Alabama State Gets Mauled by Auburn, 62-0

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Alabama State got its SEC matchup in the books as they were defeated 62-0 by the Tigers of Auburn. The Hornets’ defense held their own as they forced two field goals on both of Auburn’s drives in the first quarter. But the offense could not gain any momentum. Putting together a scoring drive seemed to be tough against an SEC opponent to no surprise. Finding a rhythm was difficult as they struggled to move the ball.

Heading into the second quarter, the game’s first touchdown came from the Tigers as quarterback Bo Nix threw a six-yard touchdown pass to Demetris Robertson. On the next drive, Alabama State looked to gain some momentum as they drove down the field into the red zone. Three passes over 10 yards and a facemask penalty on Auburn’s defense were the best plays on this particular drive and some of the best plays from the Hornets the entire game. It showed some flashes of what the offense can become this coming season. The defense for Auburn did not break as they forced a field goal
attempt. This was the moment where the game went south for Alabama State. The kick was blocked by Colby Wooden and returned by Nehemiah Pritchett for an 80-yard touchdown. This sadly would be the last attempt the Hornets had to get points on the board.

They would not make it past the 50-yard line for the remaining three drives. Even getting a lucky break as Nix fumbled a snap and linebacker Nicholas Terry made the recovery. This could have been another chance for the team to get some points before the half but the offense showed a lack of aggression and clock awareness.

Time of possession was 17:02 minutes to Auburn’s 12:52 minutes meaning they had plenty of time but they just weren’t moving the ball efficiently in the first quarter alone. Auburn scored in the red zone going 3-3. ASU went 0-1. The Hornets gained 96 yards on 31 plays, while Auburn gained 161 yards on 32 plays.

At the start of the second half, the game was blown wide open as the Tigers showed how the SEC plays football. Running backs Tank Bigsby and Jarquez Hunter both ran for over 100 yards with Hunter adding a 94-yard touchdown, the longest in school history. Robertson had a big game with a combined three touchdowns, two receiving, and one rushing.

Alabama State continued its play as normal but still lacked the amount of aggression you would like to see. Quarterback Ryan Nettles was 19 for 27 for 127 yards which is not bad but he still has that one blemish where he threw an interception on a screen pass that turned into a pick-six.

The Hornets have some work to do as they head into a bye week and follow up with Bethune-Cookman at home.