Both defenses made big plays Saturday, but Auburn’s prevailed at the Georgia Dome in a 31-24 win over Louisville. Auburn quarterback Jeremy Johnson didn’t look as good as advertised, throwing three interceptions.
The Tigers scored their first touchdown after Reggie Bonnafon threw an interception on the first play of the game. They scored their second touchdown on a Justin Garrett 82 yard fumble return.
The new Will Muschamp defense looks much improved over the Tigers 2014 squad.
Auburn had a 17-0 lead at halftime and seemed to have a comfortable 31-10 lead with just 10 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.
Cardinals quarterback Lamar Jackson took over the game and gave Louisville a shot at a win. Bobby Petrino definitely regrets not starting Jackson. Petrino also made another mistake calling a timeout after a second down play with less than a minute remaining, it was his team’s final timeout. Auburn than ran the ball on third and let Johnson set in the pocket and throw a deep pass to end the game.
Jackson finished with 100 yards passing on nine completions and an interception. He also ran for 105 yards on 16 carries and a touchdown. Brandon Radcliff added on 81 yards rushing on 19 carries and two touchdowns for the Cardinals.
Johnson finished with 140 yards on 11 completions, a touchdown and three interceptions. He also had 16 yards rushing and a touchdown. Peyton Barber led the Tigers in rushing with 109 yards on 25 carries. Ricardo Louis led the team in receiving with 55 yards and a touchdown. Louis also added a rushing touchdown for Auburn today.
Auburn will host Jacksonville State next week at Tiger Stadium. Louisville has a tough test ahead as they host Houston at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium.
