Though the breakout star of Auburn’s 2016 season was Kamryn Pettway, Auburn running backs coach Tim Horton says that the Tigers just narrowly missed having one of the best one-two punches in the nation.

When asked about the duo during Tuesday’s media availability, Horton said that Johnson “gained a little over 900 yards last year and he missed bulks of games.” Horton added, “if he would’ve stayed healthy, I think you’re looking at having two 1,200-yard rushers last year and we just got banged up.”

Kerryon Johnson, Auburn’s starter through the first six games of the season, went down in the Mississippi State game. Against MSU, Pettway stepped up in his absence to embarrass the Bulldogs for 162 yards and three touchdowns. Thus began the prolific run of Pettway, who would follow that performance with three games of 170+ yards.

According to Horton however, Johnson would’ve matched Pettway’s performance of 1,200 yards on the ground if not for the various injuries sustained throughout the season. With Pettway also missing time, it would be interesting to see what would’ve happened if Auburn’s backfield stayed healthy last season. With both still on the team in 2017 and Auburn potentially having a passer on the roster capable of staying healthy, maybe their performances this year can answer those questions.