Auburn managed to work like a well-oiled machine against Ball State even without their running back starter Damari Alston, who is nursing a injured shoulder from Week 1.
Making matters worse, Hugh Freeze reported that UConn transfer running back Durell Robinson is also suffering a "freak" injury.
This would be concerning news for the Tigers' running back room were it not for their young talent Omar Mabson stepping up and Jeremiah Cobb handling the rest.
"I’d feel better if Durell (Robinson) was healthy, but Omar (Mabson) had some really good carries and was solid," Freeze said in his press conference previewing South Alabama.
The Tigers' head coach has previously praised Mabson "flashing" his talent in fall camp at the beginning of August.
"I thought his runs were solid and physical," Freeze said. "We did not have to pass pro a lot with him, which is still an area particularly this week, with all the mudding of the front that we’re going to get."
The Auburn native averaged 6.2 carries and finished with 25 yards and 4 carries in his collegiate debut. Yet, he has a long way to go still. The first step in getting there would be practicing more, as Freeze puts it.
"He is going to have to spend some quality time with our running back staff and making sure he understands protections and what he needs to do against all the different looks, but nothing like live reps for him," he said. "I know he will be excited to get more when he is called upon.”
With Alston a game-time decision this Saturday and Robinson out, and Mabson already having a decent record in his first game, chances are he will see some action during Auburn's next game against South Alabama as well.
His performance on Saturday will decide whether he gets any action vs. their SEC opponents or not.