Auburn football notebook: shutout 'big' for top-ranked defense

Auburn football notebook: shutout 'big' for top-ranked defenseAuburn football notebook: shutout 'big' for top-ranked defense
Jacob Taylor/AU Athletics

Roger McCreary

AUBURN, Ala. – Through two games, Auburn's 10 points allowed in consecutive games is the fewest in 15 years, since the 2007 Tigers gave up only a field goal to Ole Miss and Tennessee Tech.

After producing its first shutout since a 52-0 victory vs. Samford in 2019, the Tigers rank No. 1 nationally in scoring defense at 5 points per game, tied with Georgia.

"That means a lot," Auburn linebacker Zakoby McClain said. "It gives us a lot of confidence going into Penn State, knowing that we can stop people from scoring."

"Coach Mason always preaches about trying to get shutouts," defensive back Nehemiah Pritchett said. "That's what we were aiming at the whole time so getting a shutout was big for the defense.

"I feel like we're in a good spot, but there's always a chance to improve and get better. Something we can work on is communicating better when we're on the field."

After leading the nation with 113 tackles in 2020, McClain has led Auburn in both games this season, including 10 tackles against the Hornets.

"I don't want to be a one-hit wonder," McClain said of his reliable production. "I've got to always be consistent. I always want to get double digits. I really was mad about the 10 tackles. I wanted 13, but I didn't play in the fourth quarter, so it's okay.

"Everybody trusts each other and we want to play hard for each other. We all want to make plays so we can win. We're all dedicated and we have a good coaching staff behind us."

"I thought we tackled well, Zakoby in particular," Auburn coach Bryan Harsin said. "He's got a great feel for the run game. He's really almost playing tailback on the defensive side. He sees the hole, he's able to hit it, and he plays with great pad level."

Auburn's defense also scored when Roger McCeary returned an interception 35 yards for a touchdown.Zakoby McClain led Auburn with 10 tackles vs. Alabama State

HAT TRICK

In just his second game at Auburn, graduate transfer receiver Demetris Robertson scored three touchdowns, the Tigers' first hat trick since JaTarvious Whitlow in 2019 against Mississippi State.

Robertson scored his first two touchdowns on receptions of 6 and 28 yards.

"It was great. We needed those momentum plays and I had to do it for my teammates," Robertson told the Auburn Sports Network. "They were all counting on me to make those catches.
 
"It was very satisfying. I'm grateful for my opportunities, for my teammates and for the coaches putting me in these positions to help the team out."
 
 Robertson scored his third touchdown on a 36-yard reverse.
 
"It all came down to the blocking," he said. "I was trying to feel the defense out and feel my blocks out. I just took off down the sidelines and everything was good."Hat trick: Demetris Robertson scored three touchdowns in his second Auburn game
 
SPECIAL TEAMS

If you're good enough to start for the Auburn Tigers, you'll have a role on special teams. So says the head coach.

"We like to have our best players out there," Harsin said. "If you want to be out there making a difference in a game, you want to find a way to be on special teams."

The emphasis paid dividends Saturday with Auburn blocking a punt and a field goal in the same game for the first time since the Tigers played the Hornets in 2013.

Auburn kicked a field goal after Barton Lester blocked a punt. After Colby Wooden blocked ASU's field goal attempt, Nehemiah Pritchett returned it 80 yards for a touchdown.

"We created momentum on special teams, defense and offense," Harsin said. "Everybody got rolling together. When you have that, you have a chance to go put up some big points."Run it back: Nehehiah Pritchett returned a blocked field goal attempt 80 yards for a touchdown

PENN STATE PREVIEW

After two home games, the No. 22 Tigers play at No. 10 Penn State Saturday at 6:30 p.m. in a top 25 matchup on ABC that merits a visit from ESPN College GameDay.
 
"I love road games because it shows how close the team is," Robertson said. "We have to be close because that's all we have on the road, our football family. I love the crowd and the people going against you. It's extra juice for us to win the game and to be great on offense, special teams and defense."
 
Penn State fans are planning to wear white to Beaver Stadium, capacity 106,572.

"It starts at practice, getting yourself ready and prepared for a big game like that, so you already have that confidence going it," Pritchett said. "Definitely excited. I've been hearing about the white out. Can't wait to get there."

 "I heard about the white out," McClain said. "I heard it's loud and crazy. I don't really let the fans get to me. I know how to tune the fans out."

SUPER BOWL CHAMPS

Auburn recognized former defensive backs Carlton Davis and Jamel Dean during the Alabama State game for helping the Tampa Bay Buccaneers win Super Bowl LV.

"It's bringing back so many memories from practice through camp," said Davis, who intercepted a pass Thursday in Tampa Bay's season-opening win vs. Dallas. "All the hard work we put in right here. The Alabama game, the Georgia game, 2017. It's all so surreal right now being back on this field reliving those moments."

"It's an awesome feeling," Dean said. "It's an amazing atmosphere. I just miss it. It's been forever since I've been here."

Davis wore his Super Bowl ring, which features 319 diamonds to commemorate the Bucs' 31-9 victory over Kansas City.

"You put in hard work and you get something like this sometimes," Davis said.
 

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