While the win gives Auburn some much-needed momentum heading into what will be a pivotal – and perhaps final – offseason for Gus Malzahn on The Plains, the loss for Memphis was one final punch in the gut in a season that began with much promise. With that, let’s check out the game grades for each positional unit.
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QB MISMATCH: Lynch had seven first-half touchdown passes against SMU in the regular-season finale and 28 on the season, against just three interceptions. With the grimacing menace on his way to take over the South Carolina Gamecocks program, Muschamp wasn’t the defensive mind figuring out how to stop this high-octane Memphis offense.
The fourth quarter proved to be a game changer for Auburn on Wednesday in the Birmingham Bowl.
The quarterback situation is a mess at Auburn, so defending the pass wasn’t a tall task for Memphis.
Auburn’s Blake Countess came through with another big play, blocking a Jake Elliott field goal try with 5:55 left in the second quarter. Between the incident with Memphis player Reggis Ball stealing a football and Malzahn’s announcement that Steele would indeed be Auburn’s defensive coordinator, though, you could sense the confidence in Malzahn.
The Tigers added an insurance touchdown on a four-yard run at the 12:57 mark two plays after Davis returned a punt to the Memphis six-yard line. They again stalled in Auburn territory for if another field goal attempt.
Memphis is led by interim coach Darrell Dickey. “They all did a great job”, the coach said. One of the wins came over Idaho, Auburn gave up 34 points in that one.
Auburn didn’t have a good passing attack this season, that’s just the reality.
Auburn established the tempo of this tilt on the ground early and often. Robinson had 121 of those yards on 25 carries. The Auburn offense is averaging 27.2 points per game with 191.8 rushing yards per game and 175.6 passing yards per game. With the score, Auburn regained the lead 17-10. Considered one of the top National Football League draft prospects, the Auburn defense was humbling to say the least. For fans living outside of those radio markets, the game will be broadcast to subscribers through Memphis All-Access at www.GoTigersGo.com/Watch. Peyton Barber has 976 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns for Auburn. It was the first time since 1962 that Memphis held an opponent to less than 100 yards of total offense.
Memphis has been solid, Auburn has been too inconsistent.
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Incoming Mike Norvell released a statement of his own trashing Ball despite the cornerback’s two-interception performance that also included a 53-yard touchdown return.
