Gus Malzahn and the Auburn Tigers notched an expected victory over San Jose State this Saturday. Even though Tigers scored plenty of touchdowns, it was still frustrating to see the Spartans stay in the game with plenty of touchdowns of their own.

Here is an analysis of Auburn’s 35-21 win:

5 TAKEAWAYS

  • Sean White looks like just a warm body: Auburn can’t go into a game with no quarterback, so White was tapped as the person to fill that space because he makes less mistakes being there than Jeremy Johnson. However, White isn’t really contributing to the Auburn offense in any real way.
  • Auburn’s run game is on point, but only against non-conference opponents: Peyton Barber and Roc Thomas were big-time contributors on offense. Barber accounted for all of Auburn’s points. But they haven’t been nearly as effective against SEC opponents, which makes this praise a little empty.
  • Auburn’s defense can create turnovers again: The Tigers defense finally created explosive turnovers in the way that fans and Muschamp have wanted all season. Four different defenders had their hands in creating the two interceptions and two forced fumbles that San Jose State suffered.
  • But the defense still struggles with basic coverage: The Tigers defense once again allowed another 400-plus yards game. San Jose State running back Tyler Ervin steadily and routinely worked his way up the field for gains large and small. The Spartans capitalized on weak tackling attempts, and it was usually only a turnover that was able to stop them and make the Tigers defense look good.
  • A more up-tempo Auburn offense may have helped and hurt: While it was great to see the offense with more spring in their step, the quicker pace also was very close to hurting them at times. Quick snaps prevented officials from reviewing plays, and also nearly caused Kerryon Johnson to fumble the ball when he was unprepared to take the snap under center.

REPORT CARD

Offense: C+ — Like we said before, Auburn’s run game shone against the non-conference opponent. However, the offense was unashamedly one-sided. If something doesn’t get fixed about the passing game soon — even if it’s just so that opposing defenses know it’s an option — Auburn is going to continue the rest of their season watching as they fail to score enough points to win.

Defense: C+ — Only the defense’s four turnovers made them look like an above-average squad. The fact that they let San Jose State gain 406 offensive yards is a disappointing step backward from last week, when they allowed Mississippi State 326 yards. In fact, the Spartans lead running back Ervin rushed for 160 yards, which is more than what Barber gained.

Special teams: A — This squad has always been on the better side of the spectrum, but against San Jose State they were superb. Blake Countess and Johnathan Ford contributed huge returns on kickoffs to give Auburn great starting field position, and punter Kevin Phillip had another fantastic day. The only flaw in the plan was kicker Daniel Carlson’s two field goal misses, one from a mere 25 yards out.

Coaching: B- — Malzahn stuck with what he knew was going to score points: run. While that ensured Auburn would be able to outscore San Jose State, it didn’t help White’s development at all. In fact, it was pretty clear the confidence level in White being able to do anything but hand off the ball is low. If Malzahn won’t give White the chance to make some regular throws against a non-conference opponent, it looks like he never will.

Overall: B- — Auburn put together a rare winning effort, which relieves some of the strain that has settled over this team. However, it was also a strained victory, not a convincing one. Auburn will head into its bye week gratefully but with much to do.

GAME PLAN

Auburn ran an up-tempo, run-heavy offense which featured Roc Thomas and Peyton Barber. On defense, Cassanova McKinzy was shifted to defensive end in an effort to up the pass rush, an area where missing Carl Lawson excelled.

GAME BALLS

  • RB Peyton Barber: Once again, Barber ushered this Tigers team to victory on his legs. He scored all five of Auburn’s touchdowns, and carried the ball 28 times for 147 yards.
  • RB Tyler Ervin (San Jose State): Credit needs to be given when it is due, and Ervin certainly deserves some credit after running for 27 carries for 160 yards against the Tigers.
  • DB Johnathan Ford: By halftime, Ford had six solo tackles, eight in total, and one forced fumble to his name. Ford also had a big kick off return.

INJURY UPDATE

  • During the post-game press conference, Malzahn didn’t give any specifics as to Carl Lawson’s status. However, he did state that he was hopeful Lawson would return before the end of the season.
  • CB Tim Irvin did not play today due to an undisclosed injury. However, according to linebacker Justin Garrett, the injury isn’t serious and Irvin is expected back next game.
  • WR Ricardo Louis saw limited playing time against Mississippi State due to an undisclosed injury, but that was not so during Saturday’s game. Malzahn mentioned that Louis was close to 100 percent, and that the bye week will give him a great chance to rest.