Auburn Takes Down Kentucky in Opener
Auburn football has finally returned with a home game against Kentucky. The No. 8 Tigers beat No. 23 Wildcats 29-13 at Jordan-Hare Stadium on Saturday.
Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn said, "very proud of our team. We talked about playing and fighting for 60 minutes. We honored coach (Pat) Dye today. We're going to do that the rest of the season. That's really what we talked about, and our guys did that."
The Tigers defense dominated the game. The defense made two fourth-down stops and forced three turnovers. This also includes a fumble in the fourth quarter that allowed Auburn to score and secure a two possession lead.
Auburn's offense however, had a slow start in the first half. Kentucky led the game until D.J. Williams for Auburn ran one yard for a touchdown, followed by a two-point conversion. The touchdown gave Auburn the lead of 8-7.
The second quarter was very dry until the last few closing moments. Kentucky went for a 1-yard touchdown run, but Chris Rodriguez was stopped at the goal line. Wildcats QB Terry Wilson threw a pass, but Tigers cornerback Roger McCreary stepped in front and ran the ball down the sideline for 100 yards. However, upon further review, officials discovered a targeting penalty on Derick Hall.
To end halftime Auburn was leading Kentucky 8-7.
Bo Nix woke up from his slumber in the third quarter. On third and goal Nix fired a bullet to wide receiver Seth Williams for an 11-yard touchdown. Anders Carlson's extra point changed the score to 15-7.
Kentucky decided to put their battle shoes on and quickly scored another touchdown. Wilson gives the ball to Akeem Hayes to help the Wildcats catch up narrowing the score to 15-13.
Jamien Sherwood for Auburn forced a fumble on third down to help the Tigers keep their control. This gave Auburn just what they needed. Nix threw a pass to Williams, he ran 11-yards to score another touchdown. Carlson's extra point was good bringing Auburn a two score advantage 22-13.
The Wildcats were desperate to make any type of play happen in order to come back. Kentucky called a fake punt on its own 30-yard line but was stopped short of the line.
Auburn didn't take the pressure off Kentucky. In just two plays Nix found receiver Eli Stove on a 21-yard touchdown pass. Neither team scored again. The Auburn Tigers won against Kentucky Wildcats 29-13.
Auburn will play the Georgia Bulldogs next on Oct. 3.
Kentucky will host Ole Miss in week two.
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