Auburn's 33-20 victory over Ole Miss on Saturday at Jordan-Hare Stadium was, in so many ways, similar to the first five games of the season.
Even as they were going 5-0, it was obvious the Tigers had issues that would be fully resolved only with an infusion of talent. But they managed to find ways to win anyway.
And that's just what happened Saturday.
Ole Miss romped 94 yards on its first possession, scarcely breaking a sweat. An 88-yard kickoff return and 79-yard run got Ole Miss back into the game when it seemed a blowout was imminent.
But other than the long drive and the long run, Auburn's defense was pretty darned good. Dominant? No, but good. Walt McFadden returned an interception for a touchdown. Another McFadden interception and a Daren Bates fumble recovery stopped two more Ole Miss drives.
After quarterback Chris Todd lost 21 yards and the ball at Auburn's 23 on a play that should have been reviewed and overturned as an incomplete pass, Ole Miss ended up punting from the 45.
Perhaps the biggest key for Auburn's defense was that, led by rampaging end Antonio Coleman, it got serious pressure on Ole Miss quarterback Jevan Snead without having to blitz.
Gus Malzahn's offense hit some big plays, worked some receivers wide open and had more yards and points against Ole Miss than any team has this season.
Todd's fumble was Auburn's only turnover, and 43 yards in penalties was a manageable number.
It's easy to look back and say "what if." What if Auburn had played similar games against Kentucky and Arkansas and even LSU?
But what if West Virginia had not turned the ball over six times? What if Tennessee had discovered its passing game before it was too late.
When this team plays well, it has a chance against anyone. But when it doesn't, it can lose to almost anyone.
After Saturday's homecoming game, Auburn plays a struggling Georgia team in Athens, has a week off and plays Alabama at Jordan-Hare Stadium.
It's going to be interesting.
Want to comment? GO HERE.
