October 29, 2015
AUBURN vs. OLE MISS, 11:00 .m.
The Auburn Plainsman
GAME DAY PAGE
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Quarterback: Sean White
PAGE
7
Depth Charts
PAGE
10
Injury Update: Carl Lawson
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The Auburn Plainsman: Game Day
Thursday, October 29, 2015
TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE 5
PAGE 7
Interesting facts about Auburn-OleMiss
Full depth chart for both teams
PAGE 8 Plainsman Picks
PAGE 6 Sean White adjusting well to role as starting quarterback
PAGE 10 Carl Lawson back at practice
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Thursday, October 29, 2015
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The Auburn Plainsman: Game Day
Auburn IN THE As the 2015 NFL season kicks off, each Game Day tab will take a look at how the Auburn Tigers who are in the NFL fared the previous week. Several Tigers who entered the 2015 NFL Draft were selected, and some signed as undrafted free agents, but still made their team’s 53-man roster. Others have established themselves as veteran presences in the League.
File photo
Robenson Therezie sealed the Falcons’ win Sunday with a late interception.
Name (No.) Tre Mason (27) Neiko Thorpe (31) Cam Newton (1) Karlos Dansby (56) Sen’Derrick Marks (99) Jay Prosch (45) Josh Bynes (99) Nick Fairley (98) Greg Robinson (79) Dee Ford (30) Jerraud Powers (25) Sammie Coates (14) Angelo Blackson (95) Gabe Wright (90) Cameron Artis-Payne (44) Nick Marshall (41) Corey Grant (33) Robenson Therezie (27)
Team Pos. St. Louis Rams RB Oakland Raiders CB Carolina Panthers QB Cleveland Browns LB Jacksonville Jaguars DT Houston Texans FB Detroit Lions LB St. Louis Rams DT St. Louis Rams T Kansas City Chiefs DE Arizona Cardinals CB Pittsburgh Steelers WR Tennessee Titans DT Detroit Lions DT Carolina Panthers RB Jacksonville Jaguars CB Jacksonville Jaguars RB Atlanta Falcons S
Week 2 Inactive due to ankle injury 4 tackles in win over SD Led CAR to 1st 6-0 start in fran. history 7 tackles in loss to STL Batted down 2 passes in win over BUF Ran 3 times for 24 yards in win over TB Led team with 8 tackles in loss to MIN 4 tackles in win over CLE Starting tackle for STL 2 tackles in loss to PIT 3 tackles in win over BAL Didn’t record a catch in win over KC Didn’t record stats in loss to ATL Healthy scratch against MIN Received 1 carry in win over PHI 1 kick return for 18 yards against BUF Placed on season-ending IR Game-sealing INT in win over TEN
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The Auburn Plainsman: Game Day
Thursday, October 29, 2015
Wide receivers
King, Smith contributing on offense Evan M cCullers
assistant sports editor
While the overall play of the wide receivers was poor, two Auburn wideouts achieved personal milestones in last Saturday’s 54-46, four-overtime loss to Arkansas. Sophomore Gray King recorded the first catch of his Auburn career, while fellow sophomore Jason Smith found the end zone for the first time as a Tiger. King redshirted in 2013 and played in all 13 games in 2014, mostly on special teams. After the Tigers struggled with drops in the first half, King finally received an opportunity to show his skills at receiver. His first catch came on a Sean White pass that was deflected at the line of scrimmage, but his second was much more conventional. King hauled in a 9-yard pass on an out route to give Auburn a first-and-goal, which the Tigers took advantage of three plays later. King, a walk-on from Atlanta, said the second pass could not reach him soon enough. “(The first catch), reactions just took over,” King said. “I
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saw the ball in the air and I went after it. But that other one, the ball traveled all the way across the field, and it seemed like it was in the air forever.” Smith, who is in his first season at Auburn after transferring from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, scored his first touchdown at Auburn on the Tigers’ first drive of the second half. With Auburn trailing 14-7, Smith took a handoff from running back Kerryon Johnson and followed receiver Melvin Ray’s block to tie the game on a 9-yard run. “(Coach Gus Malzahn) had a plan for me and then we went with it,” Smith said. “As a team, it starts from the offensive line to the quarterback to the receivers blocking. I just did what I had to do to just get in the end zone.” While both players enjoyed their success against the Razorbacks, King said they are hungry for more opportunities to contribute. “I’m definitely a little more comfortable out there, and I hope the coaches see that and will give me just more opportunities,” King said. “Hopefully I can take advantage of them.”
Jim Little / Editor-in-chief
Jason Smith (4) scored the first touchdown of his Auburn career against Arkansas.
Thursday, October 29, 2015
The Auburn Plainsman: Game Day
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Statistics
Fun with numbers:Auburn versus Ole Miss N athan D eal Sports writer
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Auburn and Ole Miss will meet for the 40th time on Oct. 31. In the previous 39 meetings, Auburn is 29-10.
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Auburn is 14-2 against Ole Miss at Jordan-Hare Stadium, including five consecutive wins since 2005.
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This will be the third time in the last four meetings between the teams at Jordan-Hare that Ole Miss enters the game ranked and Auburn enters unranked. Auburn won the first two such meetings in 2009 and 2013.
·Auburn scored 46 points in last Satur-
day’s defeat against Arkansas. That’s the most points scored by the Tigers in a loss since a 56-49 loss to Georgia in 1996.
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After the loss to Arkansas, coach Gus Malzahn is now undefeated as a head coach against one SEC West team: Ole Miss. Malzahn is 2-0 against the Rebels and 6-7 against all other SEC West programs.
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The last two times Ole Miss beat Auburn, in 2008 and 2012, the Tigers failed to make a bowl game.
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Auburn is 25-1 against Ole Miss in seasons when the Tigers finish with a winning record. The lone Rebel win came in 2003, when Eli Manning led Ole Miss to a 24-20 win on the Plains.
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Auburn is 7-3 against Ole Miss in seasons in which the Tigers lose to Arkansas.
·All-time, when Ole Miss is ranked and
Auburn is unranked, Auburn is 5-2.
File photo
Linebackers Kris Frost (17) and Cassanova McKinzy (8) embrace after Auburn’s 35-31 win over Ole Miss on Nov. 1, 2014.
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The Auburn Plainsman: Game Day
Thursday, October 29, 2015
Quarterback
Sean White adjusting well to his role as starter E van M c C ullers
assistant sports editor
Just over a month removed from Sean White’s college debut against Mississippi State, the results of his tenure are positive in all categories except one — touchdowns. Only Charlotte’s Lee McNeill, who has 124 pass attempts, has thrown more passes than White’s 97 attempts without finding the end zone. Despite failing to score thus far, White has led the offense effectively since taking over the starting job from Jeremy Johnson after three games. His college debut came against Mississippi State, and White completed 20 passes on 28 attempts for 188 yards. White threw an interception on Auburn’s first drive against the Bulldogs, but he has protected the ball since. Under the direc-
tion of the redshirt freshman, Auburn has not recorded a turnover in the last three games after giving the ball away eight times in the three games under Johnson. After attempting only 10 passes in Auburn’s win over San Jose State, White led the offense into enemy territory for the first time as a starter. He helped Auburn to a 30-27 win over Kentucky in a Thursday night game, leading the offense to 407 total yards, its largest output of the season to that point. The Tigers topped that total the next week in a heartbreaking 54-46, four-overtime loss at Arkansas. White threw for 254 yards, falling one yard short of his total at Kentucky. White was also thrown into his first two-minute offense situation at Arkansas, and he responded by leading a 50-yard drive to set up a Daniel Carlson field goal
to force overtime. While White has only two wins to show for his efforts, he said he is learning more with each snap. “I think I’m just feeling more comfortable with every start,” White said. “I got two road starts in the last two weeks, and I think just every time I go out there I feel a little bit more comfortable.” Coach Gus Malzahn said White’s progress in the offense is evident every time he touches the ball. "I think you can see it, just the way he's managing the game," Malzahn said. "He's doing a good job with running our offense. You can see that he understands the progressions in the passing game, and he's just getting more and more comfortable each time out." White, a former four-star recruit from Boca Raton, Florida, is finally receiving an
opportunity at the college level after redshirting in 2014. While he said he takes his craft more seriously since being promoted to the starting job, White is still enjoying himself. “I wish we could of won a couple of those games, but I’m having fun playing with my teammates, playing for my coaches,” White said. “Playing in the SEC, especially as a redshirt freshman, it’s been a blessing. I’m just trying to take everything in stride and try to keep learning and getting better.” As long as the offense continues to produce and help the team, White seems content with however the touchdowns are scored. “They’ll come when they come,” White said. “As long as we’re scoring points and scoring touchdowns, that’s what’s important to me.”
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adam sparks / senior photographer
Sean White (13) celebrates Auburn’s 30-27 win over Kentucky with coach Gus Malzahn on Oct. 15.
Thursday, October 29, 2015
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The Auburn Plainsman: Game Day
Quarterback: Sean White - 13 Jeremy Johnson - 6
Left Tackle: Shon Coleman - 72 Robert Leff - 70
Defensive End: DaVonte Lambert - 6 Byron Cowart - 9
Linebacker: Justin Garrett - 26 Cassanova McKinzy - 8
Kicker: Daniel Carlson - 38 Ian Shannon - 43
Running Back: Peyton Barber - 25 Kerryon Johnson - 21
Left Guard: Alex Kozan - 63 Devonte Danzey - 53
Defensive Tackle: Dontavius Russell - 95 Devaroe Lawrence - 94
Field Corner: Jonathan Jones - 3 Jeremiah Dinson - 20
Punter: Kevin Phillips - 91 Ian Shannon - 43
Center: Austin Golson - 73 Devonte Danzey - 53
Defensive Tackle: Montravius Adams - 1 Maurice Swain - 90
Field Safety: Blake Countess - 24 Johnathan Ford - 23
Long Snapper: Ike Powell - 69 Zach Wade - 68
Right Guard: Braden Smith - 71 Will Adams - 74
Buck: Raashed Kennion - 59 Gimel President - 42
Boundary Safety: Tray Matthews - 28 Johnathan Ford - 23
Holder: Tyler Stovall - 29 Kevin Phillips - 91
Right Tackle: Avery Young - 56 Mike Horton - 64
Linebacker: Tre’ Williams - 30 Kris Frost - 17
Boundary Corner: Carlton Davis - 18 Jeremiah Dinson - 20
Punt Returner: Marcus Davis - 80 Jason Smith - 4
Nickel: Jeremiah Dinson - 20 Tim Irvin - 22
Kick Returner: Johnathan Ford - 23 Kerryon Johnson - 21
H-Back: Chandler Cox - 27 OR Kamryn Pettway - 36 Tight End: Jalen Harris - 85 Chris Laye - 46 Wide Receiver: Ricardo Louis - 5 Marcus Davis - 80 Melvin Ray - 82 Jason Smith - 4 Tony Stevens - 8
OLE MISS DEPTH CHART Quarterback: Chad Kelly - 10 DeVante Kincade - 2
Left Tackle: Laremy Tunsil - 78 Christian Morris - 71
Defensive End: Fadol Brown - 6 Channing Ward - 11
Outside Linebacker: Denzel Nkemdiche - 4 DeMarquis Gates - 31
Kicker: Gary Wunderlich - 97 Andy Pappanastos - 92
Running Back: Jaylen Walton - 6 Jordan Wilkins - 22
Left Guard: Aaron Morris - 72 Javon Patterson - 79
Defensive Tackle: Robert Nkemdiche - 5 Breeland Speaks - 9
Nickel: Mike Hilton - 38 A.J. Moore - 30
Punter: Will Gleeson - 94 Gary Wunderlich - 97
Tight End: Evan Engram - 17 Hunter Thurley - 84
Center: Ben Still - 64 OR Justin Bell - 68
Nose Tackle: Woodrow Hamilton - 56 D.J. Jones - 93
Cornerback: Kendarius Webster - 15 Carlos Davis - 23
Long Snapper: Will Few - 53 Chadwick Lamar - 57
Slot Receiver: Quincy Adeboyejo - 8 Markell Pack - 11
Right Guard: Rod Taylor - 73 Jordan Sims - 70
Defensive End: Marquis Haynes - 27 John Youngblood - 47
Free Safety: C.J. Hampton - 3 Chief Brown - 8
Holder: Ryan Buchanan - 9 Will Gleeson - 94
Wide Receiver: Laquon Treadwell - 1 Cody Core - 88 D. Stringfellow - 3 Derrick Jones - 19
Right Tackle: Fahn Cooper - 74 Sean Rawlings - 50
Middle Linebacker: Terry Caldwell - 21 Christian Russell - 20
Rover: Trae Elston - 7 C.J. Moore - 26
Punt Returner: Collins Moore - 16 OR Carlos Davis - 23
Right Cornerback: Tony Bridges - 1 Kailo Moore - 13
Kick Returner: Jaylen Walton - 6 Jordan Wilkins - 22
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The Auburn Plainsman: Game Day
Thursday, October 29, 2015
PLAINSMAN PICKS Sam Butler
Auburn vs. Ole Miss
TCU vs. West Virginia
Georgia vs. Florida
Notre Dame vs. Temple
Tennessee vs. Kentucky
Ole Miss
TCU
Florida
Notre Dame
Tennessee
Clemson
Ole Miss
TCU
Florida
Notre Dame
Tennessee
Clemson
Auburn
TCU
Florida
Notre Dame
Tennessee
Clemson
Auburn
TCU
Florida
Temple
Tennessee
Clemson
Ole Miss
TCU
Florida
Notre Dame
Tennessee
Clemson
Auburn
TCU
Florida
Notre Dame
Tennessee
Clemson
Auburn
West Virginia
Georgia
Temple
Tennessee
Clemson
Clemson vs. North Carolina State
Sports Editor (19-14)
Evan McCullers Asst. Sports Editor (18-15)
Emily Shoffit Sports Reporter (19-14)
Nathan Deal Sports Writer (14-15)
Meredith Brito Sports Writer (19-10)
Jim Little Editor-in-Chief (21-12)
Jordan Hays Managing Editor (17-16) (Picks via coin flip)
Thursday, October 29, 2015
The Auburn Plainsman: Game Day
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The Auburn Plainsman: Game Day
Thursday, October 29, 2015
Opinion
College football games to watch in week nine Nathan Deal Sports writer
No. 9 Notre Dame at No. 21 Temple, 7 p.m., ABC A game on nobody’s radar before the season has become a season-defining game for the Fighting Irish and the Owls. The Irish enter the game with a 6-1 record, the lone loss being on the road against undefeated Clemson, and are still in the thick of the playoff race. Temple is 7-0 and looking for the biggest win in school history, which would also make the Owls the best contender for a spot in a major bowl game. Temple is no stranger to hosting a big game. In the season opener, the Owls smashed in-state powerhouse Penn State, 27-10. No. 8 Stanford at Washington State, 9:30 p.m., ESPN In a division featuring the high-flying Oregon Ducks and the Jared Goff-led California Golden Bears, who would have expected the biggest game in the division would take place in Pullman, Washington? The Cardinal and Cougars have both rebounded well from
season-opening losses to Northwestern and FCS Portland State, respectively. Stanford has pounded its foes into submission with running back and Heisman contender Christian McCaffrey and a smothering defense en route to six consecutive wins. The Cougars have gone 5-1 and enter this game with three straight Pac-12 wins. The winner of this game will earn the top spot in the Pac12 North. No. 11 Florida vs. Georgia, 2:30 p.m., CBS In the 93rd or 94th (depending on which school you ask) meeting between these programs, the Gators are on the cusp of clinching the SEC East title. In their way is reeling Georgia, which has gone 1-2 in its last three games. Florida first-year head coach Jim McElwain has worked wonders for the Gators, leading his team to a 6-1 start thanks to an improved offense and a stingy defense. Last season, unranked Florida upset a highly ranked Georgia team in Jacksonville. Bulldog fans hope Georgia reverses that result this time around. No. 3 Clemson at NC State, 2:30 p.m., ABC/ESPN2 Clemson coach Dabo Swinney recently ranted to the media about the rampant use of the term “Clemsoning,” which is uttered every time Clemson loses a game that it shouldn’t.
Clemson has avoided “Clemsoning” situations this year, beating Louisville on the road on a Thursday night, weathering a storm against Notre Dame and destroying Miami 58-0 on its own field. Next lies a dangerous trap game at NC State. The Wolfpack has quietly gone 5-2 led by former Florida quarterback Jacoby Brissett, and Carter-Finley Stadium is one of the toughest places to play in the ACC. No. 12 Oklahoma State at Texas Tech, 2:30 p.m., ESPN Mike Gundy’s Cowboys have been one of the most quietly impressive teams in the country this year, starting 7-0 (4-0 Big 12). But the rest of the schedule is difficult, as this game in Lubbock begins a season-ending stretch that includes TCU, Baylor and Oklahoma. The Red Raiders have shown improvement from a season ago, starting 5-3 with a signature win at Arkansas, but they have struggled defensively against the Big 12’s elite. Texas Tech is 0-3 against ranked Big 12 opponents TCU, Baylor and Oklahoma this season, being outscored 181-114 – an average score of approximately 60-38. If the Cowboys want to remain in the playoff hunt, they’ll need to rely on their underrated defense to stop Kliff Kingsbury’s high-flying offense. Nathan can be reached at Sports@ThePlainsman.com.
Injury update
Carl Lawson returns to practice following hip injury E van M c C ullers
assistant sports editor
One of the most impactful defensive playmakers in the SEC, if not the country, will be back on the field soon for Auburn. Carl Lawson, who plays the ‘Buck’ linebacker position in Auburn’s defense, returned to the practice field Tuesday, Oct. 27. While coach Gus Malzahn said Lawson would participate in all parts of practice, he would not commit to the defensive end playing on Saturday against Ole Miss. “He’s been doing some things with the trainers and all that to try to get himself in shape … but there’s nothing like getting out
there and actually practicing. That’s why I kind of said I’m hesitant to say that right now he’ll play this Saturday.” Lawson, who missed the entire 2014 campaign after suffering a torn ACL in preseason practice, did not travel to Auburn’s first road trip at LSU, but he did go to road games at Kentucky and Arkansas to provide instruction and encouragement. “He’s one of our leaders,” Malzahn said. “His teammates have a lot of respect for him, as well as coaches do. We took him on our last two road games because of that. It’s definitely helped us.” Lawson has not played since he injured his hip in the first half of Auburn’s opening game against Louisville in the Georgia
Dome. The sophomore displayed his explosiveness against the Cardinals, recording four tackles, including two tackles for loss and a sack in the first half alone. It was not difficult to see the drop-off Auburn suffered when Lawson exited the Louisville game. In the first half, Auburn gave up 164 yards and zero points as Lawson wreaked havoc. The defense faltered without him, however, giving up 241 yards and 24 points. The defense struggled throughout Lawson’s absence, surrendering an average of 435 yards per game in the six games Lawson has missed. Specifically, the injury has hurt the Auburn pass rush, as Auburn is 13th in the SEC with 11 sacks.
With proficient spread offenses on the horizon for Auburn’s defense, cornerback Jonathan Jones said Lawson’s return couldn’t come at a better time. “Carl’s a great pass rusher,” Jones said. “Anytime you’re playing a team that throws the ball as much as Ole Miss, and we still have Texas A&M coming up, pass rush is going to be huge in both those games.” With injuries limiting his production the last two seasons, Malzahn said Lawson is ready to show what he can do on the field. “He’s a competitor,” Malzahn said. “He’s went through a lot. … Last year, having to sit out, that was tough on him. … He’s a kid of character and he’s a tough kid, so he’s excited to be back out there for his team.”
Thursday, October 29, 2015
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The Auburn Plainsman: Game Day
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