Skip to Content, Navigation, or Footer.
A spirit that is not afraid

Players to watch, keys to victory in Alabama State versus Auburn

In this weekly series, The Plainsman previews Auburn football's next opponent and who to watch for each Saturday.

<p>Bo Nix (10) Tank Bigsby (4) Brodarious Hamm (59)</p>
<p>Taken by: Shelby Bircheat</p>

Bo Nix (10) Tank Bigsby (4) Brodarious Hamm (59)

Taken by: Shelby Bircheat

After a 60-10 win over Akron last week, Auburn is preparing to face Alabama State this Saturday, which is fresh off of a 14-13 victory over Miles College. With both teams looking to stay undefeated, here are a few players that could stand out this weekend and keys to victory for both teams.

Auburn

Jarquez Hunter (RB)

The explosive freshman out of Mississippi surprised many last week with 110 yards on only nine carries. With Heisman hopeful Tank Bigsby and veteran Shaun Shivers in front of him on the depth chart, Hunter got his chance in the second half against Akron, where he showed off his track-star speed. Depth is always key in college football and in the event of another lopsided game, Hunter could make another appearance this weekend.

Bo Nix (QB)

With a mountain of expectations in his junior season, Nix started off his campaign with what could be his best throwing performance since coming to the Plains. He completed 20 of his 22 passes for 275 yards and three touchdowns. His command of Harsin's offense impressed many, with Harsin himself tagging Nix as their Offensive Player of the Week. While completing 90% of his passes is unlikely to carry over the whole season, it is a promising sign for the Auburn offense going forward.

T.D. Moultry (DE)

Despite being listed behind Derick Hall on the depth chart, Moultry got plenty of action against the Zips. He racked up seven tackles on the night and picked up a sack in the third quarter, which resulted in a safety a couple plays later. The Auburn coaching staff named him the Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts. Defensive coordinator Derek Mason showed a willingness to rotate his defensive front around during the game, so Moultry will probably appear in the QBs face on more than one occasion.

Alabama State

Irshaad Davis (DB)

After a 3-3 season in the spring, Alabama State's defense has become its main focus. Davis, who is the brother of former Auburn player Carlton Davis, was selected as an AFCA Second-Team All-American. In his freshman year, he led the team with 66 tackles in 11 games. Since Davis usually lines up at free safety for the Hornets, he could wrack up plenty of tackles if Auburn's running game breaks through front seven.

Ryan Nettles (QB)

Nettles, now in his second season, was named the SWAC Freshman of the Year this past spring. Starting in all five games as a true freshman, the Evergreen, Alabama, native threw for 917 yards, including a 305 yard performance against Missouri Valley State. While he did have trouble keeping the ball, throwing five picks to go along with eight touchdowns, a full summer of camp likely has led to some development in decision-making. He is more than capable of catching the Auburn secondary by surprise with his arm strength.

Ezra Gray (RB)

Gray led the SWAC last season with 436 rushing yards. Now in his sixth year, he was Alabama State's only preseason offensive All-SWAC selection. While he only wracked up 67 yards last week against Miles, he will most likely be getting the brunt of the carries this weekend. With his speed and patience, he may be able to give the Auburn front some trouble.

Keys to Victory

Auburn

Keeping the ball on the ground and rotating plenty will be a key for Auburn's success. With a running back room consisting of Bigsby, Shivers and Hunter, making sure everyone is rested and nobody is overworked is important.

Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Auburn Plainsman delivered to your inbox

Special teams mistakes are often the downfall in upsets. Maximum protection on punts and letting the ball drop when receiving can help prevent costly mistakes. Muffs and fumbles can change the outlook of a game quickly.


Alabama State

Keeping the ball in its own possession will be important for Alabama State. Use a ton of clock in the first half and scrap for every down it has, that's what can keep the game close.

Put as much weight as possible in the trenches. The only hope for Alabama State to contain Auburn's running backs is to force them outside, and use its solid speed on defense to prevent long runs.


Dylan Fox | Sports Writer

Dylan Fox, Junior in Civil Site Design Engineering, joined The Plainsman as a sports writer in Spring 2020. From Geneva, IL.

@DylanBFox

dbf0012@auburn.edu


Share and discuss “Players to watch, keys to victory in Alabama State versus Auburn” on social media.