Auburn Football vs. Texas A&M: Five Players to Watch
By Ty Roush
Here we take a look at five Auburn football players that could have a big impact on the Texas A&M game this Saturday night at Jordan-Hare Stadium.
It was easy to see that things are starting to make sense on offense for Auburn football.
A 51-14 thrashing over the Arkansas State Red Wolves returned every drop of intensity and passion that was lost over the debacle that was the Clemson game.
Sean White dominated. Kerryon Johnson dominated. Kamryn Pettway took control of the rushing assault and highlighted himself with a 64-yard trot.
The defense held the Red Wolves to just 66 yards of rushing with an average of 1.9 a carry, whereas Auburn totaled 462 yards on the ground to an average of 7.5 and three scores.
Everything ran smoothly again. With the SEC opener against Texas A&M nearing, Auburn will look to continue their path of cohesion.
Here are five players who will look to establish themselves as difference makers against the Aggies:
Sean White
Everything Sean White did against Arkansas State is what was needed of him. He wasn’t the quarterback many expected, as most saw John Franklin III working best with Malzahn’s offense, yet he performed with grace.
White went 17-of-23 for 244 passing yards and 3 scores without an interception. He also impacted the running game with his own 60 yards on 10 rushing attempts with a long of 20.
From a personal standpoint, White looked flawless, and he will hope to flash again against an SEC opponent.
If there’s any chance of eliminating the doubts against him and pressure to bring in John Franklin III, Texas A&M is the opportunity to take.
Kerryon Johnson
Kerryon Johnson’s performance established himself as a weapon of otherworldly potential for Malzahn. To open up the scoring Johnson dazzled on a run that reminded many of Marcus Allen, changing direction and deflecting defenders left and right before diving for the touchdown.
Finishing the annihilation on the running game with 124 yards and 2 touchdowns, Johnson eased the minds of many with his position on offense.
As the one element of the offense that will certainly continue to perform on a consistent week-to-week basis, Johnson will look to push through the SEC and become another 1,000-yard rusher for Gus Malzahn.
Kamryn Pettway
Acting as the Cameron Artis-Payne to Johnson’s Tre Mason, Pettway exploded through the gates as he debuted against Arkansas State. He led the team with 152 rushing yards on 15 carries, Pettway illustrated the one-two punch for the Auburn offense.
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A second running back is always a good thing, but having one that can perform at the same level as Johnson – with the addition of more power – is a blessing.
Texas A&M allowed UCLA to rush for 125 yards and a score with 40 total carries as a team, whereas Auburn managed 62 carries for 462 alongside Sean White’s aerial attack.
Though it may be too late to determine the strength of the Aggies’ rush defense, Pettway will look to help captain another rushing onslaught.
Tre’ Williams
It was obvious to many that the absence of Kris Frost would allow Tre’ Willaims the ability to become another leader on defense alongside Carl Lawson.
An already talented linebacker on an otherwise already talented linebacker roster, Williams and his dominance against Arkansas State – eight total tackles, three solo and four assisted – reminded us how vital his presence on defense was.
Lining up against an offense that had its way against Prarie View A&M 67-0 with quarterback and Katy Perry fan Trevor Knight, Tre’ Williams will look to have the same opportunity that was presented by Clemson.
Taking a stand against a quarterback with exceptional talent and ability to extend the play is exactly what the Auburn defense will need to dominate.
With a great deal of potential on the line, look for Williams to show out.
Kyle Davis
A single reception to his name following the victory against Arkansas State, much of the attention for Davis is not for how he shined on offense.
Rather, it was what he showcased of what he was capable of on that catch that opened the eyes of Jordan-Hare – a completion that shadowed that of Odell Beckham Jr.
Gaining traction with his athleticism and size, Davis drew in the crowd as he flirted highlight-reel ability.
With an offense that on its own flirts with the long ball in the passing game, Kyle Davis should be more than enough for Malzahn to scheme for.
From a single reception alone, the comfort level to throw to Davis on say, a double-reverse flea-flicker, would be relaxing enough.
Next: Auburn Football vs. Texas A&M: Matchup and Predictions
Auburn looks to continue their dominating ways as they take on Texas A&M and hope to put the rest of the SEC on watch.