AUBURN – Auburn football is off to a strong start in their season opener against Alabama A&M, scoring on four of their first five drives. Quarterback Payton Thorne has been instrumental, contributing to three of the scores, including a touchdown pass to standout freshman Cam Coleman, who recorded his first collegiate touchdown in the first quarter.
This marks Hugh Freeze’s second season as head coach after finishing 6-7 last year, which included a loss in the Music City Bowl. Freeze previously led the program at Liberty and also coached Ole Miss.
The game is set to begin at 6:30 p.m. CT and will be broadcast on ESPN+ from Jordan-Hare Stadium.
At halftime, Auburn leads Alabama A&M 52-3. The scoring highlights include a 37-yard touchdown pass from Hank Brown to Sam Jackson, and Malcolm Simmons also found the end zone with a 57-yard touchdown pass. Additionally, a blocked punt was recovered for a touchdown.
Thorne’s stats so far are impressive: 13 of 21 for 322 yards and four touchdowns, along with 49 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown. Other key performances include Keandre Lambert-Smith with three receptions for 80 yards and two touchdowns, Perry Thompson with two catches for 82 yards and one touchdown, and Jarquez Hunter contributing a rushing touchdown.
Before the game, analysts predicted a commanding victory for Auburn, citing the team’s historical superiority over Alabama A&M. There have been no significant injury updates for Auburn leading into the game week, and weather conditions are expected to be around 88°F at kickoff, dropping later in the evening.
Auburn’s upcoming schedule includes games against Cal, New Mexico, Arkansas, and others as the season progresses.