Auburn rolled over FCS opponent Western Carolina 62-3 on Saturday, Oct. 12.
Freshman Jeremy Johnson started for the Tigers in place of injured starting quarterback Nick Marshall and led the Tigers' to a victory on Homecoming.
"The big thing that stood out to me was I really feel like our team got better today," said head coach Gus Malzahn. "I'm proud of our team and the fact that they went out there and took care of business today."
Johnson, after finding out Friday that he would be starting, went 17-of-21 for 201 yards with four touchdowns while adding 26 yard rushing on the day, before being pulled in favor of sophomore Jonathan Wallace following Auburn's first possession of the second half with the score sitting at a comfortable 49-3.
"It was great and I enjoyed every bit of it," Johnson said. "You never know when the opportunity comes and I just prayed overnight and stayed focused."
Malzahn spoke highly of Johnson following the win.
"I thought Jeremy did a solid job," Malzahn said. "I think he made some good decisions early. He's been playing very well in practice and that carried over today."
Malzahn wasn't the only one who was pleased with his composure and production; his teammates also praised the freshman for his leadership.
"I thought he did great," said senior H-back Jay Prosch. "Sometimes it's hard to hear out there, and he was really loud. He was really prepared. He did a very accomplished and awesome job."
The running attack for the Tigers was formidable as well. Behind a compact offensive line, the running backs had room to run.
"We definitely are improving on that," said junior running back Cameron Artis-Payne. "Our offensive line is great. They open up holes in the second level, helping us running backs out."
Artis-Payne piled up 133 yards on seven carries while Tre Mason added 100 yards on six rushes. The full stable of running backs was on display as the Tigers amassed a total of 511 yards on the ground.
Auburn totaled a season-high, and school record, 712 total yards en route to the victory.
"I'm proud of our team," Malzahn said. "Our line did good up front, and our backs broke some tackles... We talked about being more balanced, so I'm proud of our offense."
The defense held Western Carolina to just 173 yards and six first downs on the day.
For Auburn, redshirt freshman Avery Young started at right tackle instead of sophomore starter Patrick Miller, and junior wide receiver Trovon Reed started for junior Brandon Fulse.
Malzahn said that these changes were the result of off-the-field issues for both Miller and Fulse.
"Neither one of those guys played," Malzahn said. "They had some off-the-field things they need to take care of."
With the win, Auburn moves to 5--1 as they prepare to take on Texas A&M next week in College Station, Texas.
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.
