The first Spring scrimmage under Hugh Freeze concluded on Saturday with the 2023 Auburn A-Day Game that ended with a theoretical 24-24 tie. Despite pleasant weather throughout the week, the game was hampered by rain that saw substantial downpours. That did not stop the Tigers from putting on a show for the announced 16,000 Auburn faithful that showed up to see the new-look team. The game pitted the offense against the defense, and the defense was spotted 24 points to start the game. The three offensive units alternated possessions. Here are some takeaways from the 2023 Auburn A-Day Game:
2023 Auburn A-Day Game
Running Game Shines
With the inclement weather limiting the passing game, the Auburn offense showcased their new offensive line and running game. The offense rushed for a total of 280 yards, and Sean Jackson led the way with 77 yards on 13 carries. Jackson had a run to the one-yard line as it seemed that time had expired in the first half. Freeze put one more second back on the clock, and the run set up a short field goal for Evan McGuire to get the offense within 24-10.
Another standout at running back came from walk-on Justin Jones. He had a good afternoon rushing for 50 yards on 11 carries and reached the endzone in the final quarter. He capped off an 11-play, 65-yard drive with a short-yardage touchdown with 5:46 remaining. Quarterback Holden Geriner would add a 2-point conversion to make the game 24-21 in favor of the defense.
Damari Alston, Brian Battie, and Jarquez Hunter also had success on Saturday. Alston had 43 yards, Battie had 32, and Hunter rushed for 27 yards. That question of who will replace Tank Bigsby may have not been answered, but they have plenty of options.
Quarterbacks Limited
Before and after the 2023 Auburn A-Day Game, Freeze talked about how the plan was to showcase the passing game and air it out. Due to the weather, the Tigers were not able to put on the air show with the quarterbacks. Robby Ashford got the first possession with T.J. Finley and Holden Geriner rotating the snaps with last season’s starter. The first drive of the game saw a lot of RPO with Ashford but resulted in just one pass. That pass was knocked down at the line of scrimmage on a third and four. After a 29-yard run by Alston, Ashford found the endzone off a zone read. That made the score 24-7 in favor of the defense after the nine-play, 70-yard drive.
On the scoring drive, Ashford rushed for 23 yards from four carries. In the second quarter, Ashford would connect with Tar’varish Dawson on a seam route for 39 yards. That throw was the longest of the day, and helped set up the McGuire field goal that ended the second quarter. Ashford would not play in the final quarter, and his performance earned him the Lionel James Offensive MVP. Finley and Geriner had some highlights as well in the final quarter. Geriner connected with Landon King and after some broken tackles he was able to pick up 24 yards. That set up a three-yard touchdown by Jones, and the Geriner two-point conversion.
Down 24-21 Finley took the field for the final drive of the day. On a third and 12, Finley showed he could use his legs and picked up 16 yards for a first down. After a 12-yard run by Jones, the offense was set up at the 22. Freeze called a timeout with three seconds remaining, and Alex McPherson came in to tie the game at 24 as time expired. McPherson was two of three on the day, and the final kick was for 33 yards.
Other Takeaways
It is great that the rush attack was able to put up 280 yards, but on the flip side, it leaves questions about the defense. The defense was not able to get much penetration to stop the run game, and when the quarterbacks did throw, they did not see much pressure. With the portal opening back in May, the defensive line might be an area to address for Freeze and staff. The pass catchers did not impress either, and for any of the quarterbacks to be successful they will need improvement.
Some players did stand out on that side of the ball though. Hugh Freeze gave high praise to freshman Keldric Faulk after the game. Defensive back D.J. James had four tackles and won the Mark Dorminey Defensive MVP. Lastly, Jake Levant and Hayden Brice were able to get sacks on the quarterbacks. Brice got to Geriner to force an early three and out. The 2023 Auburn A-Day Game did showcase what the Tigers can do well, but it also highlighted some major questions for the team.
Photo courtesy: Jake Crandall / USA TODAY NETWORK
