AUBURN, Ala. – Following a 56-23 win over Mississippi State where the offense scored eight touchdowns, including six in the first half, it was no surprise to see the SEC recognize two offensive players from Auburn on Monday in the weekly awards.
Quarterback Bo Nix earned SEC Freshman of the Week after throwing for 335 yards and touchdowns on 16 of 21 passing in Saturday's victory. It was the first 300-yard passing game in his career and the fourth 300-yard passing game by a freshman in Auburn history. The other three were by Stan White in 1990.
Nix also rushed for 56 yards on seven carries and scored his second rushing touchdown of the season with a nine-yard run in the first quarter.
"I think you see him getting more comfortable every game and every snap," Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn said after the game. "The game gets slower, and he was really accurate with his throws. He made some very good throws on intermediate and deep routes. He hurt them with his feet. Anytime a quarterback can hurt you with his feet and throw like he did tonight, that's a good thing."
The SEC also named Auburn's Mike Horton the SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week. The senior guard helped pave the way as the Tigers rushed for 217 yards and six touchdowns, five in the first half, and accounted for nearly 600 yards of total offense in Saturday's rout.
The 56 points scored tied the most Auburn had ever scored against Mississippi State.
With Nix and Horton this week, the Tigers have now had a player recognized by the SEC after every game this season. This is the second time Nix has been the Freshman of the Week. He also received the honor after leading Auburn past Oregon in the season opener.
Sept. 23: Derrick Brown (Defensive Lineman of the Week)
Sept. 16: Marlon Davidson (Defensive Lineman of the Week)
Sept. 9: Marlon Davidson (Defensive Lineman of the Week)
Sept. 2: Jeremiah Dinson (Defensive Player of the Week), Bo Nix (Freshman of the Week)