Jacksonville State Gamecocks vs Auburn Tigers Match Player Stats On Sep 12, 2015

The Sports Xchange
Sep 12, 2015

AUBURN, Ala -- FCS foe Jacksonville State has a reputation for knocking off FBS opponents, and the Gamecocks almost pulled off one of the biggest upsets in school history.

But it wasn't meant to be for coach John Grass' team as No. 6 Auburn came from behind to capture a thrilling 27-20 overtime win.

Running back Peyton Barber scored the game-winning touchdown from 4 yards out to give the Tigers (2-0) their first home win of the season. He finished the game with 125 yards on 23 carries.

Quarterback Jeremy Johnson, who once again struggled with his decision-making, connected with wideout Melvin Ray in the corner of the end zone for a 10-yard score to tie the game at 20-all with under a minute to play.

Grass then elected to play for overtime by instructing quarterback Eli Jenkins to take a knee, which worked in the Tigers' favor.

Johnson finished with 236 yards on 21-of-32 passing, with two touchdowns and two interceptions.

Auburn kicker Daniel Carlson put the home team up 3-0 by nailing a 27-yard field goal right before the conclusion of the first quarter.

Jacksonville State tied the game at 3-3 in the early moments of the second quarter following a productive drive spearheaded by Jenkins' passing.

Continuing the early trend of field goals, Auburn's Carlson added a 50-yarder with 9:55 left in the second quarter to give the Tigers a 6-3 lead. Ray and wide receiver Ricardo Louis highlighted the scoring march by combining for four catches for 33 yards.

Jacksonville State took its first lead of the day, 10-6, when Jenkins found wide receiver Josh Barge for an 11-yard touchdown pass. Jenkins completed 5 of 7 passes for 70 yards on the 75-yard scoring march.

After trailing 10-6 at halftime, Auburn made a big defensive stop on Jacksonville's opening possession of the second half. The Tigers then regained the lead when Johnson found running back Roc Thomas streaking down the sideline for a 51-yard score to put the home team back in front 13-10.

Jacksonville State would not go away, however, in the second half. The Gamecocks tied the game at 13 when Rouleau capped a 74-yard drive with a 26-yard field goal.

On Auburn's ensuing possession, Johnson was picked off by linebacker Dawson Wells at the Gamecocks' 44. The Gamecocks then took the lead 20-13 on running back Troymaine Pope's 5-yard run. It would be their last lead of the game.

NOTES: Auburn unveiled the biggest scoreboard in college football Saturday. Its size: 10,000 square feet. It took nearly 800 tons of steel and 40,000 bolts to construct. ... Auburn DE Carl Lawson and S Tray Matthews, two of the Tigers' top defensive players, did not play due to injuries suffered last week ... Peyton Barber started at running back for Auburn.