Field Level Media
Sep 7, 2019
Auburn's defense proved tough and the No. 10 Tigers did just enough offensively to post a 24-6 victory over Tulane on Saturday night at Auburn.
After being held to just eight yards rushing in the first half, running back JaTarvious Whitlow ran for 54 yards in a key, 82-yard touchdown drive to give the Tigers (2-0) a 21-6 lead going into the fourth quarter, capping the drive with a 14-yard run from the wildcat formation.
Whitlow finished the game rushing for 96 yards on 23 carries but lost two fumbles.
Quarterback Bo Nix struggled early but finished the night 19-of-37 passing for 207 yards and a 31-yard touchdown pass to receiver Will Hastings.
Quarterback Justin McMillan led the Green Wave (1-1) to a field goal on his first drive, but finished only 10-of-33 passing for 103 yards. His lone interception led to Auburn's third touchdown.
The Tigers put the game out of reach on kicker Anders Carlson's 22-yard field goal on a drive that was aided by a 15-yard targeting penalty against Tulane safety Macon Clark.
Tulane finished with just 223 yards in total offense.
Auburn finished the first quarter with only one first down and 36 yards in total offense, with Nix only 4-of-9 passing for 31 yards. But the Tigers' defense limited the Green Wave to 59 yards and just a field goal in the opening quarter.
Nix warmed up in the second quarter, hitting Hastings for a 31-yard touchdown pass early in the period for 7-3 Auburn lead.
On the next series, Nix hit wide receiver Seth Williams with a 40-yard strike to set up receiver Eli Stove's score from 4 yards out for a 14-3 cushion for Auburn.
Williams, however, injured his shoulder making the key catch and did not return.
--Field Level Media