The Auburn Tigers pounded the rock against the Baylor Bears. Excluding kneel downs, they recorded 51 carries for 308 yards (6 yards per carry) in their 38-24 victory. Three different Tigers handled 16 rushing attempts in the contest. If fans were hoping they’d repeat that distribution in Week 2, they’re going to be disappointed.
On Thursday afternoon, head coach Hugh Freeze revealed running back Damari Alston will not play versus the Ball State Cardinals. Freeze ruled Alston questionable with a shoulder injury earlier in the week. That ailment is presumably what’s holding him out of action on Saturday.
Alston was Auburn’s second-leading rusher, behind quarterback Jackson Arnold — 16 carries, 137 yards, 2 TD — in the win over Baylor. He tallied 84 yards and a touchdown on his 16 rushing attempts.
Alston, a senior, has spent his entire collegiate career with the Tigers. He saw limited action as Jarquez Hunter’s backup in 2023 and 2024, but was productive when on the field. He compiled 116 carries for 596 yards (5.1 YPC) and five touchdowns across those campaigns.
Junior running back Jeremiah Cobbs — 16 carries, 74 yards, TD vs. Baylor — is set to start against Ball State in Alston’s stead. Ball State and Auburn (-43.5; ESPN Bet) will kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPNU.
