Sunday, Oct. 04, 2009

Closer look at Auburn's win over Tennessee

@BR Boxtext bold lede colon:THE STARS

Auburn linebackers Craig Stevens and Josh Bynes were all over the field, combining for 20 tackles. Bynes recovered a fumble in the first quarter that led to an Auburn field goal, and the duo combined for two quarterback hurries and three pass break-ups to lead a strong defensive effort.

KEY MOMENT

Tennessee had a glimmer of hope when defensive lineman Montori Hughes appeared to make a diving interception on a tipped Auburn pass deep in Tigers territory just before the end of the third quarter. But the replay showed he didn’t. Auburn kept possession, and quarterback Chris Todd completed a screen pass to running back Onterio McCalebb, who cut across the field for a 16-yard gain and first down. The Tigers went on to score a touchdown to make it 23-6.

KEY DECISION

Auburn slowed the pace on its final drive, draining the clock with a three-minute, 32-second drive (an eternity for the Tigers) that concluded with Wes Byrum’s fourth field goal of the night, a 22-yarder that made it 26-16 with 39 seconds to play. For the game, the Tigers held a 34:46 to 25:14 advantage in time of possession.

QUOTE OF THE GAME

“We have had a lot of adversity, but we are finding different ways to win as a team. That’s the good thing about it. Guys going up and down the bench, with the defense thanking the offense and the offense thanking the defense and thanking the special teams, because everybody is finding different ways to contribute.” — Auburn coach Gene Chizik

BY THE NUMBERS

1: Wins in 12 career road games for Auburn coach Gene Chizik. He lost all 11 of his away games at Iowa State.

5: Straight games Auburn has won in the Tennessee series, the longest streak against the Volunteers in school history.

1994: The previous time the Tigers topped 400 yards of offense in their first five games of a season. They’ve accomplished that feat this year.

91st: Auburn’s national ranking out of 120 Football Bowl Subdivision teams on third-down defense after four games.

4-for-17: Tennessee on third downs Saturday night.

Andy Bitter