AUBURN, AL–The Auburn Tigers possess the fastest defense Coach Boreale has ever faced. This was a major defensive struggle; score of 3-0 at the half.
The final score was 13-0 UCLA. Turnovers were the name of the game here, as UCLA had 2 fumbles and 2 INTs, while Auburn had 2 fumbles and 1 INT.
Mario Sanford was injured before the half, and Patrick Petty was forced to fill in on kicking duties. Somehow he managed to just hit this FG from 52 yards away.
Willis Johnson also got knocked out for the 2nd half going 7 for 16 for 78 yards and 2 INTs. Patrick Cowan filled in and went 3 for 5 for 49 yards and a TD. Coach Boreale is really considering Cowan, if Johnson can’t cut the mustard next week against #3 Tennessee. Maybe Willis’ dad was right about him.
Kendall Barnett led the defense with 5 tackles and a forced fumble.
Other key stats:
Terrell Thompson: 75 yards on 17 carries
Karl Thurmond: 4 receptions for 62 yards
Chris McPherson: 2 receptions, 45 yards, 1TD
All in all, Coach B was disappointed by the sloppy play on both sides of the ball. Two a days this week to get ready for #3 Tennessee. If the Bruins play like they did today, it is going to be a long game.
Bonus: Since you are all wondering what Karl Thurmond looks like:
