First play interception 'one of the best feelings ever' for Andre Jordan Jr.

It took Andre Jordan Jr. just one play to record his first career interception and give Auburn the lead Saturday night.

Auburn never looked back, defeating Southern Miss 43-8 in its home-opener.

“I saw the quarterback, he was staring down the receiver,” Jordan said of his interception. “And then I broke on the ball when he threw it. He overthrew it so I just had to get my hands on it and catch it.”

Dallas Walker IV put the pressure on Southern Miss quarterback Ethan Hampton, who got rid of the football quickly. The overthrow was caught by Jordan, who then followed a convoy of Auburn blockers for 29 yards to the end zone.

It marked the fastest scoring play in Auburn history and Jordan celebrated with the entirety of Jordan Hare Stadium.

“It was probably one of the best feelings ever,” Jordan said. “I've never experienced a crowd like that. And then to get them hyped up like that, it was definitely a great experience.”

Later in the quarter, Hampton threw a deep ball on fourth down for Southern Miss. AnQuon Fegans broke up the pass, but it left the ball in the air just long enough for Jordan to snag it.

“We were playing man,” Jordan said. “I saw the ball going there, and I just tried to break on it. I was thinking if it got tipped or something, I would go get my hands on the ball and pick it. That's what happened.”

Auburn’s now recorded two turnovers in the first quarter for the second straight week. The Tigers recovered a fumble and intercepted DJ Lagway in the first quarter against Baylor last week.

And if there’s anything Jordan’s learned about the early turnovers, it’s that the momentum gained can carry for the rest of the contest.

“I feel like it gets us hyped up,” Jordan said. “We can keep that hype throughout the whole game.”