Auburn Football: Offensive Position Grades vs Louisiana Tech

Sep 27, 2014; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers quarterback Nick Marshall (14) looks to pass during the first half against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports

Quarterbacks

Senior quarterback Nick Marshall showed flashes of what made him a pre-season All-SEC selection and a Heisman Trophy candidate. Marshall finished the day 10-for-17 on passing attempts for 166 yards and three touchdowns without an interception and also added 105 rushing yards on 13 carries.

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The first touchdown pass Marshall threw was aided by an impressive one-handed grab by Duke Williams after the ball was deflected at the line of scrimmage. Marshall then hit Quan Bray for two touchdowns – one on a perfect throw in the second quarter, and the other a jump ball in the fourth in which the elusive QB bought time on the play with some shifty moves in the backfield.

Marshall has been counted on to throw more early in the 2014 season than he did down the stretch last year when the Auburn offense was at its best. That isn’t a shock given all the chatter leading up to the season about achieving more balance as an entire offensive unit, but it is worth noting that Marshall and the Tigers are at their best when the running game is operating at full speed. When Marshall himself can add to the rushing attack, Auburn is practically unstoppable.

Jeremy Johnson also saw some action Saturday, twice when he came in along with Marshall. The two were both part of the offensive formation for two plays, both handoffs – with Marshall split out as a wide receiver – including the game’s first touchdown, a five yard scoring run from Cameron Artis-Payne. Late in the game, Johnson completed four of his five passing attempts for 53 yards and a touchdown.

Grade: A

What do you think of the grades? How would you rate the performance of the Auburn offense? Let us know in the comments below.