SEC Power Rankings: Can Auburn Claim The Top Spot?
Aug 30, 2014; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers quarterback Jeremy Johnson (6) and defensive back Jermaine Whitehead (9) celebrate a touchdown during the second half against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports
1. Auburn
Pre-Season Ranking: 2
Last Week: Beat Arkansas 45-21
More from Auburn Football
- Ex-star Auburn DL confronts ‘slant man’ in MNF post-game video
- Ex-Auburn star laments not getting to face fellow Heisman candidate
- Analyst expects third-year RB to take AU rushing lead from surprising transfer
- Hugh Freeze was the right hire to truly embrace Auburn
- Auburn football Jack LB: ‘We’ve got to earn our respect back’
The Good: Tigers played two quarterbacks just fine. Jeremy Johnson started for the suspended Nick Marshall and looked great passing in the first half. The sophomore completed 12 passes on 16 attempts for 243 yards and two touchdowns in the first half. Marshall came on in the third quarter and immediately provided a spark and an added element as a running threat. He threw for 50 yards and a 19-yard touchdown run.
The Bad: The defense was shaky in the first half against Arkansas, particularly the defensive line. The Razorbacks gashed the Tigers on three drives in the first half, and tied the game at 21 heading to halftime. However, the unit recovered and shut out the Hogs in the second half.
The Ugly: The skies over the stadium were ominous before the rains opened up during a near 90-minute lightning delay. The Tigers led 38-21 at that point, but even the weather couldn’t slow Auburn down.
Next Week: vs. San Jose State