Auburn Offense: Week 1 Position Grades

Aug 30, 2014; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers quarterback Jeremy Johnson (6) passes the ball during the first half against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports

Quarterbacks

There is a saying that has been used often (and recently in some circles) that “if you have two quarterbacks, you have none.” Well, Auburn played very well yesterday with two quarterbacks.

Jeremy Johnson, usually the backup, performed extremely well in his first start against an SEC school. Johnson showed a very strong arm, but was also accurate and led the team on three scoring drives before giving way to Nick Marshall in the second half.

The sophomore completed his first eight passes, and finished his day at halftime with a stat line of 12 completions on 16 attempts for 243 passing yards and two touchdowns.

Marshall, who is still the unquestioned starter despite the strong play of Johnson, gave the Tigers a spark in the third quarter. Quicker than Johnson and a dangerous threat to run, Marshall gave Auburn an added element on offense in the second half that showed immediately when the senior capped off a long drive with a 19-yard touchdown run. Marshall was 4-for-6 passing with 50 yards and finished with 19 yards on the ground. The two combined to average 18.3 yards per completion.

Grade: A