AUBURN — A fast start offensively paired with another strong defensive performance led Auburn to a 48-14 win over the University of Louisiana-Monroe on Saturday in Jordan-Hare Stadium.
Here are the biggest takeaways from the game:
Trio of receivers lead the charge
Auburn’s offense, ignited by the trio of Cam Coleman, KeAndre Lambert-Smith, and Malcolm Simmons, had no trouble moving the ball down the field Saturday, totaling 507 yards of total offense.
Coleman got things started for the Tigers with a 20-yard touchdown on the opening drive of the game – Auburn’s first opening drive touchdown since week three and Coleman's first touchdown grab since the Missouri game. The phenom freshman continued his scoring ways with another three-yard catch on a fade in the back of the end zone and a sensational one-handed grab to provide Auburn’s first score of the second half.
Lambert-Smith continued his prolific play with 104 yards on six catches and lived up to his name of “Big Play Dre” on his lone touchdown reception, leaping over a ULM defender for the grab in the final moments of the first half to give the Tigers some momentum going into the locker room. Lambert-Smith has 763 yards receiving on the year, setting himself up to be Auburn’s most productive receiver since Seth Williams' 830-yard season in 2019.
Simmons, who’s second on the team in receiving yards this season, added 63 yards and a touchdown to round out the receiving efforts by a group that Hugh Freeze, prior to the game, said was “still a work in progress.”
Hunter eclipses the 1,000-yard mark
Jarquez Hunter went through, around and over Warhawk defenders on Saturday to march his way to 1,000 yards on the season. It’s the first time Hunter has rushed for 1,000 yards in his collegiate career, and he is knocking on the door of becoming a top five rusher in Auburn history - he needs 191 more yards to pass Ben Tate (3,321), who is fifth among Auburn rushing leaders.
Hunter finished his day with 102 yards on 14 carries – his third 100+ yard performance of the year.
Strong defensive efforts continue
Yes, Auburn held the talent advantage over the Warhawks at almost every position on the field, but the Tigers’ defense continued to play high-level football yet again on Saturday.
The Warhawks were scoreless in the first half and were only able to muster up 70 yards of total offense in the half. The majority of their 218 total yards came on the opening drive of the second half in which they went 76 yards on eight plays and a 65-yard touchdown pass from General Booty to Jonathan Bibbs with under 15 seconds left in the game.
If you take away the Warhawks' 76-yard drive and the 65-yard touchdown pass, the Tigers defense held ULM to just 100 yards – moments before the last touchdown pass, ULM had -7 yards in the fourth quarter.
Auburn forced seven punts and four three-and-outs on the day. Kaleb Harris, Jerrin Thompson and Kayin led all Tiger defenders with five tackles each.
Walker White sighting
The freshman quarterback’s first drive in an Auburn uniform didn’t go as planned, as White fumbled on his second rush attempt just three plays into the drive. White redeemed himself with another opportunity on his second drive under center, which started at the ULM 12-yard line, completing a five-yard pass to Camden Brown to set up a seven-yard Damari Alston touchdown run around end.
In three drives, White finished with 18 yards on two completions and another 18 yards on four carries.
The Tigers are back in Jordan-Hare next Saturday as they host No. 15 Texas A&M for their final home game of the season. Kickoff time and television coverage are yet to be announced.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email logan.fowler@1819News.com.
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