2-minute drill: Auburn Tigers

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2-minute drill: Auburn Tigers

Sunday, September 03, 2006

1. Kenny Irons is the Iron Horse. And we're thinking he's going to be that the rest of the season, too. Coach Tommy Tuberville will want that because he loves the running game, and because Irons can keep opposing defenses on the field as he runs and runs. Unless he runs too fast. Irons did that when he scored on a 52-yard on the first play from scrimmage of the second half as he successfully began his defense of his SEC rushing title.

2. Bring on LSU! What? Auburn plays Mississippi State next Saturday? OK, if the Tigers must. But then LSU comes to Jordan-Hare Stadium in what promises to be that week's Game of the Century. If the win over Washington State is any indication, that game should live up to its preseason hype as a showdown in the SEC West. It could even be a game of defense, too, especially if Auburn plays defense like it did Saturday.

Charles Goldberg

What fans are talking about this morning:

Auburn's defensive front. The Tigers lost three front-four defenders last season, but this year's group held pass-happy Washington State in check, including sacks on the Cougars' first three pass attempts.

John Vaughn. The Auburn place-kicker supplied the first 12 points, including converting career-long field goals on consecutive 44- and 52-yard attempts. His four field goals was a new high for the senior.

No turnovers. It's the first time the Tigers have managed the feat since last year's LSU game and a huge improvement over the 2005 opener against Georgia Tech when five turnovers led to a loss.

Riverboat gambler returns. Coach Tommy Tuberville called for a fake punt with the Tigers facing fourth-and-14 from their own 16-yard line. Will Herring ran for 42 yards.

Kenny Irons. The senior ran for 183 yards on 20 carries, including 48- and 52-yard runs to open each half.

[Bottomfeeder 244]

No turnovers.