SEC Power Rankings, Week 11: Alabama back on top with big win vs LSU

Nov 7, 2015; College Station, TX, USA; Auburn Tigers linebacker Justin Garrett (26) celebrates with linebacker Tre’ Williams (30) after an interception against the Texas A&M Aggies during the second quarter at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

It’s been a disappointing season for the Auburn Tigers, and for quarterback Jeremy Johnson. Both the team and the QB got some redemption Saturday night in College Station.

With a 4-4 overall record and a 1-4 mark in SEC play, the odds didn’t look good for the Tigers to make it to a bowl game despite preseason predictions that the team would compete for the SEC Championship. Following a dominant 26-10 win over Texas A&M, which was the best performance of the season for Auburn on defense and in the running game, the Tigers are trending in the right direction.

And, with a struggling Georgia coming to the Plains next weekend and Idaho at home the following Saturday, Auburn has a chance to pick up some big momentum heading into the Nov. 28 Iron Bowl showdown with arch rival Alabama.

The Tigers gained 311 rushing yards on 52 carries – an impressive 6.0 yards per attempt. Running back Jovon Robinson was the leading ground gainer with 159 yards and a touchdown on 27 carries. Peyton Barber, who leads the Tigers in rushing this season, had 41 yards on 13 carries. Wide receivers Ricardo Louis, Ryan Davis and Jason Smith all added production in the rushing game and combined for 95 yards on eight carries and all five players had at least one run of 15 yards or longer.

Johnson, starting his first game since being benched in Week 3, completed 13 of 17 pass attempts for 132 yards and a touchdown without an interception.

As efficient as the Auburn offense was (other than settling for four field goals in the red zone, that is), the defense was better. The Tigers held Texas A&M to 303 total yards and forced three Kyler Murray interceptions and also had two sacks.

Next Game: Saturday November 15 vs. Georgia

Next: Tennessee