Takeaways: Auburn blitzes UMass in the season opener

Here are five thoughts from Auburn's 59-14 win over UMass.

The Hugh Freeze era at Auburn started with a beatdown.

The Auburn Tigers took down the UMass Minutemen 59-14 in front of a sold-out Jordan Hare Stadium.

Payton Thorne's Auburn debut was a huge story and Robby Ashford's three touchdowns on the ground stole the show. Here are some takeaways from Auburn's first win of the season.

Payton Thorne was solid

There's certainly room for improvement, but Auburn fans should be satisfied with Throne's debut. He showed tremendous signs of pocket awareness and accuracy in his first game as an Auburn Tiger. He went 10-17 passing with a touchdown. 

He found Ja'Varrius Johnson deep early. He also found Jay Fair for the first touchdown pass of his Auburn career. 

Redzone Robby has to stay

Eric Starling/Auburn Daily

Everyone assumed there would be packages made for Ashford in the offense. When they were rolled out in the red zone, Ashford was close to unstoppable. He found the endzone three times in his new role. 

Ashford's speed and natural ability can't be denied and will force defensive coordinators to spend extra time in practice to prepare for what he brings to the field. 

Jaylin Simpson had a day

Eric Starling/Auburn Daily

In an offseason filled with hype around DJ James, Kieonte Scott, and Nehemiah Pritchett, it was Simpson who stole the show with a pick-six, three tackles, and a performance to remember. 

The Ron Roberts defense showed a lot of heat in this game. He's known for his willingness to blitz anyone on the defense and it caused problems for the UMass defense. Auburn's overall athletic ability and size overpowered UMass and limited UMAss quarterback Taisun Phommachanh. 

The offensive line passed the eye test

Eric Starling/Auburn Daily

Obviously, the level of competition will rise starting next week and throughout the rest of the season, but Auburn's offensive line impressed as a unit. They overpowered the UMass

Auburn's offensive line paved the way for 292 rushing yards and did not allow a sack on the day. Refreshing sight for Auburn fans.

Hope is back

Eric Starling/Auburn Daily

Saturday lived up to the hype. A sellout, white out, a thrashing that covered a large spread, all lived up to what Auburn should have done against an opponent like UMass. 

In the past, Auburn fans have looked on as Auburn played with their food, on Saturday, the Tigers skipped the appetizer and went straight into the entree with a crisp drive from Payton Thorne, a firm rotation with Ashford at quarterback in the red zone, and the defense adjusting after allowing points early to UMass. 

I wouldn't say it was freezing on Saturday, but it felt colder than a typical Saturday in September. 

Engage with Auburn Daily on Socials!

Join the Locked on Auburn Discord

Follow Auburn Daily on Twitter

Like Auburn Daily on Facebook

Subscribe to Locked On Auburn on YouTube