Usually, on homecoming, we see a lot of old faces but that wasn't the case on Saturday in Jordan-Hare Stadium. The Tigers stomped University of Louisiana Monroe 58-7, during which, many Auburn fans were introduced to a some new faces looking to make a name for themselves on The Plains.
Any coach will tell you that games like these are great to see what your bench has to offer and get some of the younger guys some much needed experience. [Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn] did not waste his opportunity to give reps to his freshman.
“I think its very important [that the young receivers play],” Malzahn said. “Those guys are very talented. It’s just a matter of time when the light goes on and they can start playing and not have to think. The more times they get out there, the better. It was good to see all three of those guys make plays, and I know it will help us later on in the season.”
On the offensive side of the ball, two freshman receivers, Kyle Davis and Nate Craig-Myers, transfer quarterback, John Franklin III, and freshman running back, Malik Miller, all recorded their first touchdowns as Tigers.
Kyle Davis, who has been on the field a lot for the Auburn this season, was able to score with 2:31 in the first quarter on a 48 yard bomb down the middle from Sean White. His score pushed the Auburn lead to 14-0.
Nate Craig-Myers connected with Franklin on a 39 yard pass in the 3rd quarter which was both Craig-Myers’ first collegiate touchdown and Franklin’s first passing touchdown. That proved to be the last touchdown of the game making the score 56-7.
Franklin, who has seen some action previously, made the most of his afternoon rushing for one touchdown and passing for another. He ended the game with 1-1 with 39 yards passing and 82 yards rushing.
“I felt good [to play]. Going out there and playing in front people, those are the moments I live for,” Franklin said. ”I love to be in front of people and perform and put on a show for people. So just playing, not having think, just go out and play is always a great feeling.”
At the running back position Kerryon Johnson was the workhorse but after rushing for 146 yards and two touchdowns he earned some rest which opened the door for Miller to see some playing time. Miller entered the game in the third quarter and punched in a four yard touchdown run to make it 42-7. Miller totaled 45 yards on 9 carries before exiting the game with an injury.
Defensively, two Tigers, Jarvaris Davis and Gary Walker, were able to make their presence known. Jarvaris Davis, a redshirt freshman cornerback tallied his first interception in Auburn uniform with 4:04 left in the 3rd quarter which quickly turned into an Auburn touchdown a minute later.
“[Javaris Davis] definitely has been working his butt off in every practice,” said Junior Safety Tray Matthews. “We knew he was going to be a good playmaker because he has good ball skills. It was a great feeling [to see him get an interception].”
Gary Walker, another redshirt freshman, recorded his first career tackle which resulted in a safety pushing the Tiger lead to 58-7.
“Gary Walker is one of the favorites on the team. He is a true team guy and a very good football player,” said Malzahn. “You can see how the guys reacted. They love him and it was very good to see a guy like that make a play.”
So on a day reserved for welcoming the past, Auburn football introduced their fans to the future.
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