Auburn, Ala (EETV) - Amid a two hour rain delay, the Auburn tigers defeated Southern Mississippi 24-13. With 4:17 remaining in the second quarter, the game was delayed about two hours due to lighting. Despite the long gap, the Tigers were able to maintain their lead throughout the game and come out victorious. Auburn is now 4-1 and hopes to keep the momentum heading to Starkville Mississippi next week to face Mississippi State.
The Auburn defense was again vital to the win by holding the Golden Eagles to only 45 yards rushing. LB Deshaun Davis lead the team with 10 tackles and two for losses.
“We came in wanting a shutout, but they got 13 points for whatever reason," said Davis. "That’s not the standard we want to hold, but we got a win. Every time you get a win, you don’t want to be too negative. We just have to correct the things we need to correct going into a hostile environment at Mississippi State. We need to get ready to continue SEC play.”
Fellow LB Darrell Williams was right behind with 9 tackles and 2.5 for losses. The Tigers also won the turnover battle with two interceptions. Despite Southern Miss QB Jack Abraham going 30-44 and throwing for 215 yards, Auburn kept Southern Miss. out of the end zone by holding them to one touchdown and only allowed two third-down conversions.
The Tigers' running game was not as dominant as usual, rushing for only 96 yards. However starting RB JaTarvious Whitlow left the game late in the second quarter because of a shoulder injury. The team normally aims to rush for 200 yards a game.
Auburn QB Jarrett Stidham had a solid night by throwing for 245 yards with two touchdowns. Despite some issues with pass protection, Stidham was sacked three times tonight, he went 19-33.
"Anytime you have injuries or whatever it may be, you're going to have some growing pains," Stidham said. "That's why you play the game. You have to get better every week...I have full confidence in our team that we are going to continue to push ourselves."
The offense was able to distribute ball to efficiently between the strong receiving core, and WR Darius Clayton lead the team with having 91 yards receiving.
Looking ahead, the Tigers strive to improve on consistency from the entire offensive unit. Auburn hopes to conintue the two-game winning streak as they face SEC opponent Mississippi State on the road next week.
