AUBURN, Alabama -- Auburn's offense sputtered early, but its defense held Washington State at bay when the Tigers needed it most Saturday night at Jordan-Hare Stadium.
The Tigers responded to several deep drives, forcing three turnovers to hold on for a 31-24 victory in front of an announced crowd of 85,095 fans.
Hybrid safety Robenson Therezie picked off two passes, including a potentially game-saving grab in the end zone with under 6 minutes remaining, as the Tiger smanaged to hold on and run out clock after yet another defensive stop -- this one an overthrown pass by Cougars quarterback Connor Halliday on fourth down.
Auburn also counted on its special teams, which helped produce a touchdown and three field goals on Tre Mason's 100-yard kickoff return in the second quarter and kicker Cody Parkey's three field goals.
Parkey was 3-for-4 on field goals, scoring the Tigers' final nine points to stave off the upset-minded Cougars. Parkey hit a career-long 47-yarder to give Auburn a 25-21 lead with 6:51 remaining in the third quarter. Meanwhile, the Auburn offense sputtered for most of the game.
The debut of Nick Marshall didn't quite go as planned. He did not complete pass until his fifth try, a 15-yard completion to Quan Bray before Tre Mason added a five-yard touchdown run two plays later.
Ryan White's two-point conversion run, which was reviewed and upheld, gave Auburn the 8-7 lead with 2:26 remaining in the first quarter.
The Cougars grabbed the lead quickly on its first drive, going 12 plays (70 yards through the air) and Jeremiah Laufasa pushed through the Auburn defensvie line for a 4-yard touchdown run.
Washington State drove 67 yards on nine plays as Halliday again hit his receivers in stride. The drive was helped by back-to-back offsides penalties. Bobby Ratliff's slant route in stride allowed him to out-muscle safety Jermaine Whitehead for the final two yards on the 7-yard touchdown catch with 8:02 remaining in the second quarter. It put Washington State ahead 14-8.
Auburn only needed 16 seconds to respond as Mason returned the kickoff 100 yards, turning the corner with his blazing speed to out-run the defense and leave kicker Mike Bowlin grabbing for his heels near the 30-yard line.
Auburn has returned a kickoff in each of the last six seasons, the fourth-best mark in the nation.
Washington State responded with a five-play, 75-yard touchdown drive to take a 21-15 lead with 6:18 remaining. The Cougars picked up 53 yards by running Leach's go-to play with four vertical routes.
The Tigers again responded quickly. This time it was Corey Grant running 75 yards on an end-around run for the touchdown. He tip-toed the left sideline, but officials were unable to find conclucsive video evidence to overturn the call.
Auburn scored 13 unanswered points in the second half before Andrew Furney's 43-yard field goal pulled Washington State within 28-24 with 4:18 remaining in the third quarter.
Source: http://www.al.com/auburnfootball/index.ssf/2013/08/auburn_opens_gus_malzahn_era_w.html
tropic thunder carnie wilson missing reese witherspoon pregnant billy joel bent
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.