Auburn Wins Chick-fil-a Kickoff Classic

Two of America's best college football teams played a true slugfest in Atlanta Saturday afternoon. Jatarvious "Boobee" Whitlow saved the Auburn day when he took the handoff from Jarrett Stidham and went right up the gut carrying the Tigers to victory over Washington 21-16. 
Whitlow's first collegiate score came at 6:15 to go in the game. It was the first time Auburn beat a Top 10 team on opening day since 1957.

First the offense looked awesome. Then, not so much. Then looked better.

 Washington's Red Zone defense was stellar in the first half. Auburn's first three drives ended up with just 9 points.

A beautiful pass from Stidham to Sal Cannella at the 11:45 mark in the first quarter in the corner of the end zone capped a hot start from Jarrett, and the Tigers. Stidham ended the day 26 of 36, for 273 yards a TD and zero INT's.

After a couple of drives in and near the Red Zone, Anders Carlson went 2 of 3 on FG's. Then with just 1:23 left in the half. Carlson kicked another FG from 53 yards. A great start for Carlson.

The game was marred by penalties. Over 200 yards of penalties called by the B1G officiating crew.

Auburn rushed for 147 yards, yet never really set the tone with the run game. Give the Husky defensive line a lot of credit, they played a great game.

Auburn's offense finished with 27 first downs and 420 yards. Not too shabby against one of the best defenses in the country last season. 

First the defense looked awesome. Then, not so much. Then looked fantastic.

Last season Washington averaged 36.2 points per game. Saturday the Tiger defense held them to just 16. Less than half! Two turnovers created by the Auburn defense were instrumental in keeping the Huskies in check.

Jake Browning was held to 18 of 32 296 yards with an INT and a TD. The Husky ground game wasn't nearly as effective as many pundits predicted. For the afternoon, Washington was held 80 yards below their average last season.

The premier RB for Washington is Myles Gaskin. Gaskin holds many school records, and he will set more this year. On this day however, Gaskin was held to just 75 yards on 17 carries. 

In the end, Auburn held Washington to just one TD, and created two turnovers. A really good night.

Overall

Special teams looked better. Much better in fact. Anders Carlson looks as though he will have little trouble carrying on the Carlson legacy at Auburn. 

Too many penalties. Many were deserved. Hopefully many were from first game excitement.

The offensive line struggled a little at times. That can be cleaned up though and they will play much better after a couple games.

This was a hard fought game that was won with determination. That is what Auburn is about. So take it. Revel in it. Next week Auburn plays at home.

See you there,
War Eagle!