The Auburn Tigers have gotten things back on the right track after last week’s disastrous loss that ended in a new starting quarterback this week.
Redshirt freshman Hank Brown made his first career start for Auburn and did not disappoint in the Tigers’ 45-19 victory over New Mexico.
Brown was on point right out of the gate, leading the Tigers to touchdown drives on their first two possessions of the game with big plays to Camden Brown and KeAndre Lambert-Smith:
Hank Brown 🤝 Camden Brown https://t.co/QzXDSyhnER pic.twitter.com/EsD29GhkXA
— Auburn Football (@AuburnFootball) September 14, 2024
This is what Hank Brown gives you consistently. Gunslinger. #auburnfootball @thewarrapport pic.twitter.com/zIQfzHq0VO
— Mike G. (@mikegittens) September 15, 2024
While Auburn’s passing game started strong, the defense struggled. New Mexico was able to keep pace for the entire first half and seemingly move the ball up and down the field, trailing just 17-13 at the break.
Auburn pulled away in the second half, scoring touchdowns on four consecutive possessions.
Starting fast in the 2nd Half 🎯@Hankb_15 + @micah_r_d = 6️⃣ https://t.co/DhWzCDAMd1 pic.twitter.com/ZhBsDPaEwb
— Auburn Football (@AuburnFootball) September 15, 2024
On the ground & through the air @JArquez27 🤷♂️ https://t.co/uTXAYa3KZZ pic.twitter.com/OAOloHWtr7
— Auburn Football (@AuburnFootball) September 15, 2024
Hank. Valdo. TOUCHDOWN!@Hankb_15 🎯 @rivaldo_f13 https://t.co/XUV9vJOOiR pic.twitter.com/eunXSd76jS
— Auburn Football (@AuburnFootball) September 15, 2024
Agent 0️⃣ ➡️ End Zone@DamariAlston https://t.co/PEmrjm2wRj pic.twitter.com/vpLToUUIBq
— Auburn Football (@AuburnFootball) September 15, 2024
After the game, Coach Hugh Freeze said that Brown will start once again at quarterback next week for the Tigers when the Arkansas Razorbacks come to town to kick off SEC play.
It was a nice first start for the young quarterback, who went 17 of 25 for 235 yards and four touchdowns with no interceptions, but Arkansas presents a significantly more difficult test than the Lobos did on Saturday night.
More concerning was the Tiger defense and how easy New Mexico was able to move the ball at times. Giving up 448 total yards including nearly 300 passing yards to an inferior opponent is generally not a recipe for success once the level of competition rises.
Arkansas has put up over 1,000 combined total yards on offense and will be hungry for a big win in Jordan-Hare to begin conference play. The game will kick off at 2:30 p.m. CST from The Plains next Saturday.
Michael Brauner is a Senior Sports Analyst and Contributing Writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP and hear him every weekday morning from 6 to 9 a.m. on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5, available free online.
