AUBURN, Ala. – In a video recorded before the 2021 season and recently posted on Auburn football's social media channels, Carnell Williams shares his story with the Tigers before concluding, "It's all about the ball."
Fifteen months later, after his first victory as Auburn's interim head coach, Williams brought a football with him to his postgame press conference after the Tigers' 13-10 victory, the game ball he'd been given moments earlier from Derick Hall on behalf of Auburn's captains.
"'Coach, we appreciate what you have done, how you have poured into our lives and believed in us,'" Williams said, recalling the presentation. "For those young men to present me with that game ball is everything. I'm forever grateful."
"It was amazing," Hall said. "That's an honor. This guy has been here, he knows what it's like to play at Auburn, he's been where I'm trying to get. All the hard work he's put in, he's very deserving of that game ball and this team couldn't be more proud."
Leading by example through serving, being disciplined, and believing.
— Auburn Football (@AuburnFootball) November 13, 2022
That's @CoachCaddy24 🦅 pic.twitter.com/t7gPblozqL
ONE-TWO PUNCH
Reprising their accomplishment vs. Alabama State last season, Tank Bigsby and Jarquez Hunter each eclipsed the 100-yard rushing mark, Bigsy's 12th such outing and Hunter's third.
"This my first 100-yard game this season and to top off that with a win, it feels great," Hunter said.
Bigsby gained 121 yards on 23 carries while Hunter tallied 121 yards on 13 rushes, becoming the 50th player in Auburn history to reach the 1,000-yard career rushing mark.
"A lot of our work we put in offseason to now and it's good to be able to see it pay off," said Bigsby, who ranks No. 9 in program history with 2,735 career rushing yards. "We push each other every day and we strive for greatness. And we try to be the best to ever do it."
PASSING THE TORCH
For nine seasons (2014-22), the Brothers Carlson handled Auburn's kicking duties with record-setting excellence.
On Saturday, with Carlson's final season ended by an injury, the torch was passed to Alex McPherson, who kicked two field goals to provide Auburn's margin of victory.
"Never really got scared, never really got frightened of an opportunity to go out there and kick," said McPherson, after receiving a congratulatory hug from Williams. "I've had a fun time sitting behind Anders, learning as much as I can from him. He's been a great mentor to me. Learning everything from him, getting to hear all the ideas he has for me. It was fun to get to go out there and finally unleash it and get to experience it."
After a postgame hug from @CoachCaddy24, @AuburnFootball K @AlexMc83 recaps his college football debut:
— Jeff Shearer (@jeff_shearer) November 13, 2022
"It was fun to… finally unleash it."
+ words of appreciation for @anderscarlson_ : "He's been a great mentor to me."#WarEagle pic.twitter.com/HaKO9aVqTH
RECORD SETTER
In Auburn's storied 130-year history, legends have donned the orange and blue, from Heisman Trophy winners to All-Americans.
None has played more games than tight end John Samuel Shenker, who set the program record Saturday, breaking T.D. Moultry's mark of 59 from 2017-21.
"I was fortunate enough to not have any major injuries, push through some pain and be able to continue to play the game I love. That drive for all these years has pushed me to do that," said Shenker, who redshirted in 2017 before playing five seasons for the Tigers, utilizing an extra season of NCAA eligibility after the pandemic.
"I had no idea I had a chance to do it. After the game I was approached and told. That's a real honor, especially with all of the guys who have come before me and played so many games. To be able to stand alone at the top as most games played is truly an honor."
Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on Twitter: @jeff_shearer