Grading the Game: Auburn edges past California

Auburn's defense shines in a 14-10 win over Cal, forcing turnovers and shutting down the rushing attack.

Auburn's victory over Cal on Saturday night was hard-fought and not without its challenges. Despite struggling on offense and consistently giving the Golden Bears favorable field position, Auburn's defense stepped up to the plate. They forced three turnovers and held Cal to just three points on four drives that began in Auburn territory.

One of the standout players was linebacker Eugene Asante, who led the team with 12 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss. His exceptional performance was crucial to Auburn's success. Let's take a closer look at Asante's performance and the overall grades for the Tigers.

The quarterbacks, Payton Thorne and Robby Ashford, received a higher grade thanks to Thorne's impressive drive in the fourth quarter. They completed 10-of-17 passes for 94 yards and two touchdowns. However, both quarterbacks struggled throughout the game and were often saved by the defense.

The running backs were expected to be the focal point of the offense, but they were unable to make much headway against Cal's strong defensive front. Damari Alston and Jarquez Hunter both had costly fumbles that could have cost Auburn the game. While they had some impressive runs, their ball security needs improvement.

Wide receiver Rivaldo Fairweather played a crucial role in Auburn's victory, making two impressive catches in the fourth quarter. He showcased his dependability and provided a reliable target for Thorne. However, Auburn's other receivers struggled to get open, leaving Fairweather as the only receiver to catch a pass.

Auburn's offensive line had a tough time generating a push against Cal's defensive line, resulting in limited running room for the backs. They also allowed three sacks and committed three penalties, making it even harder for the struggling offense.

On the defensive side, Auburn's ability to shut down Cal's rushing attack was commendable. The defensive line, led by Marcus Harris and Mosiah Nasili-Kite, set the tone for the rest of the defense. They disrupted Cal's offense all night and limited their rushing yards.

Eugene Asante was a standout player, flying all over the field and making big hits on running backs. Auburn's secondary also played a significant role, forcing turnovers and holding Cal to just 160 passing yards. The secondary has exceeded expectations so far this season.

Special teams proved to be a difference-maker in the game. Auburn executed flawlessly, with Alex McPherson making both extra points and Oscar Chapman consistently pinning Cal deep in their own territory. While there were no major returns, there were also no costly mistakes, aside from one poor decision by Brian Battie.

In terms of coaching, the defensive staff performed admirably, shutting down Cal's rushing attack and making necessary adjustments. Ron Roberts dialed up effective blitzes and kept the defense focused despite the offense's struggles. On the other hand, the offensive staff failed to find rhythm and made questionable play calls on third down. The defensive staff deserves credit for saving the game.

Overall, Auburn's victory was hard-fought and highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of the team. The defense was the standout unit, while the offense struggled to find its footing. Improvements in ball security, quarterback play, and offensive coordination will be crucial moving forward.