Auburn Football Notebook: Showtime on the Plains

AUBURN, Ala. – While Jeremiah Cobb celebrated in the north end zone after scoring his second touchdown in the Tigers’ 42-3 win Saturday over Ball State, his signature lit up the south end zone 100 yards away, showcasing Auburn’s new laser and light show.  

“That’s awesome,” said Cobb, who rushed for a career-high 121 yards on only 11 carries, his first 100-yard game. “It’s a blessing to be a part of a program that has things like that. An amazing crowd every night. Jordan Hare night games are just different, always will be.”

In his Jordan-Hare debut, receiver Eric Singleton Jr. joined Cobb in the two-TD club.

“I’m looking around, amazed where I was, thanking God for where I was,” Singleton said. “This is my first time ever even coming to an Auburn game. For me to be a part of my first one, it was a blessing.”

Saturday marked the 16^th consecutive sellout at Jordan-Hare Stadium, dating to the beginning of the 2023 season, one shy of the program record which the Tigers will tie this Saturday at Homecoming vs. South Alabama.

“The fans here at Auburn are so special,” outside linebackers coach Roc Bellantoni said. “Jordan-Hare at night never disappoints. Coach Freeze talked to our team about that (Friday) night. The people who show up and sacrifice to come watch us play and how much they love their Tigers. We’re really thankful that they do. We wanted to put on a good show for them tonight.”

CRAWFORD COMES THROUGH AGAIN

Senior Keyron Crawford recorded a sack for the second straight game, notching two vs. Ball State to bring his season total to three after not recording any sacks last season.

“Doing my job is the biggest part, and playing our defense as I’m taught, week in and week out,” Crawford said.

“He’s one of the most improved players – not only on our team – but maybe in the country,” Bellantoni said. “The guy is becoming a true NFL prospect. He’s really playing well and coming on. I’m really proud of him. He’s done a great job as has the rest of the group.”

“I feel like that’s a true statement,” Crawford said, concurring with his position coach’s assessment. “I stand by that. Coach Roc has coached me to his fullest potential and I appreciate him for everything he’s doing. He’s coaching all the edges, all the outside linebackers, and the future is very bright for our room.”

Linebacker Xavier Atkins also stuffed the stat sheet to the tune of four tackles for loss among five stops, including two sacks.

“He’s fun to watch,” Bellantoni said. “He’s a ball of energy out there. Our guys feed off him, I’m sure the crowd is going to feed off him.”

PAT DYE REUNION

During halftime, Auburn honored former players from the Pat Dye era (1981-92), culminating a weekend of events in celebration of Dye’s four SEC championships and the 1983 national championship.

“You had to stop the run and be able to stop the pass,” said Joe Whitt, who coached defense at Auburn for 25 years, including all 12 seasons under Dye. “From an offensive standpoint, his philosophy was don’t turn the ball over. That’s the way we won. You take the ball away defensively and don’t turn it over offensively and play hard. Be tougher than the opponent.

“He always said you can’t just show up and be physical. You’ve got to practice and live like that.”

More than 200 of Dye’s former players attended the reunion, a testament to the bond they built with each other and with their half of fame coach.

“He was a tough, hard-nosed man,” Whitt said. “The most lovable guy you’re ever going to meet in your life. He didn’t mind tearing up. Many times talking to the team before or after a game, he could not fully express himself from his heart without shedding a tear. That’s the kind of guy he was: kindness but tough. Tough love.”

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