The Auburn Tigers were improved, but it was still less than a top-notch performance for the No. 5 team in the land.

Let’s grade their performance in each phase of the game:

Offense: A-

Auburn gained 473 yards of total offense including 254 yards on the ground. Quarterback Nick Marshall amassed 271 yards of total offense and the Tigers’ corps of running backs returned to form with Cameron Artis-Payne leading the way with 116 yards on the ground. For the first two weeks since Gus Malzahn’s return to the Plains, the Auburn offensive attack has shown signs of vulnerability but needs to improve as it now faces seven ranked opponents in its final nine games.

Defense: B

The Auburn defense surrendered 321 yards of total offense, though as usual, the run defense was stout on Saturday afternoon against LA Tech. Cody Sokol completed 20-of-35 passes for 216 yards against the Tigers secondary. It was a solid performance for the second straight game as the Tigers gave up some yards between the 30s but bowed its neck in the red zone.

Special Teams: A+

Quan Bray took a punt to the house 76 yards and Daniel Carlson averaged nearly 65 yards on eight kickoffs. Carlson also made one of two field goal attempts. Special teams have become a weapon for Auburn in 2014 which could prove vital in close games down the road.