Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter was hands-down the player of the game for the Tigers in Saturday’s 24-10 win over the Kentucky Wildcats on the road.

Hunter nearly crossed the century mark three times over in the victory, tallying 278 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns on 23 carries. He averaged 12.1 yards per attempt. He was a also a small factor in the passing game out of the backfield, totaling 4 catches for 19 yards.

When asked about his performance, how he did it and the motivation behind it, Hunter’s response was simple.

“To be honest, I got tired of losing, man,” Hunter said after the game.

He said he had a conversation with head coach Hugh Freeze earlier in the week about his determination heading into the contest. Auburn has been on a four-game losing streak before the win.

“We’re going to find a way to win this game this week,” Hunter said. “It doesn’t matter how we do it or how it gets done. We’re going to find a way. I try to play my hardest for my teammates and coaches. I try to give my all every play I’ve got. I try to take advantage of my opportunities I got today and I tried to wear (the Wildcats defense) out.”

Hunter totals 863 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns on 120 carries this season. Saturday’s performance was his best and his second time rushing for at least 100 yards in a game this year. The last time he achieved that goal was when he posted 152 yards on the ground with 1 rushing touchdown and 1 receiving touchdown in the 45-19 victory over UNM on Sept. 14.