Head coach Gus Malzahn got the start he needed to the 2017 season when Auburn football defeated the Georgia Southern Eagles in Week 1 .
The Auburn Tigers and Georgia Southern Eagles both possess great rushing attacks. Georgia Southern runs the triple option and Auburn has a running back duo that gives opposing defenses nightmares.
Tonight, we got to see Baylor transfer quarterback Jarrett Stidham running Gus Malzahn’s offensive scheme. However, Stidham got to ease into the role as Auburn’s offensive leader as Kerryon Johnson and Kam Martin carried the load.
If Stidham could even do a decent job running this offense, then Auburn can make a real push for the SEC Championship. Malzahn had to do such a juggling act last year when it came to figuring out Auburn’s quarterback situation, the offense could not find any consistency.
Georgia Southern did not stand much of a chance in this one. Auburn is the more talented team in almost every facet. The Eagles are a formidable opponent but they still entered as a huge underdog as a Group of Five team.
Much of the purpose of this game for the Tigers is preparing for Clemson next week. Auburn travels to South Carolina to face the defending National Champions in what should be one of the most entertaining matchups of the season.
The steady progression that Stidham saw as the game went along is an encouraging sign. This is not the most important game he plays in this season. That game possibly comes next week against Clemson. He will need to be comfortable by then.
Now, let’s take a look at three takeaways from Auburn’s victory over Georgia Southern.
1. Jarrett Stidham still needs some work
It’s going to take Jarrett Stidham some time to get accustomed to an SEC offense. While Auburn still runs a very high-pace offense, it’s very different from that of Art Briles‘ Baylor scheme. Stidham looked more comfortable as the game went along.
Malzahn has not had an efficient quarterback since Nick Marshall. He’s tried quarterbacks like Jeremy Johnson, John Franklin III and Sean White with no luck. Stidham does bring a different presence to the offense, though.
There was not much running room for Stidham. His offensive line did not protect him very well. And he was forced to rush some throws that shouldn’t have been. Overall, he finished with less than 200 passing yards. With Auburn trying to control the clock most of the way, that is not an impressive stat line.
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.
3. The front seven can play with anyone
Preparing for Georgia Southern’s triple option attack is quite the task for any team. Auburn made it look easy. Georgia Southern quarterback Shai Werts could not find any room to move the entire night.
Starting rusher L.A. Ramsby averaged well under 4.0 yards per carry. Auburn knew what to expect from their opponent and shut it down the entire way. No other Georgia Southern running back had any better luck than Ramsby.
Auburn lost one of their best defensive players in linebacker Carl Lawson. The defense did not miss a beat in his absence. They’ll get a real test next week against a Clemson team that dominated the Kent State Golden Flashes.
Next: Georgia vs. App State: 3 things we learned
Clemson has weapons like quarterback Kelly Bryant and running backs C.J. Fuller and Tavien Feaster that can rip open a defense. Auburn looks ready for the challenge if the way they played tonight was any indicator.