2014 Auburn Tigers football team

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2014 Auburn Tigers football
Outback Bowl, L 31–34 vs. Wisconsin
ConferenceSoutheastern Conference
DivisionWestern Division
Ranking
CoachesNo. 23
APNo. 22
Record8–5 (4–4 SEC)
Head coach
Offensive coordinatorRhett Lashlee (2nd season)
Co-offensive coordinatorDameyune Craig (2nd season)
Offensive schemeHurry-up no-huddle
Defensive coordinatorEllis Johnson (2nd year)
Charlie Harbison (bowl)
Base defense4–2–5
CaptainReese Dismukes
Gabe Wright
Home stadiumJordan–Hare Stadium
Seasons
← 2013
2015 →
2014 Southeastern Conference football standings
Conf Overall
Team   W   L     W   L  
Eastern Division
No. 14 Missouri x   7 1     11 3  
No. 9 Georgia   6 2     10 3  
Florida   4 4     7 5  
Tennessee   3 5     7 6  
South Carolina   3 5     7 6  
Kentucky   2 6     5 7  
Vanderbilt   0 8     3 9  
Western Division
No. 4 Alabama x$^   7 1     12 2  
No. 11 Mississippi State   6 2     10 3  
No. 17 Ole Miss *   5 3     9 4  
No. 22 Auburn   4 4     8 5  
LSU *   4 4     8 5  
Texas A&M   3 5     8 5  
Arkansas   2 6     7 6  
Championship: Alabama 42, Missouri 13
  • ^ – College Football Playoff participant
  • $ – Conference champion
  • x – Division champion/co-champions
  • * LSU and Ole Miss vacated all wins (except for Ole Miss' win over Presbyterian) due to NCAA violations.
Rankings from AP Poll

The 2014 Auburn Tigers football team represented Auburn University in the 2014 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The team was coached by Gus Malzahn, who was in his second season as head coach at Auburn. The Tigers played their home games at Jordan–Hare Stadium in Auburn, Alabama and competed in the Western Division of the Southeastern Conference (SEC).[1] They finished the season 8–5, 4–4 in SEC play to finish in a tie for fourth place in the Western Division. They were invited to the Outback Bowl where they lost to Wisconsin.

Before the season[edit]

Shortly after the season, Heisman Trophy finalist junior running back Tre Mason—who broke Bo Jackson's school record for rushing yards in a single season—as well as redshirt sophomore left tackle Greg Robinson declared their intentions to forgo their remaining eligibility and enter the NFL Draft.

Recruiting class[edit]

The Tigers notched their fifth consecutive recruiting class ranked within the top 10 nationally. Five signees enrolled prior to spring practice, while the rest enrolled in the summer.

US college sports recruiting information for 2014 recruits
Name Hometown High school / college Height Weight 40 Commit date
Kalvaraz Bessent
CB
St. Marys, Georgia Camden County High School 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 188 lb (85 kg) Dec 9, 2013 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:4/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports:4/5 stars    ESPN:4/5 stars
Markell Boston
S
Sharpsburg, Georgia East Coweta High School 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 200 lb (91 kg) Oct 29, 2013 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:2/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:3/5 stars
Myron Burton
WR
Lawrenceville, Georgia Peachtree Ridge High School 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 202 lb (92 kg) Oct 12, 2013 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:3/5 stars
Xavier Dampeer
C
Mendenhall, Mississippi Copiah-Lincoln Community College 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 300 lb (140 kg) Oct 6, 2013 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:3/5 stars
DeShaun Davis
LB
Prichard, Alabama Vigor High School 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 224 lb (102 kg) Apr 17, 2013 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports:4/5 stars    ESPN:4/5 stars
Rashaad Kennion
DE
Jacksonville, Florida First Coast High School 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) 225 lb (102 kg) Jul 17, 2013 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:3/5 stars
DaVonte Lambert
DE
Keysville, Georgia Georgia Military College 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 275 lb (125 kg) Dec 18, 2013 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:4/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports:4/5 stars    ESPN:4/5 stars
Devaroe Lawrence
DT
Greenville, South Carolina Georgia Military College 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 275 lb (125 kg) Nov 23, 2013 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:2/5 stars   247Sports:4/5 stars    ESPN:3/5 stars
Chris Laye
TE
Cumming, Georgia Lambert High School 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) 225 lb (102 kg) Apr 17, 2013 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:3/5 stars
Jakell Mitchell
TE
Opelika, Alabama Opelika High School 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 210 lb (95 kg) May 25, 2013 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:4/5 stars
Derrick Moncrief
S
Prattville, Alabama Gulf Coast Community College 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 226 lb (103 kg) May 10, 2013 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:4/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports:4/5 stars    ESPN:4/5 stars
Kamryn Pettway
RB
Prattville, Alabama Prattville High School 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 230 lb (100 kg) Mar 30, 2013 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:4/5 stars
Stephen Roberts
S
Opelika, Alabama Opelika High School 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 179 lb (81 kg) Nov 20, 2013 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:4/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports:4/5 stars    ESPN:4/5 stars
Nicholas Ruffin
CB
Duluth, Georgia St. Pius X Catholic High School 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 172 lb (78 kg) May 25, 2013 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:4/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports:4/5 stars    ESPN:4/5 stars
Dontavius Russell
DT
Carrollton, Georgia Carrollton High School 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 298 lb (135 kg) Dec 12, 2013 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:4/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports:4/5 stars    ESPN:4/5 stars
Braden Smith
OL
Olathe, Kansas Olathe South High School 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) 275 lb (125 kg) Feb 5, 2014 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:5/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports:4/5 stars    ESPN:4/5 stars
Racean Thomas
RB
Anniston, Alabama Oxford High School 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) 198 lb (90 kg) Aug 2, 2013 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:5/5 stars   Rivals:5/5 stars   247Sports:4/5 stars    ESPN:4/5 stars
Justin Thornton
DE
Prichard, Alabama Vigor High School 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) 220 lb (100 kg) May 12, 2013 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:4/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports:4/5 stars    ESPN:4/5 stars
Stanton Truitt
WR
Monroe, Georgia Monroe Area High School 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) 177 lb (80 kg) Dec 18, 2013 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports:4/5 stars    ESPN:4/5 stars
Joseph Turner
CB
Sacramento, California College of San Mateo 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 190 lb (86 kg) Feb 12, 2014 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:3/5 stars
Sean White
QB
Boca Raton, Florida University School of Nova South 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 204 lb (93 kg) Jul 17, 2013 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports:4/5 stars    ESPN:4/5 stars
Andrew Williams
DE
McDonough, Georgia Eagle's Landing Christian Academy 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 245 lb (111 kg) Feb 5, 2014 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:4/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports:4/5 stars    ESPN:4/5 stars
D’haquille Williams
WR
Laplace, Louisiana Gulf Coast Community College 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 200 lb (91 kg) Jul 21, 2013 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:5/5 stars   Rivals:5/5 stars   247Sports:5/5 stars    ESPN:4/5 stars
Tre Williams
LB
Mobile, Alabama St. Paul's Episcopal School 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 220 lb (100 kg) May 8, 2013 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:5/5 stars   Rivals:5/5 stars   247Sports:5/5 stars    ESPN:4/5 stars
Overall recruiting rankings: Scout: 8   Rivals: 9  247Sports: 6  ESPN: 8
  • Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height and weight.
  • In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale.

Sources:

  • "Auburn Signee List 2014". Rivals.com. Retrieved April 5, 2014.
  • "Scout.com Football Recruiting: Aubun". Scout.com. Retrieved April 5, 2014.
  • "2014 Player Signees – Auburn". ESPN.com. Retrieved April 5, 2014.
  • "Scout.com Team Recruiting Rankings". Scout.com. Retrieved April 5, 2014.
  • "2014 Team Ranking". Rivals.com. Retrieved April 5, 2014.

Spring game[edit]

The Tigers spring game 'A-Day' was held on Saturday April 19. The Blue team defeated the White team 58-3 with quarterback Nick Marshall and linebacker Kenny Flowers earning offensive and defensive MVP honors respectively. 70,645 fans attended the game, the second most in school history after the previous year's A-Day, which had 83,401 in attendance.

Auburn A-Day Game
Period 1 2 34Total
White 3 0 003
Blue 23 21 7758

at Jordan–Hare StadiumAuburn, Alabama

  • Date: April 19, 2014
  • Game time: 2:15 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: Temperature: 60 °F (16 °C) • Wind 14 mph (23 km/h) N • Weather: Cloudy
  • Game attendance: 70,645
  • Referee: Marc Curles
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Joe Tessitore (play-by-play), Todd Blackledge (analyst), Tom Luginbill (sideline reporter)

Fall practice and preseason[edit]

Auburn lost starting DE Carl Lawson and reserve defensive end Keymiya Harrell to ACL injuries as well as starting OG Alex Kozan to a back injury. DT Tyler Nero's career is likely over after he collapsed during spring practice. OL Shane Callahan transferred to the University of Colorado, while Auburn added two transfers in former Ole Miss starting OG Austin Golson and former Georgia starting SS Trey Matthews—both will have to sit out the 2014 season per NCAA transfer rules before regaining eligibility for the 2015 season.

Auburn had a league high 13 players make it on the all SEC list. The 1st team players included QB Nick Marshall, WR Sammie Coates, C Reese Dismukes, DT Gabe Wright. The 2nd team players included TE CJ Uzomah, OG Alex Kozan (out for season) and ST Robenson Therezie. 3rd team selections were RB Cory Grant, OG Chad Slade, DT Montravius Adams, DE Carl Lawson (out for season), LB Cassanova McKinzy and CB Jonathan Mincy.

  • QB Nick Marshall is a finalist for the Maxwell (Best Player), Davey O'Brien (QB) and Walter Camp Award (QB)
  • WR Sammie Coates is a finalist for the Maxwell(Best Player) and Blietnekoff Award (WR) and AFCA's Good Works Team (off field award)
  • TE CJ Uzomah is a finalist for the Mackey Award (TE)
  • C Reese Dismukes is a finalist for the Rimington Award (C) and Lombardi (top lineman or LB)
  • LB Kris Frost is a finalist for Butkus Award (LB)
  • ST Robenson Therezie is a finalist for the Bednarik Award (top defensive player)

Senior starting CB Jonathan Mincy was arrested for 2nd degree marijuana possession and senior starting QB Nick Marshall was cited for possession of a small amount of marijuana (under once ounce) during the off-season. It was both players' first drug-related offenses. Mincy is currently going through a pre-trial diversion after his arrest. Both players did not start for the first game against Arkansas (however they would both see the field later in the game) and served some other undisclosed punishment.

Senior starting ST Robenson Therezie faced an undisclosed eligibility issue during fall camp, however he would be cleared to play just prior to the season opener against Arkansas.

Personnel[edit]

Roster and staff[edit]

2014 Auburn Tigers football team roster
Players Coaches
Offense
Pos. # Name Class
WR 1 D'haquille Williams Jr
WR 3 Dominic Walker  Fr
WR 4 Quan Bray Sr
WR 5 Ricardo Louis Jr
QB 6 Jeremy Johnson So
WR 8 Tony Stevens So
RB 9 Roc Thomas Fr
WR 10 Stanton Truitt Injured Fr
TE 11 Brandon Fulse Sr
QB 12 Jonathan Wallace Jr
QB 13 Sean White Fr
QB 14 Nick Marshall Sr
QB 16 Tucker Tuberville So
QB 17 Ben Durand Jr
WR 18 Sammie Coates  Jr
RB 20 Corey Grant  Sr
RB 25 Peyton Barber  Fr
RB 30 Damien Lewis So
WR 31 Mark White So
TE 31 Jakell Mitchell Fr
TE 32 Wade Norberg Jr
RB 36 Kamryn Pettway Fr
TE 37 Hunter Wood  Fr
WR 39 B.J. Trimble Jr
FB 40 Gage Batten Injured So
RB 41 Patrick Lymon Injured Sr
WR 42 Blake Chapman  Fr
TE 43 Spencer Smith So
RB 44 Cameron Artis-Payne Sr
RB 46 Lawyer Tillman Jr
TE 47 Chris Laye Fr
TE 48 Kyle Sitzler  Fr
FB 49 Patrick Young Jr
C 50 Reese Dismukes Sr
OT 51 Patrick Miller Jr
C 52 Xavier Dampeer Jr
G 53 Devonte Danzey Jr
OT 56 Avery Young  So
G 62 Chad Slade  Sr
G 63 Alex Kozan Injured  So
OL 66 Kevin Austin  Fr
G 70 Robert Leff  So
OT 71 Braden Smith Fr
OT 72 Shon Coleman  So
OL 73 Austin Golson So
OT 74 Will Adams  So
G 75 Deon Mix  Fr
G 76 Jordan Diamond Injured  So
OL 79 Joshua Thompson  Fr
WR 80 Marcus Davis So
TE 81 C. J. Uzomah Sr
WR 82 Melvin Ray Jr
TE 83 Michael Clifton So
WR 84 Myron Burton Fr
TE 85 Wirth Campbell Jr
WR 87 Gray King  Fr
WR 89 Jaylon Denson  Jr
Defense
Pos. # Name Class
DT 1 Montravius Adams So
CB 3 Jonathan Jones Jr
CB 6 Jonathan Mincy  Sr
LB 8 Cassanova McKinzy Jr
S 9 Jermaine Whitehead Sr
DE 10 LaDarius Owens  Sr
S 11 Markell Boston Fr
DB 12 Mack VanGorder Jr
S 14 Stephen Roberts Fr
S 15 Josh Holsey Jr
LB 16 JaViere Mitchell  So
LB 17 Kris Frost  Jr
ST 19 Nick Ruffin Fr
ST 21 Mackenro Alexander So
LB 22 Khari Harding So
S 23 Jonathan Ford So
S 24 Derrick Moncrief Jr
CB 25 Trovon Reed  Sr
ST 26 Justin Garrett  Jr
ST 27 Robenson Therezie Sr
CB 28 T.J. Davis  So
S 29 Brandon King Sr
LB 30 Tre Williams Fr
DB 32 Nosakhere Griggs Jr
DB 33 Niko Anthony Sr
LB 33 Kenny Flowers Jr
CB 35 Joseph Turner Jr
DB 36 Michael Sherwood  Fr
CB 37 Kamryn Melton So
DB 38 Adam Dyas Sr
S 39 Tray Matthews So
LB 40 Daniel Pond Jr
CB 41 Kalvaraz Bessent Fr
DE 42 Gimel President  So
LB 43 Anthony Swain  Jr
DE 45 Keymiya Harrell Injured  Jr
LB 47 Cameron Toney  Fr
DT 50 Ben Bradley Sr
DT 54 Jeffery Whitaker Injured  Sr
DE 55 Carl Lawson Injured So
LB 57 Grant Smith  Fr
LB 57 DeShaun Davis Fr
LB 58 Josh Shockley  Fr
DE 59 Raashed Kennion Fr
DL 60 Alec Brown  Fr
DL 67 Chase Robinson So
DL 68 Kyle Bolstad So
DE 79 Andrew Williams Fr
DE 86 DaVonte Lambert Injured Jr
DT 90 Gabe Wright Sr
DE 92 Justin Thornton Fr
DE 93 JaBrian Niles  Jr
DT 94 Devaroe Lawrence So
DT 95 Dontavius Russell Fr
DL 96 Aaron Garrison  Fr
DE 97 Elijah Daniel So
DT 98 Angelo Blackson Sr
DL 99 Brian Walsh Jr
Special teams
Pos. # Name Class
P 27 Rice Logan  Fr
P 28 Jimmy Hutchinson  Fr
P 29 Tyler Stovall  Fr
K/P 38 Daniel Carlson  Fr
K 39 Alex Kviklys Jr
DS 48 Forrest Hill Sr
DS 58 Zach Wade  Fr
K 64 Duncan McKinney Jr
DT 69 Ike Powell So
P 84 Jack Bjork  Fr
P 85 Matthew Shiel  Fr
K/P 91 Jarrod Fuqua  Fr
Head coach
Coordinators/assistant coaches
  • Rodney Garner (Associate head coach / Defensive Line) – 2nd year
  • Rhett Lashlee (Offensive Coordinator / Quarterbacks) – 2nd year
  • Dameyune Craig (Co-Offensive Coordinator / Wide Receivers) – 2nd year
  • Ellis Johnson (Defensive Coordinator / Linebackers) – 2nd year
  • Charlie Harbison (Co-Defensive Coordinator / Safeties) – 2nd year
  • Scott Fountain (Special Teams / Tight Ends) – 2nd year
  • Tim Horton (Running Backs) – 2nd year
  • J.B. Grimes (Offensive Linemen) – 2nd year
  • Melvin Smith (Cornerbacks) – 2nd year
  • Bobby Bentley (Offensive Analyst) – 1st year
  • Ryan Russell (Strength and Conditioning) – 2nd year
  • Jonathan Brewer (Graduate Assistant) – 2nd year

Legend
  • (C) Team captain
  • (S) Suspended
  • (I) Ineligible
  • Injured Injured
  • Redshirt Redshirt

Roster
Last update: August 26, 2014

Returning starters[edit]

Depth chart[edit]

As of November 4, 2014

Injured/Suspended

  • DE Carl Lawson (ACL: Season)
  • OG Alex Kozan (Back: Season)
  • OG Jordan Diamond (Shoulder: Season)
  • WR Stanton Truitt (Shoulder: Season)
  • DL Jared Kennett (Shoulder: Season)

Schedule[edit]

DateTimeOpponentRankSiteTVResultAttendance
August 303:00 p.m.ArkansasNo. 6SECNW 45–2187,451
September 66:00 p.m.San Jose State*No. 5
  • Jordan–Hare Stadium
  • Auburn, Alabama
ESPN2W 59–1387,451
September 186:30 p.m.at No. 20 Kansas State*No. 5ESPNW 20–1453,046
September 273:00 p.m.Louisiana Tech*daggerNo. 5
  • Jordan–Hare Stadium
  • Auburn, Alabama
SECNW 45–1787,451
October 46:00 p.m.No. 15 LSUNo. 5
ESPNW 41–787,451
October 112:30 p.m.at No. 3 Mississippi StateNo. 2CBSL 23–3862,945
October 256:30 p.m.South CarolinaNo. 5
  • Jordan–Hare Stadium
  • Auburn, Alabama
SECNW 42–3587,451
November 16:00 p.m.at No. 4 Ole MissNo. 3ESPNW 35–3162,090
November 82:30 p.m.Texas A&MNo. 3
  • Jordan–Hare Stadium
  • Auburn, Alabama
CBSL 38–4187,451
November 156:15 p.m.at No. 15 GeorgiaNo. 9ESPNL 7–3492,746
November 226:00 p.m.Samford*No. 14
  • Jordan–Hare Stadium
  • Auburn, Alabama
ESPNUW 31–787,451
November 296:45 p.m.at No. 1 AlabamaNo. 15ESPNL 44–55101,821
January 1, 201511:00 a.m.vs. No. 18 Wisconsin*No. 19ESPN2L 31–34 OT44,023
Schedule Source: "2014 Auburn Tigers Football Schedule". FBS Schedules. Retrieved January 4, 2014.

Game summaries[edit]

Arkansas[edit]

Arkansas Razorbacks at #6 Auburn Tigers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Arkansas 7 14 0021
#6 Auburn 14 7 141045

at Jordan–Hare StadiumAuburn, Alabama

  • Date: August 30, 2014
  • Game time: 3:01 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: Temperature: 86 °F (30 °C) • Wind 6 mph (9.7 km/h) SW • Weather: Cloudy
  • Game attendance: 87,451
  • Referee: Hubert Owens
  • TV announcers (SEC Network): Brent Musburger (play-by-play), Jesse Palmer (analyst), Maria Taylor (sideline reporter)
  • Sources:[2]
Game information

Jeremy Johnson started in place of Nick Marshall, and played until halftime. The defense was steamrolled at the beginning of the game, allowing 21 points in the first half, and the offense in the first half scored 21 points. Nick Marshall, who was suspended for the entire first half for a drug related citation, led Auburn's offense to 24 second half points. Auburn's defense improved greatly in the second half allowing 0 points in that period, forcing several dropped passes to wide open receivers. Auburn won its season debut.

A nearby thunderstorm caused a delay of one hour and 28 minutes in the 4th quarter at 9 minutes, 55 seconds remaining. Auburn now leads the all-time series 13–10–1.

San Jose State[edit]

San Jose State Spartans at #5 Auburn Tigers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
San Jose State 7 3 3013
#5 Auburn 14 24 71459

at Jordan–Hare StadiumAuburn, Alabama

  • Date: September 6, 2014
  • Game time: 6:06 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: Temperature: 83 °F (28 °C) • Wind NW 5 mph (8.0 km/h) • Weather: Partly cloudy
  • Game attendance: 87,451
  • Referee: Dan Romeo
  • TV announcers (ESPN2): Dave Pasch (play-by-play), Brian Griese (analyst), Tom Luginbill (sideline reporter)
  • Sources:[3]
Game information

The second game of the season was against the San Jose State Spartans. The Tigers and Spartans had previously never met on the gridiron before. The Tigers now lead the series 1–0–0.

Auburn struggled on defense early, giving up some big plays, most notably a 75-yard touchdown pass from Blake Jurich to Tyler Ervin. On Auburn's first possession Nick Marshall ran 39 yards but lost the ball in the end zone resulting in a touchback. Auburn only gave up one touchdown and two field goals against the Spartans. Quan Bray had Auburn's first punt return for a touchdown since Chris Davis against Tennessee in 2013. Jermaine Whitehead also became the first Auburn player to record interceptions in back-to-back games since 2007. Roc Thomas got his first carries as an Auburn Tiger late in the game, and his first carry was a touchdown. This was also Cameron Artis-Payne's first multi-touchdown game. Auburn is now 2-0 and 1-0 in SEC play. The 2004 undefeated team was honored during the pregame ceremony.

Kansas State[edit]

#5 Auburn Tigers at #20 Kansas State Wildcats – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
#5 Auburn 3 7 01020
#20 Kansas State 0 7 0714

at Bill Snyder Family StadiumManhattan, Kansas

  • Date: September 18, 2014
  • Game time: 6:32 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: Temperature: 76 °F (24 °C) • Wind E 4 mph (6.4 km/h) • Weather: Light Haze
  • Game attendance: 53,046
  • Referee: Rick Loumiet
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Dave Pasch (play-by-play), Jesse Palmer and David Pollack (analysts), Samantha Ponder (sideline reporter)
  • Sources:[4]
Game information

In a rare Thursday night game, Auburn traveled to Kansas State. Auburn struck first with a field goal after a fumble by Kansas State was recovered by Auburn. Kansas State scored a touchdown in the second quarter. Auburn, however, struck back with a touchdown pass from Nick Marshall to Ricardo Louis. Auburn then scored the next 10 points, all during the fourth quarter. Kansas State then scored a touchdown with less than 5 minutes to go. Then, Auburn's last drive ended up in a 3rd and 9, and Nick Marshall threw the ball to Duke Williams who made an impressive reception to seal the win for Auburn. After this game, the Tigers lead the all-time series 4-0-0.

Louisiana Tech[edit]

Louisiana Tech Bulldogs at #5 Auburn Tigers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Louisiana Tech 0 3 7717
#5 Auburn 7 17 02145

at Jordan–Hare StadiumAuburn, Alabama

  • Date: September 27, 2014
  • Game time: 3:01 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: Temperature: 76 °F (24 °C) • Wind 7 mph (11 km/h) E • Weather: Cloudy
  • Game attendance: 87,451
  • Referee: Penn Wagers
  • TV announcers (SEC Network): Brent Musburger (play-by-play), Jesse Palmer (analyst), Maria Taylor (sideline reporter)
  • Sources:[5]
Game information

The fourth game of the season was against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs. Auburn was up 24–0 late in the second quarter before Louisiana Tech scored a field goal to end the half. There was a time when it was somewhat close early in the third quarter as Auburn only led 24–10. Auburn's offense then started scoring more points, especially Quan Bray who had two touchdowns in the second half and three touchdowns overall including two touchdown receptions and one punt return for a touchdown. Auburn ended up with a great homecoming victory 45-17. Auburn now leads the all-time series 12-0-1.

LSU[edit]

#15 LSU Tigers at #5 Auburn Tigers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
#15 LSU 7 0 007
#5 Auburn 17 14 3741

at Jordan–Hare StadiumAuburn, Alabama

  • Date: October 4, 2014
  • Game time: 6:01 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: Temperature: 59 °F (15 °C) • Wind NW 9 mph (14 km/h) • Weather: Sunny
  • Game attendance: 87,451
  • Referee: Matt Moore
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Brad Nessler (play-by-play), Todd Blackledge (analyst), Holly Rowe (sideline reporter)
  • Sources:[6]
Game information

Auburn struck first with a 46-yard field goal by Daniel Carlson which was his longest so far this season. The offense then lit up scoring 17 points in the first quarter. The defense only allowed one LSU touchdown, taking advantage of Les Miles's decision to have true freshman QB Brandon Harris have his 1st career start on the road at night in JHS. In the second quarter, Auburn scored 14 more points and the defense held LSU scoreless in that period. At halftime, the score was Auburn 31, LSU 7. Daniel Carlson got a 42-yard field goal in the third quarter. LSU did not convert a single third down, they were 0–13. Auburn stopped LSU on fourth down three times. It was a big conference win for Auburn. The win improved Auburn's all-time record against LSU to 21–27–1.

Mississippi State[edit]

#2 Auburn Tigers at #3 Mississippi State Bulldogs – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
#2 Auburn 0 13 7323
#3 Mississippi State 21 7 01038

at Davis Wade StadiumStarkville, Mississippi

  • Date: October 11, 2014
  • Game time: 2:45 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: Temperature: 83 °F (28 °C) • Wind SW 5 mph (8.0 km/h) • Weather: Partly Cloudy
  • Game attendance: 62,945
  • Referee: Tom Ritter
  • TV announcers (CBS): Verne Lundquist (play-by-play), Gary Danielson (analyst), Allie LaForce (sideline reporter)
  • Sources:[7]
Game information

College GameDay was in town for a road test against the Mississippi State Bulldogs. In their weekly "Saturday Selections" segment, David Pollack, Desmond Howard, Lee Corso, and special guest picker Jonathan Papelbon all picked Mississippi State. Kirk Herbstreit picked Auburn and moderator Chris Fowler did not pick. Two turnovers on the first 2 offensive plays of the game for AU were costly for Auburn as Mississippi State scored 14 points off the turnovers. Mississippi State had four turnovers in the game which led to 13 points for Auburn. The game-changing play was when Ricardo Louis fumbled on a kickoff return leading to a Mississippi State touchdown. The Tigers now lead the all-time series 61–25–2.

South Carolina[edit]

South Carolina Gamecocks at #5 Auburn Tigers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
South Carolina 7 14 14035
#5 Auburn 7 14 14742

at Jordan–Hare StadiumAuburn, Alabama

  • Date: October 25, 2014
  • Game time: 6:39 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: Temperature: 69 °F (21 °C) • Wind 4 mph (6.4 km/h) NW • Weather: Clear Skies
  • Game attendance: 87,451
  • Referee: Matt Loeffler
  • TV announcers (SEC Network): Brent Musburger (play-by-play), Jesse Palmer (analyst), Maria Taylor (sideline reporter)
  • Sources:[8]
Game information

In a game that proved to be a harder challenge than many expected, South Carolina took Auburn down to the wire before the Tiger defense stepped up at the end. An offensive battle took place as neither defense could stop the opposing offense. Each team only punted once during the game and when South Carolina punted Quan Bray fumbled on the return and the ball was recovered by South Carolina. That was the Tigers' only turnover of the game. South Carolina turned the ball over three times (all interceptions) including one inside the twenty yard line, and two in the end zone, which included one on the hail mary attempt as time expired. Cassanova McKinzy had one interception and Jonathan Jones had two interceptions. The Tigers had won a shootout 42-35. An interesting note is that Steve Spurrier "went for it" on 4th down several times, converting all of them except 1. The win was the sixth win of the season for Auburn, which meant they were bowl eligible. With the victory, Auburn's all-time record against South Carolina moved to 10-1-1.

Ole Miss[edit]

#3 Auburn Tigers at #4 Ole Miss Rebels – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
#4 Auburn 7 7 14735
#7 Ole Miss 7 10 7731

at Vaught–Hemingway StadiumOxford, Mississippi

  • Date: November 1, 2014
  • Game time: 6:05 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: Temperature: 50 °F (10 °C) • Wind NW 9 mph (14 km/h) • Weather: Clear
  • Game attendance: 62,090
  • Referee: Ken Williamson
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Brad Nessler (play-by-play), Todd Blackledge (analyst), Holly Rowe (sideline reporter)
  • Sources:[9]
Game information

Auburn struck first after an incomplete pass (the official said Duke Williams bobbled it as he was going out of bounds) was reviewed and overturned. As a result of the review, the ball was placed at the 3-yard line. Nick Marshall then ran into the end zone for the touchdown. Ole Miss started with a punt on offense. Ole Miss struck next after a big run by Bo Wallace. Penalties cost Auburn greatly and they had a season high number of penalties. Nick Marshall also had a turnover in the red zone that also cost the Tigers greatly. Ole Miss was threatening to score with six and a half minutes to go, but Kris Frost knocked the ball out of Bo Wallace's hands resulting in a turnover for Auburn. Later, Auburn recovered a fumble in the end zone after it was ruled a touchdown, but review gave Auburn the ball. At the very end, Auburn came up with one last stop as time expired giving Auburn a 35-31 win. With the win, Auburn is now 29-10 all-time against Ole Miss.

Texas A&M[edit]

Texas A&M Aggies at #3 Auburn Tigers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Texas A&M 14 21 3341
#3 Auburn 14 3 71438

at Jordan–Hare StadiumAuburn, Alabama

  • Date: November 8, 2014
  • Game time: 2:38 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: Temperature: 61 °F (16 °C) • Wind W 3 mph (4.8 km/h) • Weather: Partly cloudy
  • Game attendance: 87,451
  • Referee: Matt Moore
  • TV announcers (CBS): Carter Blackburn (play-by-play), Aaron Taylor (analyst), Jamie Erdahl (sideline reporter)
  • Sources:[10]
Game information

Auburn allowed a Texas A&M touchdown early putting the Tigers down 7-0. On the Tigers' first offensive possession, Cameron Artis-Payne fumbled the ball and it was recovered by Texas A&M leading to another Aggies score. Cameron Artis-Payne scored twice in the first quarter making the score 14-14 at the end of the first quarter. Auburn could only muster up a field goal in the second quarter while the defense allowed two A&M touchdowns. On the final play of the second quarter, a Daniel Carlson field goal attempt was blocked and returned for a touchdown making the halftime score Texas A&M 35, Auburn 17. Auburn started to come back in the third quarter, holding A&M to a field goal and scoring a touchdown. On the first play of the fourth quarter, Auburn scored again making the score 38-31 Texas A&M with plenty of time to play. Auburn allowed an A&M field goal, but scored quickly reducing the deficit to three points. With Auburn near the goal line and with less than two minutes remaining, Auburn's Nick Marshall fumbled the ball, and Texas A&M recovered. Auburn's defense then forced a three-and-out with only a little over a minute to play. A field goal would have tied it and a touchdown would have given the Tigers the lead, but a botched snap was recovered by Texas A&M. The Aggies then ran out the clock to upset Auburn 41-38. A&M now leads the series 4-1 all-time.

Georgia[edit]

#9 Auburn Tigers at #16 Georgia Bulldogs – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
#9 Auburn 7 0 007
#16 Georgia 7 10 10734

at Sanford StadiumAthens, Georgia

  • Date: November 15, 2014
  • Game time: 6:21 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: Temperature: 38 °F (3 °C) • Wind E 3 mph (4.8 km/h) • Weather: Clear, cold
  • Game attendance: 92,746
  • Referee: Matt Austin
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Brad Nessler (play-by-play), Todd Blackledge (analyst), Holly Rowe (sideline reporter)
  • Sources:[11]
Game information

The Tigers struck first on the very first possession of the game, but were shut out for the rest of the game. Penalties, turnovers, man defense in the secondary, an all-in quarterback spy, and the inability to stop Georgia's offense contributed to a 34-7 loss. The series is now tied 55-55-8. This game marked the end of Todd Gurley's suspension.

Samford[edit]

Samford Bulldogs at #16 Auburn Tigers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Samford 0 7 007
#16 Auburn 0 17 7731

at Jordan–Hare StadiumAuburn, Alabama

  • Date: November 22, 2014
  • Game time: 6:03 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: Temperature: 57 °F (14 °C) • Wind E 9 mph (14 km/h) • Weather: Cloudy
  • Game attendance: 87,451
  • Referee: David Smith
  • TV announcers (ESPNU): Clay Matvick (play-by-play), Anthony Becht (analyst)
  • Sources:[12]
Game information

After a scoreless first quarter, Samford scored first in the second quarter. However, Auburn scored 31 unanswered en route to an easy 31-7 win on Senior Night. Samford coach Pat Sullivan played at Auburn, and was the Tigers' first Heisman Trophy winner. Auburn now leads the series 27-0-1. Auburn kept star receivers Duke Williams and Ricardo Louis out of the game so they could nurse injuries before the Iron Bowl rivalry game against Alabama.

Alabama[edit]

#15 Auburn Tigers at #2 Alabama Crimson Tide – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
#15 Auburn 6 20 10844
#1 Alabama 14 7 132155

at Bryant–Denny StadiumTuscaloosa, Alabama

  • Date: November 29, 2014
  • Game time: 6:52 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: Temperature: 60 °F (16 °C) • Wind S 12 mph (19 km/h) • Weather: Cloudy, Breezy
  • Game attendance: 101,821
  • Referee: Hubert Owens
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Brent Musburger (play-by-play), Jesse Palmer (analyst), Maria Taylor (sideline reporter)
  • Sources:[13]
Game information

In the twelfth and final game of the regular season, Auburn traveled to Tuscaloosa to face their arch-rival Alabama. Alabama now leads the overall series 43–35–1. College GameDay was in Tuscaloosa for this game, making it the second time the traveling show was live from the location of an Auburn game this season (October 11 vs. Mississippi State). Every analyst picked Alabama to win. On the first play from scrimmage, Auburn turned the ball over on a failed lateral from Nick Marshall to Roc Thomas and Alabama scored on the drive after the fumble. Alabama scored again after Auburn got to the three yard line, but had to settle for a field goal. Auburn then scored ten unanswered points before the defense allowed a late Alabama drive for a touchdown on 4th and goal. Auburn then scored ten more unanswered points after the touchdown and after a Blake Sims interception. The halftime score was Auburn 26 and Alabama 20.

At the beginning of the fourth quarter, Alabama scored a touchdown and completed a two-point conversion to take the lead at 42-36. Auburn regained possession of the ball, but Nick Marshall was unable to make a 3rd-down conversion and the ball was punted back to Alabama. The Auburn defense was unable to prevent Alabama from rapidly progressing downfield and scoring with a touchdown pass to DeAndrew White. This made the score 48-36 Alabama. Saban opted to attempt another 2-point conversion to widen the gap, but this failed when Blake Sims was pushed out of bounds.

Upon repossession of the ball, Auburn successfully completed passes downfield but was unable to make a first down. Alabama regained the ball.

Wisconsin[edit]

2015 Outback Bowl
#19 Auburn Tigers vs #17 Wisconsin Badgers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34OTTotal
#19 Auburn 7 7 314031
#17 Wisconsin 7 0 1410334

at Raymond James StadiumTampa, Florida

  • Date: January 1, 2015
  • Game time: 11:00 a.m. CST
  • Game weather: Temperature: • Wind: • Weather:
  • Referee: Mike Defee
  • TV announcers (ESPN2): Bob Wischusen (play-by-play), Matt Millen (analyst), Quint Kessenich (sideline reporter)

On December 7, it was announced that #19 Auburn and #18 Wisconsin would meet in the Outback Bowl. Auburn fired defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson prior to this game and it was announced that Charlie Harbison would be the interim defensive coordinator for this game. Wisconsin's coach Gary Andersen left for Oregon State so the Badgers' athletic director Barry Alvarez will coach the Badgers in this game. The all-time series is tied 1-1-1 and Wisconsin won the last meeting 28–14 in the 2006 Capital One Bowl. With the win, Wisconsin takes the series lead 2-1-1.

Rankings[edit]

Ranking movements
Legend: ██ Increase in ranking ██ Decrease in ranking
( ) = First-place votes
Week
PollPre123456789101112131415Final
AP6555552 (23)654391615201922
Coaches5555552 (16)864391716211923
CFPNot released33914151919Not released

2015 NFL Draft[edit]

Name Position Round Pick Team
Sammie Coates WR 3 87 Pittsburgh Steelers
Angelo Blackson DT 4 100 Tennessee Titans
Gabe Wright DT 4 113 Detroit Lions
C. J. Uzomah TE 5 157 Cincinnati Bengals
Cameron Artis-Payne RB 5 174 Carolina Panthers

Undrafted free agents[edit]

Name Position Team
Reese Dismukes C Pittsburgh Steelers
Nick Marshall CB/QB Jacksonville Jaguars
Corey Grant RB Jacksonville Jaguars
Jermaine Whitehead S San Francisco 49ers
Chad Slade OG Houston Texans
Quan Bray WR Indianapolis Colts
Trovon Reed CB Seattle Seahawks
Patrick Miller OT San Francisco 49ers
Robensen Therezie S Atlanta Falcons
Johnathan Mincy CB Atlanta Falcons
Brandon Fulse TE Chicago Bears
Brandon King LB/S New England Patriots

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Official War Eagle Football". Auburn Athletics. January 4, 2014. Archived from the original on January 4, 2013. Retrieved January 4, 2014.
  2. ^ "Scoring Summary (Arkansas)". AuburnTigers.com. CBS Interactive. August 30, 2014. Retrieved September 7, 2014.
  3. ^ "Scoring Summary (San Jose State)". AuburnTigers.com. CBS Interactive. September 6, 2014. Retrieved September 7, 2014.
  4. ^ "Scoring Summary (Kansas State)". AuburnTigers.com. CBS Interactive. September 18, 2014. Retrieved September 21, 2014.
  5. ^ "Scoring Summary (Louisiana Tech)". AuburnTigers.com. CBS Interactive. September 27, 2014. Retrieved September 27, 2014.
  6. ^ "Scoring Summary (LSU)". AuburnTigers.com. CBS Interactive. October 4, 2014. Retrieved October 4, 2014.
  7. ^ "Scoring Summary (Mississippi State)". AuburnTigers.com. CBS Interactive. October 11, 2014. Retrieved October 11, 2014.
  8. ^ "Scoring Summary (South Carolina)". AuburnTigers.com. CBS Interactive. October 25, 2014. Retrieved October 26, 2014.
  9. ^ "Scoring Summary (Ole Miss)". AuburnTigers.com. CBS Interactive. November 1, 2014. Retrieved November 1, 2014.
  10. ^ "Scoring Summary (Texas A&M)". AuburnTigers.com. CBS Interactive. November 8, 2014. Retrieved November 9, 2014.
  11. ^ "Scoring Summary (Georgia)". AuburnTigers.com. CBS Interactive. November 15, 2014. Retrieved November 16, 2014.
  12. ^ "Scoring Summary (Samford)". AuburnTigers.com. CBS Interactive. November 22, 2014. Retrieved November 23, 2014.
  13. ^ "Scoring Summary (Alabama)". AuburnTigers.com. CBS Interactive. November 29, 2014. Retrieved November 30, 2014.