Auburn’s offense seemed to be in a similar spot to how it finished the 2023 season – a struggle to get consistent drives going and touchdowns on the scoreboard. But explosive plays from a few of the Tigers’ new playmakers proved to be just enough for the offensive side of the ball to complete the four-quarter 27-0 comeback and win the annual spring game 28-27 in Hugh Freeze’s second A-Day game.
“To see us make some explosive plays in the pass game was really good. Robert (Lewis) and Cam (Coleman) and others got some of those opportunities,” Freeze said.
New offensive coordinator Derrick Nix and his unit were unable to establish the run game against the Tigers’ defensive line that "won the line of scrimmage" with just 46 rush yards on the day.
“I still thought we were lacking a little energy and pizzazz offensively to start so we've got to change that mentality when we come into the stadium,” Freeze said.
Although Auburn’s running backs averaged just 1.5 yards per rush, the Tigers were able to lean on their new receivers early and often in the passing game.
“I think (Coleman) changes us,” Freeze said. “We need more. Just anxious to get the other signings here like Perry (Thompson) and Malcolm (Simmons) to join with that group. But, I am glad our fans got to see that. I'm quite sure that they were very excited to see that he just tracks the ball and thinks every ball is catchable.”
Coleman, the Lionel James Offensive MVP, had 92 yards receiving on just four receptions and a 36 yard touchdown catch from quarterback Payton Thorne in the fourth quarter.
“Oh, man. I can't even describe it because it happened so fast,” Coleman said. “I'm like, 'Oh man,' but it's just an abundance of joy and it's just a great, great feeling.”
The Phenix City, Alabama native, who had to quickly leave following the game to make it back for his senior prom, made a statement early in the first quarter with a 49-yard reception from quarterback Hank Brown.
“It's nice. It's really nice,” said Thorne of getting to throw to a receiver like Coleman. “And you know, you love playing with a confident receiver. He's confident and backs it up. So, he's just going to keep getting better and better and I'm excited to watch his journey. He's gonna be a special player.”
Coleman wasn’t the only newcomer at receiver that provided explosive plays to an offense that struggled to get consistent yardage. Robert Lewis led the Tigers with 73 yards receiving on five receptions and eight targets.
“Yeah, maturity,” Freeze said. “Really good route runner. I think his hands are really good also so it was good to see him have some nice catches today. He's done that all spring. He's gonna be a valuable part of that room for sure.”
The Georgia State transfer had an explosive play of his own with a 40-yard reception from Thorne.
“If you're a quarterback and you’ve got great guys around you it just makes the job a lot easier,” Thorne said.
Coleman and Lewis combined for 165 yards, leading a pass-heavy Auburn attack that saw the Tigers throw for 365 total yards.
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Patrick is a sophomore from Auburn, Alabama, double majoring in journalism and marketing. He started with The Plainsman in fall 2022.
