Here are a couple of quick thoughts from No. 6 Auburn’s 45-21 win against Arkansas.

What It Means: An SEC conference win is critical whether it is in August or November. The Tigers didn’t fall into the trap of not being prepared for their first game. The Tigers are the only team with an SEC West win.

What I Liked: The precise throwing and pocket presence of quarterback Jeremy Johnson. He looked like an NFL quarterback which is what head coach Gus Malzahn called him in July. Johnson completed his first seven passes which included a 49-yard touchdown strike to Melvin Ray and 62-yard pass to Duke Williams. When it was announced the Johnson was going to play a part of the Tiger’s offense, I called for him to establish a rapport with one receiver. Clearly Johnson and Williams are on the same page. The JUCO transfer finished with 9 catches for 154 yards and a touchdown.

What I Didn’t Like: It wasn’t just that the Tiger defensive line got run on in the first half, it was how they got run. The holes the Hogs offensive line made were big enough to drive a Mac truck through. It was embarrassing to see Gabe Wright, Elijah Daniel, Angelo Blackson and Jeff Whitaker get completely outworked. They constantly over-committed and were out of position so many times.

Who’s The Man: Johnson. 12-of-16 for 243 yards and 2 touchdowns. Head coach Gus Malzahn and offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee have a decision on whether to start Johnson or Marshall next week. Even if they default to the Marshall, Johnson has to see the field based on his tremendous play.

Key Play: Holding onto a 28-21 lead, Robenson Therezie delivered a crushing hit while blitzing Hogs quarterback Brandon Allen while he was attempting a pass. The deflected pass was intercepted by Jermaine Whitehead and returned it 33 yards for a touchdown.

What’s Next: San Jose State, 7 p.m. ET. Jarrod Lawson, the Spartans leading returning rusher, is suspended for the game for what Spartans coach Ron Caragher said was a violation of team rules.