Arkansas Razorbacks vs Auburn Tigers Match Player Stats On Aug 30, 2014

SportsDirect Inc. staff
Aug 30, 2014


No. 5 Auburn 45, Arkansas 21: Jeremy Johnson tossed two touchdowns in the first half and fellow quarterback Nick Marshall rushed for another as the fifth-ranked Tigers defeated the visiting Southeastern Conference-rival Razorbacks in the season opener for both teams.

Duke Williams reeled in nine receptions for 154 yards and a score and Johnson finished 12-for-16 for 243 yards for Auburn, which was looking to rebound after falling in last season's national championship game. Cameron Artis-Payne rushed for 177 yards on 26 carries as the Tigers rolled up 302 of their 595 total yards on the ground.

Brandon Allen went 18-for-31 for 175 yards with a pair of touchdown passes for Arkansas, which has dropped 12 consecutive conference games dating back to the 2012 season. Tight end Hunter Henry had a 14-yard touchdown catch and Alex Collins keyed a productive rushing attack with 68 yards on 10 carries.

After sitting out the first half, Marshall gave Auburn's offense a jolt by scampering 19 yards up the middle for a score on his team's first drive of the third and give the Tigers a 28-21 advantage. Auburn kept up the momentum as Allen was drilled by a blitzing Robinson Therezie, leading to Jermaine Whitehead's interception and 33-yard return for a score later in the quarter.

Ominous clouds forced a lightning delay and the evacuation of Jordan-Hare Stadium early in the fourth quarter. The game resumed after a 1-hour, 28-minute break, and Auburn relied on its ground game before Corey Grant rushed in from 3 yards out to give the Tigers a 45-21 lead.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Johnson received the start as Marshall was serving a team-enforced punishment after being cited for possession of a small amount of marijuana last month. ... Auburn WR Melvin Ray opened the scoring after reeling in a pass from Johnson before making one quick move to avoid a would-be tackler and scampered down the sideline for a 49-yard touchdown early in the first quarter. ... Whitehead's interception for a touchdown was the second of his career. The senior's first came against Florida Atlantic during the 2011 season. ... Williams, who scored on an 18-yard slant, had seven receptions for 138 yards in the first half.