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3 Takeaways from Auburn’s narrow road win at Cal

By Jake Mitchell

Sep 9, 2023; Berkeley, California, USA; Auburn Tigers quarterback Payton Thorne (1) kneels to end the game against the California Golden Bears during the fourth quarter at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 9, 2023; Berkeley, California, USA; Auburn Tigers quarterback Payton Thorne (1) kneels to end the game against the California Golden Bears during the fourth quarter at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 9, 2023; Berkeley, California, USA; California Golden Bears quarterback Sam Jackson V (5) is tackled by Auburn Tigers linebacker Eugene Asante (9) during the third quarter at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 9, 2023; Berkeley, California, USA; California Golden Bears quarterback Sam Jackson V (5) is tackled by Auburn Tigers linebacker Eugene Asante (9) during the third quarter at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Eugene Asante is a pivotal piece of the Auburn defense

While the Auburn offense struggled mightily, the Tiger defense did everything that was asked of it on Saturday night.

It held Cal to fairly similar offensive numbers, just 273 total yards and an especially suffocating 2.8 yards per carry. Tailback Jadyn Ott, who spent the week leading up to this game lobbing shots at the Tigers through the press, gained just 78 yards on 20 carries.

Auburn also flustered quarterback Sam Jackson V, sacking him twice, holding him to 126 yards through the air, and forcing two interceptions.

This defensive effort was led by linebacker Eugene Asante, who was all over the field on Saturday night. The junior had 12 key tackles, a sack, and a pass defense.

While the Auburn football offense catches up, it is the defense that will have to carry this team to any early success it has this season.

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