AUBURN, Ala. (EETV)- On what was supposed to be their home opener, the Auburn Tigers instead played their second fall camp scrimmage.
Here are the key takeaways from the 90-play scrimmage in Jordan-Hare.
- Shaun Shivers scored on an 80-yard touchdown reception.
- Defense forced 3 turnovers, including interceptions from DB Jamien Sherwood and DB Devin Guice.
- All quarterbacks were live except for starter Bo Nix for the second straight scrimmage.
- Transfer Quarterback Grant Loy got the most reps at quarterback behind Nix. Cord Sandberg followed Loy while the rest split reps equally.
- Head Coach Gus Malzahn is continually moving linemen around to figure out the best rotation and position for each player.
- Offensive Coordinator Chad Morris is emphasizing getting the ball to the running backs through the air to utilize their playmaking ability.
- Most importantly, there were no major injuries during the scrimmage.
In his press conference, Malzahn first metnioned the most recent round of COVID-19 testing for the student-athletes.
“As far as this past week with our COVID numbers, like I said earlier we had 16 players that missed this week of practice," Malzahn said. "The positive note is we tested Sunday and last Wednesday and had 0 positives. So that was a really good sign that I feel like we are adjusting with our students back on campus, and we will test again tomorrow and Wednesday too."
One player to keep an eye on this season is DB Roger McCreary. McCreary has been receiving positive feedback from both players and coaches, including Malzahn. McCreary stepped his game up enough to become Auburn’s new number one defensive back.
“Roger McCreary has really taken the next step,” Malzahn said. “You’re talking about, you can just tell his confidence is at a different level. He’s had an excellent camp so far, and he’s one of our leaders. He’s not a real vocal guy, but he does it more by example. He’s really taken over that for Noah real well so far.”
Just a couple months ago, Auburn lost top defensive back Noah Igbinoghene in the early rounds of the NFL Draft. At the end of the Tigers’ annual Pro Day, Igbinoghene spoke about the future of Auburn's secondary and had high praise for McCreary.
“I expect big things out of him. I expect him to have an interview with you next year as well,” Igbinoghene said. “He had a great season last year, kind of the same spot I was in my sophomore year.”
Expect to see a big impact from McCreary in week one against the Wildcats.
The Tigers cancelled last weeks scrimmage due to COVID-19 concerns but plan on having their third scrimmage next weekend. A potential fourth scrimmage may be planned before facing Kentucky in three weeks.
