2016 Auburn Tigers football team

2016 Auburn Tigers football
Conference Southeastern Conference
Division Western Division
Ranking
Coaches No. 16
AP No. 18
CFP No. 15
2016 record 8–4 (5–3 SEC)
Head coach Gus Malzahn (4th year)
Offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee (4th year)
Offensive scheme Inverted Veer or Power Read Option
Defensive coordinator Kevin Steele (1st year)
Base defense 4–3
Home stadium Jordan–Hare Stadium
(Capacity: 87,451)
2016 SEC football standings
Conf     Overall
Team   W   L         W   L  
East Division
No. 15 Florida xy   6 – 2         8 – 4  
Tennessee   4 – 4         8 – 4  
Georgia   4 – 4         7 – 5  
Kentucky   4 – 4         7 – 5  
South Carolina   3 – 5         6 – 6  
Vanderbilt   3 – 5         6 – 6  
Missouri   2 – 6         4 – 8  
West Division
No. 1 Alabama x$^   8 – 0         13 – 0  
No. 18 Auburn   5 – 3         8 – 4  
No. 21 LSU   5 – 3         7 – 4  
Texas A&M   4 – 4         8 – 4  
Arkansas   3 – 5         7 – 5  
Mississippi State   3 – 5         5 – 7  
Ole Miss   2 – 6         5 – 7  
Championship: Alabama 54, Florida 16
  • ^ – College Football Playoff participant
  • $ – Conference champion
  • x – Division champion/co-champions
  • y – Championship game participant
As of December 4, 2016; Rankings from AP Poll

The 2016 Auburn Tigers football team represents Auburn University in the 2016 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Tigers play their home games at Jordan–Hare Stadium in Auburn, Alabama and compete in the Western Division of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). They are led by fourth-year head coach Gus Malzahn.

Before the season

Previous season

The 2015 Auburn Tigers began the season as the preseason pick to win the SEC Championship and a berth in the College Football Playoff. There was also hype about junior QB Jeremy Johnson who sat behind Nick Marshall in 2013 and 2014, being a Heisman Trophy candidate. The hiring of Will Muschamp as defensive coordinator was a major success for the Tigers after Ellis Johnson was let go after a 55-44 defeat in the 2014 Iron Bowl.

The Tigers' season began with some shocking surprises. In a week one showdown against Louisville in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game, Auburn built a 24-0 lead, but Jeremy Johnson threw three interceptions and the Cardinals came back from 24-0 before finally falling to Auburn 31-24. Auburn suffered key injuries to Carl Lawson,Tray Matthews,Roc Thomas and Jovon Robinson.This with starting center Xavier Dampeer and corner TJ Davis out with acl's and Josh Holsey sitting out.A week later, Auburn played against FCS foe Jacksonville State, Auburn again had a rough outing from both Jeremy Johnson and the Tigers' defense. As the returning Holsey tore his acl. Without Tray Matthews,TJ Davis and Josh Holsey they turned to true freshman Carlton Davis,Javaris Davis and Jaylon Dinson.The Gamecocks almost pulled off one of the biggest upsets in college football history if not for Jeremy Johnson's late touchdown to wide receiver Melvin Ray to force overtime. Auburn would win 27-20 in overtime. The Tigers would fall to 2-2 and 0-2 in SEC play after being defeated by LSU and Mississippi State. The Tigers defeated San Jose State and then got their first SEC win of the season at Kentucky. This after star receiver broke an already injured Xavier Dampeer's jaw and was kicked out of Auburn,after multiple issues.

After that win, Auburn would go on to lose four out of their remaining six games after beating the Wildcats. Those consist of home losses to Georgia 20-13,eventual national champion Alabama 29-13, Ole Miss 27-19, and a 4 four overtime loss on the road at Arkansas 54-46.Auburn's two only wins in that time were against Idaho and Texas A&M. Injuries again plagued Auburn has they lost Stanton Truitt and Tim Irvin vs Arkansas.Sean White injured his knee and never recovered vs Arkansas. Lawson returned for Ole Miss but Barber would get hurt in 1st quarter. Dinson and Javaris Davis seasons ended vs Texas A &M. Shon Coleman got hurt vs Georgia.Austin Golson got hurt vs Idaho and missed rest of year.Without Dampeer,left guard Deon Mix played center. Auburn would put together a second straight disappointing season with a 6-6 season and earned a trip to the 2015 Birmingham Bowl against Memphis. The Tigers beat Memphis 31-10 in Birmingham, giving coach Gus Malzahn his first bowl win and the team's first bowl win since 2011.

With a now healthy Lawson,they shutdown Paxton Lynch and an explosive offense that had beat Ole Miss soundly earlier in the year. Again injuries stayed a theme has Cassanova McKinzy went down. This year looks promising with several injured starters back and 19 freshman thrown into the fire of SEC play including 11 true freshman.As 5 of their 6 losses went down to the wire with a mash unit team.

Following the season, defensive coordinator Will Muschamp left the program to become the head coach at South Carolina, bringing many Auburn assistants with him. Kevin Steele was hired to be Auburn's new defensive coordinator.

Former starting RB Roc Thomas transferred as did TE Chris Laye,OL Jordan Diamond,OL Will Adams,DE Gimel President,LB Javiere Mitchell and S Tim Irvin. Auburn picked up transfers in Baylor RB Kameron Martin, Illinois LB TJ Neal and Miami,OH CB Marshall Taylor. Also Texas RT Darius James and Ohio St CB Jamal Dean now available after sitting out 2015. On August third 2016 Senior running back Jovon Robinson was dismissed from the team.

Key Losses

Returning Starters

Depth Chart

Spring game

The annual 'A-Day' was held on April 9. 45,723 fans came to see the Tigers perform, making this the lowest attendance for 'A-Day' in the Gus Malzahn era. The Blue team defeated the White team by the score of 19−10.

Auburn A-Day Game
1 2 34Total
White 0 10 0010
Blue 3 9 7019

at Jordan-Hare Stadium • Auburn, AL

  • Date: April 9, 2016
  • Game time: 3:00 p.m.
  • Game weather: Temperature: 68°F • Wind: 6 mph N • Weather: Sunny
  • Game attendance: 45,723
  • TV announcers (SEC Network): Dave Neal (play-by-play), Matt Stinchcomb (analyst), Maria Taylor (sideline reporter)

Schedule

Auburn announced its 2016 football schedule on October 29, 2015. The 2016 schedule consists of 8 home and 4 away games in the regular season. The Tigers will host SEC foes Arkansas, LSU, Texas A&M, and Vanderbilt, and will travel to Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi State, and Ole Miss.[1]

The Tigers will host all four non–conference games. Auburn will host Alabama A&M from the Southwestern Athletic Conference, Arkansas State and Louisiana–Monroe both from the Sun Belt Conference and national title runner up Clemson from the Atlantic Coast Conference. The 2016 season is the first season the Tigers will play eight home games since the 2013 season, when Auburn went 12−2 and appeared in the 2014 BCS National Championship Game.

Date Time Opponent# Rank# Site TV Result Attendance
September 3 8:00 p.m. No. 2 Clemson* Jordan–Hare Stadium • Auburn, AL (Rivalry) ESPN L 13–19   87,451
September 10 6:30 p.m. Arkansas State* Jordan–Hare Stadium • Auburn, AL SECN W 51–14   86,825
September 17 6:00 p.m. No. 17 Texas A&M Jordan–Hare Stadium • Auburn, AL ESPN L 16–29   87,175
September 24 5:00 p.m. No. 18 LSU Jordan–Hare Stadium • Auburn, AL (Tiger Bowl) ESPN W 18–13   87,451
October 1 2:30 p.m. Louisiana–Monroe*dagger Jordan–Hare Stadium • Auburn, AL SECN Alt. W 58–7   84,243
October 8 11:00 a.m. at Mississippi State Davis Wade Stadium • Starkville, MS ESPN W 38–14   60,102
October 22 5:00 p.m. No. 17 Arkansas No. 21 Jordan–Hare Stadium • Auburn, AL ESPN W 56–3   87,451
October 29 6:15 p.m. at Ole Miss No. 15 Vaught–Hemingway Stadium • Oxford, MS SECN W 40–29   65,927
November 5 11:00 a.m. Vanderbilt No. 11 Jordan–Hare Stadium • Auburn, AL ESPN W 23–16   87,451
November 12 2:30 p.m. at Georgia No. 8 Sanford Stadium • Athens, GA (Deep South's Oldest Rivalry) CBS L 7–13   92,746
November 19 6:30 p.m. Alabama A&M* No. 18 Jordan–Hare Stadium • Auburn, AL SECN Alt. W 55–0   87,451
November 26 2:30 p.m. at No. 1 Alabama No. 16 Bryant–Denny Stadium • Tuscaloosa, AL (Iron Bowl) CBS L 12–30   101,821
January 2 7:30 p.m. vs. No. 7 Oklahoma No. 17 Mercedes-Benz Superdome • New Orleans, LA (Sugar Bowl) ESPN      
*Non-conference game. daggerHomecoming. #Rankings from AP Poll released prior to game. All times are in Central Time.
Schedule Source:[2]

Game summaries

Clemson

#2 Clemson Tigers at Auburn Tigers − Game summary
1 2 34Total
#2 Clemson 0 10 3619
Auburn 0 3 01013

at Jordan-Hare Stadium • Auburn, AL

  • Date: September 3, 2016
  • Game time: 8:11 p.m.
  • Game weather: Temperature: 79° • Wind: E 5 mph • Weather: Clear Skies
  • Game attendance: 87,451
  • Referee: Jeff Heaser
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Brent Musburger (play-by-play), Jesse Palmer (analyst), Kaylee Hartung (sideline reporter)
  • Sources:[3]
Game information

Second Quarter
  • AUB - Daniel Carlson 53 yd field goal, 12:58 (AUB 3-0)
  • CLEM - Wayne Gallman 1 yd run (Greg Huegel kick), 7:34 (CLEM 7-3)
  • CLEM - Greg Huegel 30 yd field goal, 0:07 (CLEM 10-3)
Third Quarter
  • CLEM - Greg Huegel 40 yd field goal, 10:36 (CLEM 13-3)
Fourth Quarter
  • AUB - Daniel Carlson 32 yd field goal, 13:46 (CLEM 13-6)
  • CLEM - Hunter Renfrow 16 yd pass from Deshaun Watson (Greg Huegel PAT failed), 9:59 (CLEM 19-6)
  • AUB - Kerryon Johnson 9 yd run (Daniel Carlson kick), 3:22 (CLEM 19-13)
Top Passers
Top Rushers
  • CLEM - Wayne Gallman 30 carries, 123 yds, 1 TD
  • AUB - Kerryon Johnson 23 carries, 94 yds, 1 TD
Top Receiving
  • CLEM - Mike Williams 9 receptions, 174 yds
  • AUB - Marcus Davis 5 receptions, 56 yds

The Tigers opened the season with a home contest against the 2015 national runner-up Clemson. This is considered a rivalry game for both schools. Clemson came into the game ranked number 2 in the country while Auburn was unranked. Auburn took an early lead on a long field goal by Daniel Carlson. Clemson, however, responded with a drive of its own, which resulted in a touchdown on 4th down and goal from the 1-yard line. Clemson would lead 10-3 going into halftime and add another field goal in the 3rd quarter to make the score 13-3 going into the 4th quarter. Auburn cut the lead on another field goal by Daniel Carlson, but once again Clemson responded with another touchdown. Auburn would score a touchdown with just over 3 minutes to play in the ballgame. Auburn would then stop Clemson on the ensuing possession, but 2 hail mary attempts by Auburn were broken up in the end zone in the last 10 seconds of the ballgame and Clemson held on for the 19-13 victory. Auburn would fall to 0-1, making this the first opening game loss for Auburn with Gus Malzahn as coach.

Arkansas State

Arkansas State Red Wolves at Auburn Tigers − Game summary
1 2 34Total
Arkansas State 7 0 7014
Auburn 14 24 10351

at Jordan-Hare Stadium • Auburn, AL

  • Date: September 10, 2016
  • Game time: 6:39 p.m.
  • Game weather: Temperature: 89° • Wind: SW 6 mph • Weather: Sunny
  • Game attendance: 86,825
  • Referee: Matt Loeffler
  • TV announcers (SEC Network): Brent Musburger (play-by-play), Jesse Palmer (analyst), Jeannine Edwards (sideline reporter)
  • Sources:[4]
Game information

First Quarter
  • AUB - Kerryon Johnson 47 yd run (Daniel Carlson kick) , 6:58 (AUB 7-0)
  • ASU - Chad Voytik 1 yd run (J.D. Houston kick), 4:27 (TIE 7-7)
  • AUB - Kerryon Johnson 1 yd run (Daniel Carlson kick), 2:38 (AUB 14-7)
Second Quarter
  • AUB - Tony Stevens 24 yd pass from Sean White (Daniel Carlson kick), 14:10 (AUB 21-7)
  • AUB - Daniel Carlson 20 yd run (Daniel Carlson kick), 7:59 (AUB 28-7)
  • AUB - Will Hastings 29 yd pass from Sean White (Daniel Carlson kick), 1:49 (AUB 35-7)
  • AUB - Daniel Carlson 18 yd field goal, 0:00 (AUB 38-7)
Third Quarter
  • AUB - Daniel Carlson 37 yd field goal, 11:26 (AUB 41-7)
  • ASU - Chad Voytik 5 yd run (J.D. Houston kick), 5:05 (AUB 41-14)
  • AUB - Tony Stevens 8 yd pass from Sean White (Daniel Carlson kick), 0:25 (AUB 48-14)
Fourth Quarter
  • AUB - Daniel Carlson 42 yd field goal, 7:12 (AUB 51-14)
Top Passers
Top Rushers
  • ASU − Warren Wand 16 carries, 37 yds
  • AUB − Kamryn Pettway 15 carries, 152 yds
Top Receiving
  • ASU − Chris Booker 6 receptions, 92 yds
  • AUB − Tony Stevens 4 receptions, 75 yds, 2 TD

The second game of the season was also the second non-conference opponent for the Tigers. They played Arkansas State out of the Sun Belt Conference. Auburn scored first but Arkansas State quickly answered with a long pass play that set up a touchdown to tie the game at 7. Auburn scored next and never looked back scoring 31 unanswered points. At halftime, the Tigers lead 38-7. The final score was 51-14. Sean White had 3 touchdowns, more than he had in all his past Auburn games combined. The game was Auburn's best offensive performance, according to many writers, since the 2014 season. Overall, this was a very impressive victory for Auburn, and for Gus Malzahn, who used to coach at Arkansas State in 2012. Auburn also remains unbeaten against the Sun Belt Conference after this win.

Texas A&M

#17 Texas A&M Aggies at Auburn Tigers − Game summary
1 2 34Total
#17 Texas A&M 3 13 31029
Auburn 7 3 0616

at Jordan-Hare Stadium • Auburn, AL

  • Date: September 17, 2016
  • Game time: 6:11 p.m.
  • Game weather: Temperature: 81° • Wind: SW 2 mph • Weather: Cloudy
  • Game attendance: 87,175
  • Referee: Matt Austin
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Dave Flemming (play-by-play), Brian Griese (analyst), Todd McShay (sideline reporter)
  • Sources:[5]
Game information

First Quarter
  • AUB - Kamryn Pettway 1 yd run (Daniel Carlson kick), 7:11 (AUB 7-0)
  • TA&M - Daniel LaCamera 46 yd field goal, 1:42 (AUB 7-3)
Second Quarter
  • TA&M - Josh Reynolds 5 yd pass from Trevor Knight (Daniel LaCamera kick), 12:07 (TAMU 10-7)
  • TA&M - Daniel LaCamera 35 yd field goal, 5:38 (TAMU 13-7)
  • TA&M - Daniel LaCamera 31 yd field goal, 1:52 (TAMU 16-7)
  • AUB - Daniel Carlson 37 yd field goal, 0:00 (TAMU 16-10)
Third Quarter
  • TA&M - Daniel LaCamera 25 yd field goal, 1:03 (TAMU 19-10)
Fourth Quarter
  • TA&M - Daniel LaCamera 26 yd field goal, 10:13 (TAMU 22-10)
  • TA&M - Trayveon Williams 89 yd run (Daniel LaCamera kick), 6:52 (TAMU 29-10)
  • AUB - Kerryon Johnson 2 yd run (John Franklin pass failed), 2:59 (AUB 29-16)
Top Passers
Top Rushers
  • TA&M − Trayveon Williams 8 carries, 127 yds, 1 TD
  • AUB − Kamryn Pettway 20 carries, 123 yds, 1 TD
Top Receiving
  • TA&M − Josh Reynolds 7 receptions 98 yds
  • AUB − Tony Stevens 8 receptions, 86 yds

The third game of the season is the first conference game for Auburn. SEC Western Division opponent Texas A&M comes to Auburn to play that game. Auburn beat the 25th ranked A&M last year 26-10. Auburn has yet to beat the Aggies at Auburn. Auburn has been out scored 104 to 59 at home by A&M.

LSU

#18 LSU Tigers at Auburn Tigers − Game summary
1 2 34Total
#18 LSU 7 0 6013
Auburn 3 6 3618

at Jordan-Hare Stadium • Auburn, AL

  • Date: September 24, 2016
  • Game time: 5:01 p.m.
  • Game weather: Temperature: 91° • Wind: NE 8 mph • Weather: Partly Cloudy
  • Game attendance: 87,451
  • Referee: Hubert Owens
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Mark Jones (play-by-play), Rod Gilmore (analyst), Quint Kessenich (sideline reporter)
  • Sources:[6]
Game information

First Quarter
  • AUB - Daniel Carlson 51 yd field goal, 6:32 (AUB 3-0)
  • LSU - Josh Reynolds 3 yd pass from Danny Etling (C. Delahoussaye kick), 2:47 (LSU 7-3)
Second Quarter
  • AUB - Daniel Carlson 29 yd field goal, 12:19 (LSU 7-6)
  • AUB - Daniel Carlson 29 yd field goal, 5:14 (AUB 9-7)
Third Quarter
  • AUB - Daniel Carlson 31 yd field goal, 9:43 (AUB 12-7)
  • LSU - C. Delahoussaye 29 yd field goal, 5:36 (AUB 12-10)
  • LSU - C. Delahoussaye 25 yd field goal, 2:32 (LSU 13-12)
Fourth Quarter
  • AUB - Daniel Carlson 37 yd field goal, 12:36 (AUB 15-13)
  • AUB - Daniel Carlson 29 yd field goal, 2:56 (AUB 18-13)
Top Passers
Top Rushers
  • LSU − Leonard Fournette 16 carries, 101 yds
  • AUB − Kerryon Johnson 22 carries, 93 yds
Top Receiving
  • LSU − Travin Dural 4 receptions 47 yds
  • AUB − Ryan Davis 5 receptions, 31 yds

The fourth game of the season was a rivalry game against the LSU Tigers.

The game would end with a controversial win. After an illegal shift was called against LSU with one second to go, LSU would go on to score what was initially called a touchdown as time expired before being reviewed and determined that time expired prior to the snap, negating the touchdown and giving Auburn the 18-13 win.

This was Auburn's first SEC victory without scoring a touchdown since 2008, when they won 3-2 against Mississippi State. Daniel Carlson was 6-6 on field goals in the game, including a 51-yard field goal. Auburn held LSU star running back Leonard Fournette to less than half the yards they allowed him in 2015. It was Auburn's first home conference win since October 25, 2014 against South Carolina.

Louisiana–Monroe

Louisiana–Monroe Warhawks at Auburn Tigers − Game summary
1 2 34Total
Louisiana–Monroe 0 7 007
Auburn 14 14 28258

at Jordan-Hare Stadium • Auburn, AL

  • Date: October 1, 2016
  • Game time: 2:31 p.m.
  • Game weather: Temperature: 80° • Wind: WSW 5 mph • Weather: Sunny
  • Game attendance: 84,243
  • Referee: David Smith
  • TV announcers (SEC Network Alternate): Taylor Zarzour (play-by-play), Jordan Rodgers (analyst), Lauren Sisler (sideline reporter)
  • Sources:[7]
Game information

First Quarter
  • AUB – Sean White 3 yd run (Daniel Carlson kick), 8:42 (AUB 7-0)
  • AUB – Kyle Davis 48 yd pass from Sean White (Daniel Carlson kick), 2:31 (AUB 14-0)
Second Quarter
  • AUB – Kerryon Johnson 1 yd run (Daniel Carlson kick), 12:12 (AUB 21-0)
  • AUB – Kerryon Johnson 2 yd run (Daniel Carlson kick), 4:05 (AUB 28-0)
  • ULM – Marcus Green 2 yd pass from Garrett Smith (Craig Ford kick), 0:00 (AUB 28-7)
Third Quarter
  • AUB – Tony Stevens 48 yd pass from Sean White (Daniel Carlson kick), 12:28 (AUB 35-7)
  • AUB – Malik Miller 4 yd run (Daniel Carlson kick), 7:30 (AUB 42-7)
  • AUB – John Franklin 80 yd run (Daniel Carlson kick), 5:09 (AUB 49-7)
  • AUB – Nate Craig-Myers 39 yd pass from John Franklin (Daniel Carlson kick), 1:08 (AUB 56-7)
Fourth Quarter
  • AUB - Gary Walker safety, 0:31 (AUB 58-7)
Top Passers
  • ULM − Garrett Smith 19-33, 139 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT
  • AUB − Sean White 14-17, 239 yds, 2 TD
Top Rushers
  • ULM − Ben Luckett 11 carries, 31 yds
  • AUB − Kerryon Johnson 24 carries, 146 yds, 2 TD
Top Receiving
  • ULM − Marcus Green 7 receptions, 40 yds, 1 TD
  • AUB − Ryan Davis 5 receptions, 56 yds

The fifth game of the season was the annual homecoming game. The Louisiana–Monroe Warhawks came to Auburn for their tenth game ever against the Tigers. The last time the Warhawks and the Tigers clashed, the result was a 31−28 Auburn victory in overtime back in the 2012 season. However, this one went very differently. Auburn dominated from the start. The Tigers had their highest point total since 59 versus San Jose State in 2014. The defense also allowed the fewest points since 3 against Western Carolina in 2013. Auburn improved to 3-2 to go over .500 for the first time in the season.

Mississippi State

Auburn Tigers at Mississippi State Bulldogs − Game summary
1 2 34Total
Auburn 14 21 0338
Mississippi State 0 0 7714

at Davis Wade Stadium • Starkville, MS

  • Date: October 8, 2016
  • Game time: 11:02 a.m.
  • Game weather: Temperature: 81° • Wind: N 10 mph • Weather: Sunny
  • Game attendance: 60,102
  • Referee: Brad Rogers
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Tom Hart (play-by-play), Andre Ware (analyst), Cole Cubelic (sideline reporter)
  • Sources:[8]
Game information

First Quarter
  • AUB – Ryan Davis 3 yd pass from Sean White (Daniel Carlson kick), 9:28 (AUB 7-0)
  • AUB – Kamryn Pettway 1 yd run (Daniel Carlson kick), 3:44 (AUB 14-0)
Second Quarter
  • AUB – Kamryn Pettway 3 yd run (Daniel Carlson kick), 12:15 (AUB 21-0)
  • AUB – Kamryn Pettway 2 yd run (Daniel Carlson kick), 1:54 (AUB 28-0)
  • AUB – Montravius Adams 13 yd fumble recovery (Daniel Carlson kick), 1:45 (AUB 35-0)
Third Quarter
  • MSU – Keith Mixon 37 yd pass from Nick Fitzgerald (Westin Graves kick), 5:48 (AUB 35-7)
Fourth Quarter
  • MSU – Fred Ross 8 yd pass from Nick Fitzgerald (Westin Graves kick), 10:14 (AUB 35-14)
  • AUB – Daniel Carlson 25 yd field goal, 1:39 (AUB 38-14)
Top Passers
Top Rushers
  • AUB − Kamryn Pettway 39 carries, 169 yds, 3 TD
  • MSU − Nick Fitzgerald 17 carries, 61 yds
Top Receiving
  • AUB − Tony Stevens 3 receptions, 64 yds
  • MSU − Fred Ross 4 receptions, 29 yds, 1 TD

The sixth game of the season was the first road game for the Tigers. They played at Mississippi State where they had not won since 2010. However, Auburn easily won the game. After an early interception put the Bulldogs in good field position, the Tigers defense responded, holding Mississippi State to a field goal attempt that was no good. Auburn seized the momentum after that. Starting running back Kerryon Johnson got hurt early in the game, but Kamryn Pettway took over the game with a 169-yard performance including 3 touchdowns. Also, the Auburn defense scored a touchdown when Carl Lawson forced a fumble which was picked up by Montravius Adams and returned 13 yards for a touchdown. Auburn led 35-0 at halftime. The Tigers slowed down in the second half, only attempting one pass on offense. The final score was 38-14. It broke a two-game losing streak to the Bulldogs and improved Auburn's record to 4-2 and 2-1 in the SEC. The win also propelled Auburn into the AP Poll the next week, as the Tigers were ranked #23.

Arkansas

#17 Arkansas Razorbacks at #21 Auburn Tigers − Game summary
1 2 34Total
#17 Arkansas 0 3 003
#21 Auburn 21 7 141456

at Jordan-Hare Stadium • Auburn, AL

  • Date: October 22, 2016
  • Game time: 5:01 p.m.
  • Game weather: Temperature: 67° • Wind: NW 10 mph • Weather: Sunny
  • Game attendance: 87,451
  • Referee: Ken Williamson
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Joe Tessitore (play-by-play), Todd Blackledge (analyst), Holly Rowe (sideline reporter)
  • Sources:[9]
Game information

First Quarter
  • AUB – Eli Stove 78 yd run (Daniel Carlson kick), 11:00 (AUB 7–0)
  • AUB – Kamryn Pettway 9 yd run (Daniel Carlson kick), 3:00 (AUB 14–0)
  • AUB – Stanton Truitt 20 yd run (Daniel Carlson kick), 0:57 (AUB 21–0)
Second Quarter
  • AUB – Stanton Truitt 45 yd pass from Sean White (Daniel Carlson kick), 1:28 (AUB 28–0)
  • ARK – Adam McFain 54 yd field goal, 0:00 (AUB 28–3)
Third Quarter
  • AUB – Sean White 1 yd run, 6:06 (AUB 35–3)
  • AUB – Kamryn Pettway 23 yd run (Daniel Carlson kick), 0:42 (AUB 42–3)
Fourth Quarter
  • AUB – Stanton Truitt 32 yd run (Daniel Carlson kick), 12:25 (AUB 49–3)
  • AUB – Kam Martin 51 yd run (Daniel Carlson kick), 4:27 (AUB 56–3)
Top Passers
Top Rushers
  • ARK − Rawleigh Williams 13 carries, 22 yds
  • AUB − Kamryn Pettway 27 carries, 192 yds, 2 TD
Top Receiving
  • ARK − Keon Hatcher 7 receptions, 87 yds
  • AUB − Ryan Davis 3 receptions, 15 yds

After their only bye week of the season, Auburn played Arkansas in the seventh game of the year. In the 2015 season, the Tigers lost a heartbreaker in Fayetteville, falling 54−46 in four overtimes. The Tigers avenged that loss in a very big way, dominating the Razorbacks from the start. The Tigers had over 500 yards of rushing, the Razorbacks only had 25. It was Auburn's biggest margin of victory over an SEC opponent since 1970. The Tigers also built their lead in the overall series, now leading it 14−11−1.

Ole Miss

#15 Auburn Tigers at Ole Miss Rebels − Game summary
1 2 34Total
#15 Auburn 10 10 71340
Ole Miss 13 9 7029

at Vaught–Hemingway Stadium • Oxford, MS

  • Date: October 29, 2016
  • Game time: 6:25 p.m.
  • Game weather: Temperature: 74° • Wind: Calm • Weather: Clear
  • Game attendance: 65,927
  • Referee: John McDaid
  • TV announcers (SEC Network): Brent Musburger (play-by-play), Jesse Palmer (analyst), Kaylee Hartung (sideline reporter)
  • Sources:[10]
Game information

First Quarter
  • MISS – Evan Engram 15 yd pass from Chad Kelly (Gary Wunderlich kick blocked), 11:12 (MISS 6−0)
  • AUB − Kamryn Pettway 41 yd run (Daniel Carlson kick), 7:27 (AUB 7−6)
  • MISS − DeMarkus Lodge 26 yd pass from Chad Kelly (Gary Wunderlich kick), 5:36 (MISS 13–7)
  • AUB − Daniel Carlson 45 yd field goal, 1:50 (MISS 13–10)
Second Quarter
  • MISS − Gary Wunderlich 20 yd field goal, 14:14 (MISS 16–10)
  • AUB – Kerryon Johnson 1 yd run (Daniel Carlson kick), 12:33 (AUB 17–16)
  • MISS – Gary Wunderlich 49 yd field goal, 7:10 (MISS 19–17)
  • AUB – Daniel Carlson 32 yd field goal, 2:50 (AUB 20–19)
  • MISS – Gary Wunderlich 26 yd field goal, 0:05 (MISS 22–20)
Third Quarter
  • AUB – Jalen Harris 15 yd pass from Sean White (Daniel Carlson kick), 3:11 (AUB 27–22)
  • MISS – Damore'ea Stringfellow 10 yd pass from Chad Kelly (Gary Wunderlich kick), 1:30 (MISS 29–27)
Fourth Quarter
  • AUB – Daniel Carlson 30 yd field goal, 12:25 (AUB 30–29)
  • AUB – Daniel Carlson 47 yd field goal, 8:13 (AUB 33–29)
  • AUB – Kerryon Johnson 3 yd run (Daniel Carlson kick), 5:58 (AUB 40–29)
Top Passers
Top Rushers
  • AUB − Kamryn Pettway 30 carries, 236 yds, 1 TD
  • MISS − Chad Kelly 11 carries, 40 yds
Top Receiving
  • AUB − Eli Stove 5 receptions, 37 yds
  • MISS − Evan Engram 9 receptions, 95 yds, 1 TD

The eighth game of the season was a trip to Oxford, Mississippi to face Ole Miss. In an offensive shootout, Ole Miss quarterback Chad Kelly set the Ole Miss school record for most passing attempt and most passing yards in a single game. However, Auburn had just as much success rushing as Ole Miss had passing. Kamryn Pettway had a career high 236 yards. The key play came late in the game with Auburn leading 33–29 and Ole Miss driving down the field for the go-ahead touchdown. Ole Miss tight end Evan Engram dropped a pass which would have likely resulted in a touchdown. On the next play, Auburn defender Josh Holsey intercepted quarterback Chad kelly's pass and returned it the Ole Miss 30 yard line. That set up a Kerryon Johnson touchdown that made it a two possession game, ultimately sealing the win for Auburn. Auburn became bowl eligible with their 6th win of the year. Auburn now leads the overall series 30−11−0.

Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt Commodores at #11 Auburn Tigers − Game summary
1 2 34Total
Vanderbilt 3 10 0316
#11 Auburn 7 3 10323

at Jordan-Hare Stadium • Auburn, AL

  • Date: November 5, 2016
  • Game time: 11:01 a.m.
  • Game attendance: 87,451
  • Referee: James Carter
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Mike Patrick (play-by-play), Ed Cunningham (analyst), Jerry Punch (sideline reporter)
  • Sources:
Game information

First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter
Top Passers
  • VAN −
  • AUB −
Top Rushers
  • VAN −
  • AUB −
Top Receiving
  • VAN −
  • AUB −

The ninth game of the season is against SEC Eastern Division oppponent Vanderbilt. The last game, which was in the 2012 season, was a 17−13 Vanderbilt victory. Vanderbilt leads the all-time series 21−20−1.

Georgia

#8 Auburn Tigers at Georgia Bulldogs − Game summary
1 2 34Total
#8 Auburn 7 0 007
Georgia 0 0 7613

at Sanford Stadium • Athens, GA

Game information

First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter
Top Passers
  • AUB −
  • UGA −
Top Rushers
  • AUB −
  • UGA −
Top Receiving
  • AUB −
  • UGA −

The tenth game of the year is the annual Deep South's Oldest Rivalry game against Georgia. In the last meeting, Georgia won by the score of 20−13 in the 2015 season. Georgia has a slim lead in the series, which has been played since 1892, 56−55−8.

Alabama A&M

Alabama A&M Bulldogs at #15 Auburn Tigers − Game summary
1 2 34Total
Alabama A&M 0 0 000
#15 Auburn 14 10 24755

at Jordan-Hare Stadium • Auburn, AL

  • Date: November 19, 2016
  • Game time: 6:30 p.m.
  • Referee: David Smith
  • TV announcers (SEC Network Alternate): Taylor Zarzour (play-by-play), Clint Stoerner (analyst), Lauren Sisler (sideline reporter)
  • Sources:[12]
Game information

First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter
Top Passers
  • AA&M −
  • AUB −
Top Rushers
  • AA&M −
  • AUB −
Top Receiving
  • AA&M −
  • AUB −

The eleventh game will be the final home game for Auburn making it Senior Night. Alabama A&M and Auburn have only played once before with the Tigers winning that game 51−7 in the 2012 season. That win gave the Tigers the overall series lead of 1−0−0.

Alabama

#13 Auburn Tigers at #1 Alabama Crimson Tide − Game summary
1 2 34Total
#13 Auburn 3 6 3012
#1 Alabama 10 3 14330

at Bryant-Denny Stadium • Tuscaloosa, AL

  • Date: November 26, 2016
  • Game time: 2:30 p.m.
  • Referee: John McDaid
  • TV announcers (CBS): Verne Lundquist (play-by-play), Gary Danielson (analyst), Allie LaForce (sideline reporter)
  • Sources:[13]
Game information

First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter
Top Passers
  • AUB −
  • ALA −
Top Rushers
  • AUB −
  • ALA −
Top Receiving
  • AUB −
  • ALA −

The final game of the regular season is the annual Iron Bowl clash with Alabama. In the last meeting, which was in the 2015 season, Alabama won 29−13 on their way to a national championship. Alabama leads the all-time series 44−35−1. Auburn has not beat Alabama in Tuscaloosa since 2010.

Rankings

Ranking movements
Legend: ██ Increase in ranking. ██ Decrease in ranking.
NR = Not ranked. RV = Received votes. ( ) = First place votes.
Week
Poll Pre 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Final 
AP RV RV RV NR RV RV 23 21 15 11 8 18 16 18 17  
Coaches RV RV RV RV RV RV RV 24 17 12 8 16 15 19 17  
CFP Not released 9 9 15 13 14 Not released

References

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