The Auburn football team kicked off its 2025 season with a statement win over the Baylor Bears on Friday night, leaving Waco with a 38-24 victory. Though there were a few big catches, the run game was the major factor in the Tigers' win.
Senior running back Damari Alston ran for 84 yards and a touchdown while junior RB Jeremiah Cobb ran for 74 yards and a touchdown. They both carried the ball 16 times throughout the game, and transfer running back Durell Robinson picked up three yards on his only carry in the game.
“Just great to see them – they’ve waited their time and been developed, and it’s good to see them have success in their first real outing where it’s theirs," said head coach Hugh Freeze about the performance of his running backs. "Hopefully they can build upon that. We’ll need them both, plus more. Damari (Alston) got a little banged-up shoulder in the game, so we will see how he is this week. If you run the ball that number of times, they are going to take some beatings, and we’ve got to make sure that we get the others ready also. But, really happy for Damari and Jeremiah (Cobb).”
Somewhat surprisingly, the Tigers' leading rusher in the game was none other than quarterback Jackson Arnold, who ran for 157 yards and two touchdowns. The game leaned heavily on Auburn running the ball, and many were surprised there was not more action from the Tigers' group of talented receivers.
According to Freeze, it was all about doing whatever it took to win the football game, but more passing opportunities will come this season.
“I think that will come when, at some point, you’re going to have a box that you don’t like and you’re going to have to throw the football to win football games," Freeze said. "And those days are coming. The good thing is I think we have the ability and people that can do that. It’ll be good to get Jackson (Arnold) some of those reps sooner than later, but in that game, in particular it was just very difficult when you’re ripping off good runs, not to continue to do that. Control the clock and not give that ball back to them, because I think they’re a really good offense. So I think that time’s coming where we get to see the full aspect of what we can be.”
The Tigers return to action in Jordan-Hare Stadium this Saturday at 6:30 p.m.