Auburn, Bama have tough tests

Published 12:01 am Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Eighteenth-ranked Auburn barely squeaked by with a win over Jacksonville State in overtime, No. 2 Alabama recovered after a slow start against Middle Tennessee State and Troy dominated over Charleston Southern on Saturday.

The Tigers fought back from a deficit for the majority of the game to the Gamecocks by making some stellar plays down the stretch, including a powerful run from Peyton Barber in the extra period that helped set up the game-winning touchdown.

JSU outgained Auburn in offense by 37 yards at 438-401 in the game.

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Barber rushed for 125 of those yards and a score to lead the pack. Quarterback Jeremy Johnson, who seemed off on the field, threw for 236 yards, two touchdowns and had two interceptions.

Alabama defeated MTSU 37-10 during a critical tune up week leading into its game against Ole Miss this week.

The Crimson Tide rolled to 532 yards on offense compared to Middle Tennessee’s 275.

Alabama’s starters didn’t spend much time on the field during the win.

Derrick Henry rushed for 96 yards and three touchdowns.

Kenyan Drake had a great all-purpose day for the Tide as he wracked up 202 yards and caught one touchdown reception.

For Troy, Brandon Burks had another good day with 50 yards and two scores on the ground. Teddy Ruben caught six passes for 89 yards and two touchdowns.

The Trojans outscored Charleston Southern 23-7 en route to the 44-16 victory.

While these wins are good, the next opponent for each will be even more difficult.

Alabama hosts No. 15 Ole Miss in a night game that will be televised by ESPN.

The Crimson Tide didn’t fair too well last season against the Rebels, losing 23-17.

In the loss, Ole Miss outscored Alabama 20-3 in the second half to pull out the win.

Auburn will have to travel to Death Valley to face LSU in Baton Rouge, La., for a day game.

Last season, AU defeated a young LSU team, 41-7.

With some experienced players on both sides of the ball, Auburn will have a tougher go of it this week.

Auburn’s game will be televised on CBS. Kick off is at 2:30 p.m.

Troy travels to face Wisconsin for an afternoon game at Camp Randall Stadium for a 2:30 p.m. kick off. The game will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network.