The South Carolina Gamecocks threw everything they had at the fifth-ranked Auburn Tigers, and it simply wasn’t enough.
Auburn continues to prove week in and week out why its one of the most dangerous teams in the nation. The program’s 42-35 victory over South Carolina Saturday is just another example.
To borrow an old tagline: “You can’t stop Auburn’s offense. You can only hope to contain it.”
The Gamecocks used fourth-down conversions, trick plays and even a surprise onside kick, yet it still didn’t slow Auburn. At one point in the game, the Tigers scored a touchdown during six straight offensive drives.
Auburn amassed an impressive 551 total yards in one of their best offensive performances of the season.
This is the best rushing performance I’ve seen from Auburn all season. They are getting great push from the OL, just gashing Carolina.
— Auburn Undercover 🐅🔎 (@AUUndercover) October 26, 2014
Quarterback Nick Marshall led the way 228 total yards and four touchdowns, including a trifecta of rushing scores. Running back Cameron Artis-Payne also impressed with 167 rushing yards.
The concerns for the Tigers come on the defensive side of the ball. Auburn surrendered 535 total yards. South Carolina quarterback Dylan Thompson lit up Auburn’s defense with 402 passing yards and five touchdowns.
The effort simply wasn’t good enough for a team expected to be in the top four of the first College Football Playoff rankings.
Auburn's Gus Malzahn: "Obviously, we didn't play our best on defense."
— Auburn Gold Mine (@AUGoldMine) October 26, 2014
With the win, Auburn will likely become the No. 4 in the AP Top 25 after Ole Miss lost to LSU. The Tigers still face the No. 9 Georgia Bulldogs and No. 4 Alabama Crimson Tide. As long as the Tigers’ offense continues to click, Auburn will remain in contention even as it runs through the gauntlet of SEC play.