It was a team effort Saturday. In a game where Bo Nix broke the freshman completion record and tied the freshman touchdown record, the backup quarterback, Cord Sandberg was just as impressive.
The redshirt freshman hasn’t had a traditional collegiate career, to say the least. Sandberg is a 24-year old who originally started his football career committed to Mississippi State, only to elect to play professional baseball for the Philadelphia Phillies. After a six-year career in the minors, Sandberg opted to return to football and play at Auburn.
In his first year, Sandberg saw very limited action against Alabama State, but today against Samford he got his first extended playing time since returning to football.
“That was the first pass that I attempted past the line of scrimmage since my senior year of high school in 2012,” Sandberg said. “Last year against Alabama State I threw a little quick screen but its been awhile. I’ve felt good in practice but obviously when you get out there on the field it’s just different. It was pretty cool to go out there and have success.”
Sandberg finished the game 5-of-7 for 84 yards and two touchdowns along with 33 yards on the ground. Both of Sandberg’s touchdown passes went to Zach Farrar. Neither Sandberg or Farrar had accounted for a touchdown while at Auburn entering Saturday's contest.
“It felt great,” Sandberg said after the game. “Really the past few weeks getting the chance to get some snaps in practice and trying to get the timing and confidence. It was great to go out there and really give the two’s just a chance to have some success.”
Nix and the starters only played one drive in the second half before bringing in the backups.
“As Coach Malzahn would say, ‘He’s a gamer'," Nix said. “He did really good when he went in there. He got two touchdowns so I’m proud of him.”
While Sandberg might have caught more attention closing the game out, Nix continued to play well going 15-of-23 for 150 yards and a touchdown. Nix was also able to break and tie Stan White’s freshman records for completions in a season and touchdowns. For Nix though, it’s not about the records.
“I don’t even really think about,” Nix said. “Just doing whatever I can to help the team win. At the end of the day that’s the ultimate goal, win the game.”
Since Nix arrived on campus in January, Sandberg has been consistently impressed with the true freshman.
“He’s very mature for his age,” Sandberg said. “The thing that’s really big with him is we really share that faith and for both of us that’s what really keeps you grounded and kind of gives you that great perspective of what’s going on. I just do what I can when I’m talking with him to joke and just kinda keep that perspective just that, not to preach, but this life is a vapor and it's here and it’s gone. He’s here for a reason and he has a great platform to display his faith.”
Even in the tough moments and losses, Sandberg believes Nix is continuing to grow and improve.
“The way he reacts it's not as high and low,” Sandberg said. “At the beginning of the year things happen and you’re trying to figure things out and it's not so much a panic mode but in high school you have so much success. You get here and you kind of have to take a step back and understand that it's not gonna be as nice as it was in high school. Its been cool to see him develop and just stay even-keeled with everything, which is great.”
Sandberg specifically points to the loss against LSU where, following the game, Nix was able to turn a corner and progress.
For Sandberg, it was an opportunity he’s been waiting for.
“It meant a lot, obviously,” Sandberg said. “I’ve been watching football and SEC football my entire life. You grew up watching those games and you know, ‘Wow it’d be pretty cool to play in something like that.’ So today, to be able to have some success and get a couple touchdowns under my belt, it was a pretty cool feeling.”
Sandberg likely won’t see action next week in the Iron Bowl, but he’ll continue to play a role as the signal-caller and backup quarterback to Nix.
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.
