Auburn Tigers running back Kerryon Johnson runs all over the Arkansas Red Wolves defense for this impressive first score of the game.
The Auburn Tigers are at their best under head coach Gus Malzahn when the run opens up the pass in his up-tempo offense. Now that the Auburn defense looks improved under new defensive coordinator Kevin Steele, the Tigers can go as fast as they want to offensively with no consequences.
It also helps to have a strong running back like Kerryon Johnson. Johnson does everything for Auburn on this third and five near mid-field for the Tigers. He runs all over the Arkansas Red Wolves on this 47-yard pay dirt.
Auburn quarterback Sean White feels the collapsing pocket and tosses the football to Johnson before falling to the Jordan-Hare turf. Johnson breaks one tackle running to his right before completely changing directions to go down the left sideline.
He gets a great block and then proceeds to the sprint down the sideline. Near the Arkansas State 10-yard line, Johnson would leave his feet by hurdling a diving Red Wolf defender for an impressive touchdown reception.
Johnson had big shoes to fill in 2016, as Peyton Barber is no longer running train in the SEC. Auburn needs to have a better 2016 to get Malzahn off the hot seat. After losing a tough home game to the No. 2 team in the country in the Clemson Tigers on September 3rd, Auburn needed to take care of business against Arkansas State.
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The Tigers’ next four games after Arkansas State are manageable. Should the Tigers’ defense play well under Steele and Johnson continues to run like this Auburn can easily make another bowl bid. If Auburn gets to 8-4 in 2-16, Malzahn will be clear for another year on The Plains.