Rapid Reaction: Auburn runs out of gas late in loss to Alabama
Here are some quick thoughts on Auburn’s 55-44 loss to No. 1 Alabama.
What it means: Auburn fought, and controlled the game for two and a half quarters before the momentum shifted. In a game in which the Tigers weren’t given a chance, Auburn shell-schocked the Crimson Tide in the first half, putting up 26 points and more than 400 yards of total offense. For as much hype as the 2013 edition of the Iron Bowl received, the 2014 installment delivered in its own right. The game featured storylines, ebbs and flows and game-changing plays. In the end, Alabama proved to be too much late.
What I liked: The way the offense rebounded after laying an egg at Georgia and a lackluster effort against Samford. The Tigers complied 626 yards of total offense and 44 points. Auburn struggled to cash in on red zone opportunities, which proved to be the difference in the game. Two crucial turnovers also cost the Tigers late. Head coach Gus Malzahn brought the tricks out of the bag in the first half, and the Tigers had a lot of success deep against the Crimson Tide secondary in the first half.
What I didn’t like: The play of the defense in the second half. The Tigers played above their ceiling in the first half, forcing two turnovers and two three-and-outs en route to a five-point lead. After intercepting Blake Sims on the second play of the second half, Alabama went on a 34-3 run and had five consecutive scoring drives. The Tigers got gassed late; Alabama ran 61 plays in the game, more than half of which came in the second half. Auburn had no answer for the Crimson Tide down the stretch.
Who’s the man: Three Auburn Tigers deserve this honor: Nick Marshall, Sammie Coates and Duke Williams. Marshall had a career night throwing the football, completing 27-of-43 passes for 456 yards and three touchdowns. The senior was on point throwing the deep ball, and made some nice plays throughout extending plays and finding open receivers. Coates caught five passes for 206 yards and two scores, the beneficiary of several of the deep balls from Marshall. Williams, not 100 percent, caught seven passes for 121 yards, coming up with some highlight-reel catches. The Tigers’ three-best players came up big on the biggest stage.
Key play: Late in the third quarter, Marshall was flushed out of the pocket to his right, threw back across his body to the middle of the field and was intercepted by Nick Perry. The Tigers held a 36-34 lead at that point, and it was at that moment that the momentum shifted. That interception was the one bad decision Marshall made all night.
What’s next: Auburn awaits its bowl destination as an 8-4 team. The Tigers will take a break, regroup and begin bowl prep looking for their ninth win of the season.