Auburn's A-Day leaves Gus Malzahn feeling 'very good about our overall team'

Auburn's A-Day leaves Gus Malzahn feeling 'very good about our overall team'Auburn's A-Day leaves Gus Malzahn feeling 'very good about our overall team'

Box Score | Photo Gallery

By Jeff Shearer
AuburnTigers.com

AUBURN, Ala. - Anders Carlson kicked four field goals, C.J. Tolbert had a 79-yard run and scored both touchdowns, and the No.1 defense held the No. 2 offense to minus-5 yards in the first half, leading the Orange team to an 18-10 victory Saturday in Auburn's A-Day game.

"What really stood out to me is our defense played extremely well," Auburn coach Gus Malzahn said. "Our second defense played well, too. They've done that all spring."

In 14 first-half plays, Auburn's first-team defense recorded five tackles for loss, including defensive MVP Nick Coe's sack for a safety.

Derrick Brown, Marlon Davidson and Jeremiah Dinson each added TFLs to Coe's two in the first half. Big Kat Bryant added two tackles for loss in the second half for the Blue team. Bryant also forced and recovered a fumble.

Carlson connected on all four attempts, from 45, 38, 41 and 53 yards, earning special teams MVP honors.

"He's done that all spring, too," Malzahn said. "That was very encouraging to see him out there kicking the way he has been up to this point, in front of a crowd."

Playing for both teams, offensive MVP Tolbert led all rushers with 137 yards on 16 carries. He scored a 2-yard touchdown after his 79-yard gain, the only touchdown in the first half.

JaTarvious Whitlow gained 41 yards on eight carries in the first half, showing elusiveness and quickness. Whitlow finished with 14 carries for 98 yards.

"Tailback wise, our plan was to rotate those guys, especially the young guys, see what they can do," Malzahn said. "They held on to the football. That was my main thing. You could see those young guys have a lot of ability, broke some tackles, did some good things."

Nate Craig-Myers made the longest reception of the first half, a 15-yarder from Malik Willis in traffic, leading to Carlson's third field goal.

Marquis McClain hauled in a 47-yard highlight reel catch from Wil Appleton in the fourth quarter, bobbling the ball into the air before making the grab while on his knees. Tolbert capped the drive with his second touchdown, a 2-yarder.

Auburn held out offensive veterans Ryan Davis, Chandler Cox and Kam Martin, with some batting nagging injuries. Their absence allowed Auburn's coaches to evaluate less proven players, Malzahn said.

Willis and Joey Gatewood quarterbacked the first and second-team offenses, while returning starter Jarrett Stidham participated in 7-on-7 before the scrimmage.

"It was good to see those guys out in front of a crowd," Malzahn said. "Overall, both sides of the football got after it and had fun out there playing in front of our home crowd."

A rainy morning gave way to a cloudy and cool, but dry, afternoon, with 28,033 attending.

"I appreciate our fans coming out," Malzahn said. "The forecast was miserable. It was raining all day until the kick. Really appreciate those guys coming out."

Auburn will conclude spring practice with workouts on Monday and Tuesday.

"Our defense has a chance to be really good," Malzahn said. "From a head coach's standpoint, I feel very good about our overall team."

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