Payton Thorne, new talent shine as Auburn football dominates Alabama A&M in opener
AUBURN − The points came early and fast for Auburn football in its opener against Alabama A&M on Saturday night at Jordan Hare Stadium.
The Tigers only need 47 seconds to score on their opening drive with Jarquez Hunter, and then Payton Thorne started the deep ball finding Keandre Lambert-Smith, Cam Coleman and Perry Thompson for four scores, before taking one in himself.
The offense put up 52 points in the first half on their way to a 73-3 win over the visiting Bulldogs. It was the largest winning margin since at least 1932 and ties most points scored since the Tigers put up 73 versus Louisiana-Monroe back in 2003.
Auburn footballs gets off strong start
During the first 12 plays of the game, Auburn forced two three and outs and had three touchdowns in three straight plays. Jarquez Hunter started it off with a 37-yard touchdown run before Payton Thorne turned up the deep ball, first to Keandre Lambert-Smith on a 69-yarder and then to Cam Coleman for his first career touchdown.
Thorne ended the game going 13 of 21 for 322 yards for four touchdowns, adding another on the ground. Three members of the Freeze Four − Cam Coleman, Perry Thompson and Malcom Simmons − scored, and KeAndre Lambert-Smith caught two.
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Defensive line, front seven dominants trenches
The Tigers defense feasted in the backfield on Saturday as expected, but it was how they did that was impressive. They had two first-half sacks and eight tackles for loss. They also allowed 15 rushing yards, an average of 0.7 yards a touch in the first half.
It was a good start for a group that had 34 sacks and 77 tackles for a loss last year.
No McPherson, no problem
Alex McPherson was out from his ongoing offseason intestinal issue, so true freshman Towns McGough started in his place. McGough was perfect on extra points and nailed a 32-yard field goal in the second quarter. It's a good sign for the future and even this year if McPherson will be out longer.
Up next
Auburn welcomes ACC foe Cal to the Plains on Saturday (2:30 p.m. CT, ESPN2).
This article originally appeared on The Gadsden Times: Auburn football romps past Alabama A&M as Payton Thorne leads offense
