Gus Malzahn wanted to see his offense get after it during Saturday’s A-Day at Jordan-Hare.

Hurt by early drops and a couple misfires, quarterback Jeremy Johnson was nearly flawless the rest of the way, leading three-first half scoring drives during an eventful day for Will Muschamp’s second-team defense on the Plains.

“I tried to put on a great show for the fans and tried to give my receivers an opportunity to make plays,” Johnson told the SEC Network after a 14-of-22, 252-yard outing.

Johnson helped Team Auburn, made up mostly of the Tigers’ starters, coast to a 24-14 win over Team Tigers (mainly second-teamers) after finding his rhythm in the second quarter, connecting on a 49-yard strike to Ricardo Louis and a 36-yard touchdown pass to Duke Williams on consecutive plays.

Malzahn liked what he saw from his starters as Johnson was able to take command on the field and in the huddle.

Johnson said he’ll work with his during the offseason and continue to develop Auburn’s timing within the offense. His other touchdown toss went to redshirt freshman Myron Burton, who made a splash with six receptions for 112 yards in the first half.

The Tigers’ much-anticipated running back battle coming into the scrimmage didn’t disappoint as all three ballcarriers — Roc Thomas, Jovon Robinson and Peyton Barber — showed flashes of power, speed and ability.

Thomas may have separated himself from the rest of the pack after proving he could run between the tackles and push it to the outside, highlighted by his 36-yard touchdown run early in the game.

Thomas finished with seven carries for a game-high 69 yards and two touchdowns while Barber contributed 46 yards on nine attempts and Robinson 19 yards on six tries.

Muschamp’s first-team defense, led by a strong effort up front, kept big plays to a minimum and tackled well. The second-teamers struggled, notably in the secondary where Louis, Williams and Burton torched an inexperienced group.

Former Georgia safety Tray Matthews made a nice play on a leaping interception in the end zone, but was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct after blowing a kiss to the crowd.