Five takeaways from Auburn football's win over San Jose State

The Auburn Tigers improve to 2-0. Here are five thoughts.

Author:
Zac Blackerby
Publish date:
Sep 10, 2022 11:05 PM EDT

In this story:

Glad that's over.

Many speculated that Auburn football's battle with San Jose State would be a tune-up game before the Penn State Nittany Lions come to town. The Spartans gave the Tigers everything they could handle. Auburn won 24-16.

Auburn's offense was hard to watch at times and the rotation between TJ Finley and Robby Ashford didn't provide the spark that many thought it would be based on what happened in the week one win against the Mercer Bears.

Still, there was a lot of information on display about the Auburn football team. Here are a few takeaways.

The quarterbacks have a long way to go

TJ Finley warms up before the game vs San Jose State — Trey Lee/Auburn Daily

Finley started the game and saw several plays from Ashford. Both threw picks and left a lot to be desired in the passing game.

The lack of a passing game is hurting the rushing attack and could be a major concern against Penn State and SEC foes coming up on the schedule.

Penalties were out of hand

Auburn Tigers head coach Bryan Harsin surveys his team during pregame warmups prior to the San Jose State vs Auburn game on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. — Eric Starling/Auburn Daily

Bryan Harsin will have his hands full this week with teaching moments.

The Tigers committed nine penalties for a total of 86 yards. In close games, that can make or break you.

The Auburn running backs need an even bigger role

Jarquez Hunter arrives pre-game as the Tigers take on the San Jose State Spartans. — Trey Lee/Auburn Daily

Tank Bigsby, Jarquez Hunter, and Damari Alston will need to be a huge part of this team's offensive presence.

Bigsby led with 13 carries, Hunter had seven, and Alston had two. All of those numbers need to increase over the course of the season.

Auburn's EDGE depth is looking good

Eku Leota gets the crowd fired up during a goal line stand for the Tigers against San Jose State. — Trey Lee/Auburn Daily

Derick Hall was the talk of the summer regarding Auburn's defense. Depth was a concern but Eku Leota and Marcus Bragg have really stepped up in the first two weeks of the season.

Leota earned his first sack of the season against San Jose State while Bragg created some disruption in the backfield.

It can always be worse

The Auburn Cheerleaders celebrate an Auburn score during the San Jose State vs Auburn game on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. — Eric Starling/Auburn Daily

Several Auburn fans are upset based on how this game unfolded. That's fine.

But on a day filled with upsets and close calls, the Auburn Tigers ended up winning by a margin that may not reflect the actual competition of the game.

Alabama needed everything to win by a point in Texas.

Texas A&M lost to App State in College Station.

Notre Dame fell at home to Marshall.

The Auburn Tigers survived, stay 2-0, and have a chance to make a statement against Penn State in week three.

Auburn Daily Roundtable: Week two

Five reasons Auburn will beat San Jose State

Five Reasons Auburn could struggle against San Jose State

Could a two-quarterback system work at Auburn?

Midweek Mailbag: Looking at Auburn's quarterback situation

Auburn football's FPI updates entering week two

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