Any time world class sprinter Anthony Schwartz touches the football, impact plays tend to follow. Against the Mississippi State Bulldogs, the aptly nicknamed “Flash” showed glimpses of just how dangerous his speed is.
For the second time this season, the receiver duo of Schwartz and Seth Williams were able to line up on the field, at almost full health, both players starting to feel stronger and stronger after nagging injuries.
“It lets him (quarterback Bo Nix) be more comfortable in the pocket knowing he has some of the best receivers in the country out there,” Schwartz said. “He can just throw it up and we can make the play.”
Having the connection between freshman quarterback and speedy wide receivers made an obvious difference in the deep passing attempt, against none other than one of the nation’s top defenses in takeaways with interceptions in 15 of their last 17 games.
On the night Nix had eight completions of over 20 yards, with one being a 48-yarder to Schwartz, that set up a score. The team only had 11 such completions through its first four games.
“Before every practice we work on the deep ball,” Schwartz said. “Coach just tells him to throw it up and see if I can win. Of course I try to do my best and win.”
Schwartz only had two receptions for 68 yards on the night, but both were on scoring drives. His first set up the Tigers for a 3-yard-rush by Boobee Whitlow and the other started a drive that later ended in a Williams score from 38 yards out.
Schwartz didn’t only get action in the receiving game, but also rushing the ball.
Early in the first quarter, with the Tigers up 14-0, Schwartz took a jet sweep from Nix around the left edge and into the end-zone on a 13 yard rush, defenders multiple steps behind him.
“I know I’m the fastest player in college football,” Schwartz said.
Schwartz rushed the ball three times for 25 yards and a score. His score added to Auburn’s total of 17 on the season, which pushes the Tiger’s to third most rushing touchdowns in the FBS.
That score was his second rushing TD of the season, and he would have had three if it weren’t for him being speedier than his left tackle, Prince Tega Wanogho, who wasn’t able to seal his block on a defensive back before Schwartz got there.
“Honestly, I think I’m just getting started,” Schwartz said. “I feel like I have a lot more to show.”
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