Auburn has secured its second victory of the season after smashing an outmatched New Mexico State team 42-7.
The Tigers only scored one first half touchdown, but pumped out five in the second half including a 62-yard fumble recovery by linebacker Daren Bates.
As Bates approached the goal line he sent a furious stiff arm toward New Mexico State's running back, Morrison, that surely would have made any tailback proud.
Proud fans roared their delight in unison.
"We've been waiting for something like that to happen defensively all year long," said head coach Gene Chizik. "I think that certainly gave us a spark."
Bates was modest, instead of taking full credit for the for the play, he lifted his teammates up.
"It's not just me," Bates said. "It was everyone on defense... Demetruce McNeal made a great play on the quarterback and forced the ball out, I was able to get the ball and let my ability take over and get to the end zone, especially with the great blocks from my teammates."
It was Auburn's third touchdown of the game, and put the game out of the Aggies' reach in the third quarter.
Freshman quarterback Jonathan Wallace got his first start of the season against New Mexico State, and he took full advantage of it, though most of his talents were not displayed until the second half.
"We didn't start off too good," Wallace said. "It's something we have to continue to work on, to come out on fire."
Wallace finished the game with 164 yards, a touchdown and an interception.
In the end, he did not need to throw the ball much as the Auburn rushing attack overwhelmed a sub-par defense.
Tre Mason and Onterio McCalebb combined for 265 yards on the ground and three touchdowns.
Mason acquired the bulk of the carries with 22, and averaged 6.9 yards per rush. He also had a touchdown and 152 yards.
"Wow, it is a great feeling," Mason said. "I owe everything to my offensive line. I always say without them, nothing would be possible."
McCalebb was also allowed excellent blocking as he ran in two touchdowns on eight carries for 113 yards and had a 14.1 yard per carry average.
"We knew that we had to run the ball to be successful," McCalebb said. "All of the offensive line did a great job today. If it wasn't for them, Tre and I wouldn't have been able to get all those yards."
The Tiger defense allowed only one touchdown, and held the Aggies to 83 rushing yards and numerous three-and-outs.
"Our third down stops really helped us in certain situations," Chizik said. "Overall defensively the pressure was on the quarterback a lot better than it has been, and this was a team that really was adequate at throwing the ball ... I think our defense stepped up to the plate today."
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