AUBURN, AL. (EETV)- Week 1 of college football featured the Auburn Tigers back in Jordan-Hare Stadium for their opening game of the 2024 season facing Alabama A&M. Saturday's win marked the Tiger's first win of the season and the program’s 800th win, making Auburn just the 13th team ever to do so in college football.
Just 47 seconds into the first quarter, Jarquez Hunter puts the first points up for the Tigers with the fastest score in an Auburn game since 2010. Within the first five minutes of play, the Tigers secured a 21-0 lead, showcasing starting quarterback Payton Thorne’s ability to lead a successful rush and pass offense.
The Auburn offense highlighted some new faces on the plains. Wide receivers Cam Coleman, KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Perry Thompson, and Malcolm Simmons all scored their first Auburn touchdowns, giving Auburn faithful reassurance that Head Coach Hugh Freeze’s recruiting process will pay off this season. Freshman wide receiver Perry Thompson reminisced on his first Auburn touchdown after the game.
“It was crazy…I was overwhelmed with excitement.”
With five different players scoring receiving touchdowns, Thorne felt confident in his long pass game and his receivers. Thorne threw for 322 passing yards, the most in his Auburn career, but his performance extended to his rushing game as well. Thorne made several rushing plays that secured important gains for Auburn's offense, including scoring his fourth rushing touchdown of his career.
Coach Freeze addressed the mistakes on the defense stating that the team has “a lot of things to clean up,” but overall, he was very pleased with their performance.
By the end of the game, the Tigers received five penalties compared to Alabama A&M’s seven. A targeting call on the Bulldog’s backup safety resulted in his disqualification and another Tiger score.
Auburn's defense did not allow a single touchdown from the Bulldog’s offense, forcing Austin McCready to make a 43-yard kick. With three sacks from the defense, the Tigers utilized third-down opportunities to take control back over the ball.
With starting kicker Alex McPhearson missing the opener, the job was left to freshman Towns McGough. Coming from an excellent high school career at Auburn High, the A-Day MVP made accurate extra point kicks, as well as an easy 32-yard field goal.
Auburn special teams made an impactful punt-block play that turned to a recovery touchdown from Simmons. This marked the first punt-block and score for Auburn since 2021.
Auburn finished the night with a 73-3 blowout victory over Alabama A&M and seek to secure another win in week two back at home against the California Golden Bears.
