally take a shot down the field. For Auburn to establish or keep a lead, however, Frazier must make the throws required of him in the closing minutes of games.
27: ULM gained 27 first downs against Auburn's defense. Unfortunately, nine of those came on third down and three came from fourth-down conversions. The offense did a decent job of keeping the defense off the field, but the defense must return the favor and get off the field on the late downs. Auburn only recorded 19 first downs.
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