Auburn football: Numbers you need to know entering Week 2 vs. Alabama State
By Rob Maxwell
Punt returns
The stat: 32
It took just one week into the 2018 season for Auburn to make improvements in the punt return game.
Ryan Davis returned three punts for 42 yards with a long return of 32. Last season, Auburn’s longest return was 26 yards and Davis had three returns for 38 yards.
And that 32-yard return was a big one.
After Auburn forced a three-and-out on the game’s opening possession, Davis returned the game’s first punt to the Washington 36. Six plays later, the Tigers were in the end zone and the Huskies were stunned.
Davis had another long return early in the second quarter, but it was negated by an illegal block penalty.
What it means: Auburn averaged 8.5 yards on 21 punt returns a year ago, good for 51st nationally. A few yards makes a big difference in field position and, in the case against Washington, gave Auburn momentum and eventually a touchdown.
Having Davis at punt returner is a huge plus because he’s Auburn’s primary target in the receiving game, so he’s accustomed to running with the ball, and he’s also has some of the surest hands on the team. Sometimes a big return isn’t as important as simply catching a punt.