With starting running back Damari Alston sidelined with a shoulder injury, fans wondered how Auburn’s running back room would fare against Ball State. Alston had taken over Jarquez Hunter’s mantle and was the leading rusher for Auburn against Baylor last week. However, the Tigers' running backs brought the heat last night, contributing half of Auburn’s 42 points.
The man of the hour last night was junior running back Jeremiah Cobb. Cobb took on Alston’s starting duties last night and had a career-high 121 yards on 11 carries, averaging 11 yards per carry. Cobb also had two rushing touchdowns, both of which were over 40 yards. The first score of the game was Cobb on a 46-yard rush in the first quarter, which quickly set the offensive tone for the Tigers. Cobb again broke through the Ball State defense midway through the third quarter for a 45-yard rushing touchdown, putting Auburn up 28. Cobb’s quick and physical style carried the brunt of the rushing work this game, showing his ability to step up when injuries change the game plan.
Cobb has improved exceptionally in his time at Auburn. In his freshman year, he had 172 yards and two rushing touchdowns for the season as fourth on the depth chart at running back. Last season, Cobb switched it up, moving to starting kick returner while Hunter and Alston led the running back room. He excelled there, earning 274 yards on 19 returns. This year, with the exit of Hunter, Cobb has returned to running back behind Alston. He had a strong performance in the season opener against Baylor, putting up 74 yards and one touchdown. Cobb looks to be a fantastic offensive option for the Tigers this season.
Another strong presence at the running back spot was redshirt sophomore Durell Robinson. Robinson, a transfer from UConn this January, had a quiet game in Waco last week, only putting up three yards on one carry. With the Tigers holding a comfortable lead over Ball State, Robinson was given a chance to show the Auburn family what he could do, and he took advantage of that opportunity with a breakaway 54-yard rushing touchdown late in the fourth quarter, his first as an Auburn Tiger. While he sits at third on the depth chart, Robinson will be a great option for the Tigers, adding a lot of depth to the running back room.
Head coach Hugh Freeze was pleased with the effort and energy the Tigers showed in their home opener.
“It was good to give our fans that kind of game here at home,” Freeze said. We got seven opportunities here, and they have to matter. We have to defend this place, and there’s no excuse for us not to play with great passion, particularly here. I’m proud to get the first win and be 1-0 in Jordan-Hare.”
The Auburn running backs will be back in Jordan-Hare next Saturday against the South Alabama Jaguars in Auburn’s homecoming game. The game will begin at 11:45 am CDT and will be available to stream on the SEC Network.
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Jackie is a senior majoring in Psychology. She started with The Plainsman in fall 2024.
You can follow her on X (Twitter) at @jackie_domingun
