Auburn Football: 3 takeaways from thrilling win over Oregon

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - AUGUST 31: Seth Williams #18 of the Auburn Tigers makes the game winning touchdown pass against Verone McKinley III #23 of the Oregon Ducks in the fourth quarter during the Advocare Classic at AT&T Stadium on August 31, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

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Auburn football defeated Oregon in the marquee game of Week 1. What did we learn in the Tigers thrilling win over the Ducks?

In the highlight primetime game, the Auburn Tigers took down the Oregon Ducks by a score of 27-21. This game exceeded the hype, and was a thriller that came down to the final seconds of the contest.

Bo Nix delivered a touchdown strike late that would prove to be the decisive score. The Ducks led for most of the game, but in the fourth quarter, the Tigers surged back. This is what we learned from this instant classic.

3. The Tigers found their lead back

Gus Malzahn backfields had always featured a 1,000-yard quality rusher, until last season. The backs played by committee, but none stood out across the length of the season.

Coming into the year, there was discussion as to whether or not the Tigers would be able to return to the dominant running game of the past. On Saturday night, one back answered the call.

JaTarvious “Boobie” Whitlow had a star-making game. He carried 24 times for 110 yards, and as Nix was struggling, Whitlow provided a spark that ignited the Tiger comeback.

Other backs, including Kam Martin and Shaun Shivers contributed, and will likely continue to as the season plays out, but make no mistake, Boobie Whitlow is the man on the plains.

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