Auburn Finds Second Half Rhythm in Win Over New Mexico

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After a soggy and sloppy first half, Auburn (2-1) found its footing in the second half. The Tigers defeated the New Mexico Lobos (0-3) 45-19 at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. The Tigers and the Lobos both came out of the gate hot, combining for 24 first-quarter points to only a combined six in the second quarter. Auburn went into halftime leading 17-13. The Tiger offense found purpose in the second half and pulled away.

Game Summary

Auburn fans had a bevy of complaints about their team after the Tigers were upset by the California Golden Bears (2-0) in Week 2. Specifically surrounding the poor quarterback play and lack of rushing attempts. Against the Lobos, the Tiger faithful's wishes were granted. It was reported the day before the game that redshirt freshman Hank Brown would be replacing senior incumbent Payton Thorne at the quarterback position. And against the Lobos, star running back Jarquez Hunter carried the ball 20 times, with 16 carries coming in the first half. Hunter finished the game with 152 yards on the ground, one touchdown and a receiving touchdown.

Brown got off to a hot start. After Jeremiah Cobb returned a kickoff 66 yards to New Mexico's 32-yard line, Auburn took advantage of the short field. Brown completed four of his first six passing attempts, including his first touchdown as a starter to receiver Camden Brown. A torrential downpour struck The Plains in the second quarter, and both offenses were slowed. But the skies cleared after halftime, and Brown marched the Tiger offense up and down the field, not throwing an incompletion in the second half until six minutes left in the game. Brown finished his starting debut 17-of-25 for 235 yards and he threw 4 touchdowns to four different receivers.

New Mexico flashed early as well going 60 yards on nine plays on their opening drive resulting in a field goal. Quarterback Devon Dampier and the Lobo receivers made it difficult for the Tigers' defense early, and the offense finished the game with 448 total offensive yards. Auburn's defensive secondary surrendered a bushel of big plays, and Lobo running back Eli Sanders gashed the Tigers for 72 yards on 7 carries. Untimely penalties by the Lobos' offense played a major part in the offense's inability to get into the endzone. The Tigers' defense contributed a pair of interceptions and kept the dynamic Dampier from scrambling for much of the night to hold the Lobos to 19 points.

Play of the Game

There were plenty of offensive fireworks that could easily have been the play of the game. Brown slung the ball all over the field and hit some very pretty deep balls. Hunter had a bunch of big runs that sparked the offense. Fellow running back Damri Alston had a 22-yard scamper down the sideline that put the game away for the Tigers. But the play of the game goes to the Tigers' 2 interceptions.

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For much of the first quarter, Dampier and the Lobo offense had moved the ball at will against the Auburn defense. Dampier showed great escapability in the backfield and displayed impressive decision-making skills and a live arm. But on a scramble late in the first quarter Dampier threw back across his body, and Auburn safety Jerrin Thompson made one of the most acrobatic interceptions that will happen this season. Thompson climbed the back of the UNM receiver and ripped the ball from his hands as the players fell to the ground. The Lobos would only score three points the rest of the half.

Auburn scored on their opening possession of the second half, and on the ensuing Lobo possession, Dampier was picked off once more. Cornerback Antonio Kite broke on the Dampier pass, ending another Lobo drive, halting Lobo momentum and giving Auburn good starting field position. The Tigers would score that next drive.

Looking Ahead: Auburn

Auburn has to feel optimistic after Brown's debut and the rededication to the run game. The defense still has a lot of questions to answer. The Tigers have a reputation as a program for playing the bend-don't-break style of defense. But 448 total yards of offense is a lot of bending. Auburn hopes to solve the issues as they start conference play against the Arkansas Razorbacks (2-1) in Week 4.

Looking Ahead: New Mexico

Dampier is a beast and will give many teams headaches this year with his arm and legs. But even his talent isn't enough to overcome 16 penalties for 112 yards. The Lobos will search for discipline in the coming weeks. Once they cut down on the penalties expect to see Dampier on highlight reels all season. New Mexico faces off against the Fresno State Bulldogs (1-1) next.