By Joe McAdory
Media General News Service
Auburn’s quarterback situation is no longer a mystery.Media General News Service
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Stumble It!Chris Todd elevated himself into the starting role for Auburn (2-0) by completing 21 of 31 passes for 248 yards without an interception as the Tigers turned back Southern Mississippi, 27-13, on Saturday at Jordan-Hare Stadium.
Kodi Burns played sparingly, but completed no passes in 3 attempts with an interception. He did have a 1-yard touchdown run in the third quarter.
“Barring anything happening, (Todd) will be the starter next week,” Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville said regarding next Saturday’s game at Mississippi State. “Kodi got a little lackadaisical. You can’t come in and do what he did.”
Running back Ben Tate delivered another standout performance, rushing for a game-high 71 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries. He also had three receptions for 51 yards.
Punt returner Robert Dunn had four returns for 103 yards, including a 47-yarder in the third quarter.
Southern Miss (1-1), which had 633 yards in last week’s 51-21 win over Louisiana-LaFayette, gained just 145 total yards through three quarters against Auburn. However, the Golden Eagles put up 155 yards in the fourth quarter alone.
Behind quarterback Austin Davis, the Golden Eagles rallied in the fourth quarter for a pair of Davis-to-Shawn Nelson touchdowns.
Leading, 27-13, in the fourth quarter, Auburn used interceptions from Jerraud Powers and Zac Etheridge to keep the Golden Eagles from drawing any closer.
“I thought we came out flat after halftime,” said Powers. “We have to play for four quarters."
Todd passed for 167 yards in the first half, completing 14 of 19 passes, directing the Tigers downfield on practically every first-half possession.
Turnovers deep in Southern Miss territory doomed Auburn on its first two possessions, but the Tiger offense continued to roll in the second frame and used scoring runs from Tate and Tristan Davis to take a 14-0 lead at the half.
Wes Byrum’s career-best 52-yard field goal in the third quarter lofted the Tigers to a 17-0 advantage, while Burns’ keeper on fourth and goal from the 1 made it 24-0.
jmcadory@oanow.com | 737-2549
