'I just had to step up' - Kamryn Pettway's career day in Auburn's road win

'I just had to step up' - Kamryn Pettway's career day in Auburn's road win'I just had to step up' - Kamryn Pettway's career day in Auburn's road win

Oct. 8, 2016

By Jeff Shearer
AuburnTigers.com

STARKVILLE, Miss. - Kamryn Pettway did not start against Mississippi State. But he did finish. Career highs in carries (39), yards (169) and touchdowns (3).

Taking over when Kerryon Johnson was injured on Auburn's second series, Pettway produced a monster first half, gaining 125 yards on 27 carries with 3 touchdowns.

"I had a pretty big workload when Kerryon went down, but I just had to step up and handle the job," said Pettway, who also went over the 100-yard mark against Arkansas State and Texas A&M.

The 39 carries, fourth all-time in Auburn history, nearly doubled Pettway's previous best of 20 in the A&M game.

"I was a little 'blowed,' after all of those carries," he said. "Just stick to the game plan and do what I was coached to do. I just go with the flow. I think I get stronger as a back, as I carry the ball and get a feel of the game."

In Auburn's previous game, against Louisiana-Monroe, Pettway sat out, nursing an injury while Johnson handled the bulk of the rushing.

"It was a little bit of payback," Pettway said of the role reversal. "He had to carry the load last week, so I had to step up and do it this time.

"It says a lot about me and Kerryon," Pettway said. "I think we're a good combination. And when one of us goes down, the other one just has to pick up the slack."

Auburn's balanced offense ended with 432 yards: 228 rushing and 204 passing.

"I think we have a lot of confidence," Pettway said. "After a couple weeks ago getting a big win against LSU, I think that gave us a lot of confidence coming into this game."

Pettway made sure to credit Auburn's offensive line for the role it played in his big day.

"I give all my ups to my O-line because they're half of the reason why I do what I can do," he said.

For their part, Auburn's blockers were equally impressed with Pettway's performance.

"He's a beast. That's just all there is to it," said Austin Golson, Pettway's former high school teammate at Prattville. "He breaks tackles. He hits the right holes. He does everything he's asked. He's just a tough guy."

"39 carries? Dear Lord," said guard Alex Kozan. "He's a beast. I don't know any other way to describe that. He runs people over, and he's ready to go the next play."

So, Kamryn, how about it? Are you a beast?

"I seem to think I am," he said. "I'm not cocky, though."

Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on Twitter: Follow @jeff_shearer