Rapid Reaction: Auburn uses punishing run game to bulldoze way to season-opening win over Mercer
Auburn’s recipe for success this fall is going to be a healthy dose of the running game and stifling defense.
With Tank Bigsby and Jarquez Hunter in the backfield, that’s definitely a strength for the Tigers, as there aren’t many duos on that level in the SEC or in the country.
That duo was on display in a big way on Saturday night against FCS foe Mercer, as the Tigers amassed an impressive 285 rushing yards in their 42-16 win over the Bears.
Hunter finished the game with 8 carries for 34 yards and 3 touchdowns, getting the Tigers on the board early with this punishing 19-yard run:
Didn't take too long for @jarquezhunter to find the end zone ?#WarEagle? pic.twitter.com/1JOQB4LbLL
— Auburn Football (@AuburnFootball) September 3, 2022
Here was Hunter’s second score, a powerful burst into the end zone from closer to the goal line:
TOUCHDOWN part ✌️ for @jarquezhunter!!#WarEagle? pic.twitter.com/RrAYm7BU4r
— Auburn Football (@AuburnFootball) September 3, 2022
Bigsby wasn’t about to let Hunter have all the fun, though. He went over the top to score his first touchdown of the day:
TANK OVER THE TOP FOR SIX#WarEagle? | @tank_bigsby pic.twitter.com/kfGr93c2Ry
— Auburn Football (@AuburnFootball) September 4, 2022
Bigsby also scored multiple touchdowns, finding the end zone twice while running for 147 yards on 16 carries.
Auburn took a 28-7 lead into halftime. A lengthy weather delay ensued, but eventually, the teams got back on the field and resumed play, with the Tigers continuing to pull away.
Backup QB Robby Ashford also got in on the fun, running 5 times for 66 yards, including this 49-yard burst:
holy @robby_ashford ??? pic.twitter.com/UsNhzf3XiG
— Auburn Football (@AuburnFootball) September 3, 2022
Starting QB TJ Finley struggled a bit, throwing for 112 yards, 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions. Fortunately for Bryan Harsin and the Tigers, the running game and defense were up to the task on Saturday night.
Tougher tests await the Tigers moving forward, though, as Auburn host San Jose State on Saturday, Sept. 10, and then receives a visit from Penn State on Saturday, Sept. 17.