AUBURN – Auburn football is showing strength in its season opener against Alabama A&M, having scored on four of its first five offensive drives. Quarterback Payton Thorne has led the way, contributing to three of those touchdowns, including a pass to freshman sensation Cam Coleman, who celebrated his first collegiate touchdown in the first quarter.
This marks Hugh Freeze’s second year in charge, following a 6-7 record last season that concluded with a loss in the Music City Bowl. Freeze arrived at Auburn after coaching at Liberty and previously having a stint at Ole Miss.
The game is set to kick off at 6:30 p.m. CT at Jordan-Hare Stadium and will be broadcast on ESPN+.
Auburn vs. Alabama A&M scoreboard updates reveal a dominating performance from the Tigers, with highlights including:
– Sam Jackson scoring on a 37-yard touchdown pass from Hank Brown, bringing the score to Auburn 72, Alabama A&M 3.
– Malcom Simmons catching a 57-yard touchdown pass from Hank Brown.
– A blocked punt that was recovered for a touchdown, pushing the score to Auburn 59, Alabama A&M 3.
– At halftime, the score stood at Auburn 52, Alabama A&M 3.
Key player performances included:
– Payton Thorne: 13 completions on 21 attempts for 322 yards and four touchdowns, along with 49 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown.
– Keandre Lambert-Smith: three receptions for 80 yards and two touchdowns.
– Perry Thompson: two catches for 82 yards and a touchdown.
– Cam Coleman: two receptions for 62 yards and a touchdown.
– Jarquez Hunter: a rushing touchdown of 53 yards.
– Damari Austin contributing to the score with another rushing touchdown.
Auburn got off to a fast start, with a touchdown by Jarquez Hunter on a 37-yard run. Following up, Thorne connected with Coleman for a 44-yard score, and further raised the tally with a 67-yard touchdown pass to Lambert-Smith.
The weather at the stadium during kickoff is expected to be around 88°F with partly cloudy conditions, cooling off as the night progresses.
Upcoming games for Auburn include a matchup against California on September 7 and New Mexico on September 14.