Auburn Football: 3 takeaways from victory over Georgia Southern

AUBURN, AL - SEPTEMBER 2: Gus Malzahn coach of the Auburn Tigers greets fans during Tiger Walk before the start of an NCAA college football game against the Georgia Southern Eagles at Jordan Hare Stadium on Saturday, September 2, 2017 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Butch Dill/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images) /

2. Kerryon Johnson can carry the load

Auburn was without their starting rusher in Kamryn Pettway who was suspended for the game. That left backup Kerryon Johnson as the guy to carry the load. Johnson responded to that in a big way. He rushed for well over 100 yards and proved that he will be a valuable weapon all season.

Stidham will progress into the offense, but the absolute best unit on the field for the Tigers is the running back position. Whether it be Pettway or Johnson, the Tigers can hand it to either rusher and be confident in a positive result happening.

Sophomore Kam Martin got quite a few carries in the absence of Pettway. Johnson got less work after Auburn took a 34-7 lead in the second half. Martin also rushed for well over 100 yards and one touchdown.

In the SEC, you have to have an effective running game. The Alabama Crimson Tide, Georgia Bulldogs, LSU Tigers and Arkansas Razorbacks all have it. Auburn has one of the strongest rushing attacks as well.

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