Byrum Brown’s Auburn debut last week had its fair share of negative moments.
His first game inside Jordan Hare Stadium went much better.
The Tigers’ signal caller went 18-for-29 for 226 yards passing with two touchdowns, 88 yards rushing on 13 carries and a receiving touchdown in Auburn’s 43-8 win over Southern Miss.
“Got a lot of things to clean up, but very pleased with how we came out here today,” Brown said. “Still a lot of stuff to clean up, though.”
While Auburn’s first offensive possession yielded zero points, Brown led the Tigers on an eight-play, 93-yard touchdown drive on its ensuing possession. He connected with three different receivers for explosive plays on the drive.
Brown hit wide receiver Chas Nimrod for a 25-yard gain, wide receiver Keshaun Singleton for a 16-yard gain and tight end Jonathan Echols for a 22-yard touchdown to cap it off.
"I think he took what they gave us,” said head coach Alex Golesh. “Like I said, I think there's probably four that he would want back, but I thought he managed it well. I thought he was efficient in the RPO game. I thought he saw it well. There's a couple I wish he would let go in terms of just pull the trigger and trust yourself, because he's made those throws all over the place over his career. I think he got more settled in.”
Auburn tallied 17 plays of 10 yards or more in the win, and Brown was responsible for 10 of them. Six through the air and four on the ground, as Brown showcased his dual-threat abilities in the home opener.
He also caught a touchdown pass in the third quarter — the second of his career. Brown’s touchdown reception marked the first receiving touchdown by an Auburn quarterback since 2012.
“He was really confident going in,” Golesh said. “And I thought he was confident pulling the ball down and taking off when he had to. I thought he was efficient. He moved the chains with his feet. I don't know how many first downs he got, but I thought he was efficient."
Auburn hosts Florida next Saturday, Sept. 19 at 6 p.m. CST on ESPN.
