Rapid reaction: Auburn picks up first conference win vs. Kentucky
A quick look at the Auburn-Kentucky showdown on Thursday night in Lexington.
What it means: It’s a huge win for an Auburn team that dropped its first two games in SEC play in unimpressive fashion against LSU and Mississippi State, while dealing with quarterback issues along the way. While improving to 4-2, 1-2 on the season isn’t anything to party about, it’s certainly a step in the right direction for this Auburn team. This win was also crucial for the Tigers’ hopes of going bowling as they’ll likely be underdogs in five of their last six games (at Arkansas, vs. No. 13 Ole Miss, at No. 9 Texas A&M, vs. Georgia, vs. Idaho, vs. 10 No. Alabama), with the meeting against the Vandals on Nov. 21 possibly being the one game they’ll be favored in. Auburn will need to find two more wins to be eligible the rest of the way.
What I liked: Auburn’s offensive balance and efficiency on the road. While some of the numbers don’t pop out at you, Auburn was extremely efficient, converting 11 of 18 third downs. Meanwhile, Sean White had a very solid outing, going 17 of 27 passing for 255 yards. Another thing Auburn can be proud of: a second straight turnover-free game after turning the ball over at least once in each of its first four games of the season. RB Peyton Barber had 26 carries for 92 yards and 2 touchdowns, while WR Ricardo Louis finished with 7 catches for 154 yards.
What I didn’t like: Kentucky’s offense had 2:12 to get in position for a potential game-tying field goal but wasn’t able to against an Auburn defense that entered the game ranked 12th in the SEC in total defense (412.0 yards allowed per game). Those are the kind of drives you have to put together if your program is going to take the next step.
Who’s the man: Ricardo Louis. The senior had 7 catches for a career-high 154 yards, just the second 100-yard receiving game of his career. Louis’ big game came in the first contest since fellow WR D’haquille Williams was kicked off the team.
Key play: Auburn’s Justin Garrett sacked Kentucky QB Patrick Towles with 25 seconds left on fourth-and-3 to take over possession of the ball as the Wildcats were trying to set up for a potential game-tying field goal.
What’s next: Auburn travels to Arkansas on Oct. 24 to face the Razorbacks in Fayetteville.