Player Ratings: Auburn-South Carolina
The following ratings are awarded on a 1-10 scale to the top 11 offensive players, 11 defensive players, and three substitutes for Auburn in today’s game.
Auburn Offense:
Cam Newton, QB - 9.0 (Star of the Game)
Saved one of his more impressive outings for the SEC Championship: 408 total yards and six touchdowns for the runaway Heisman frontrunner.
Mike Dyer, TB - 6.5
Added some motor to the Auburn ground game late, tallying a total of 64 yards.
Philip Lutzenkirchen, HB - 5.5
Had an 18-yard reception in the first half, but an out-of-character holding call cost Auburn a touchdown drive late in the second quarter.
Darvin Adams, WR - 8.5
The former Outback Bowl MVP had his best game of the fall, besting the South Carolina secondary for 217 yards and two touchdowns.
Terrell Zachery, WR - 5.0
Totaled five yards of offense and dropped what would have been an impressive touchdown grab after a beautiful throw by Cam Newton.
Emory Blake, WR - 7.5
Emerged as a second long-ball threat for Cam Newton with 63 receiving yards and one touchdown.
Lee Ziemba, OT - 8.0
Cam Newton had all kinds of time, thanks in large part to the senior left tackle.
Mike Berry, OG - 7.5
Was the key blocker for several of Cam Newton’s dashes.
Ryan Pugh, C - 7.5
Along with Byron Isom, helped pop open the middle for the likes of Mike Dyer.
Byron Isom, OG - 8.0
Perhaps the most underrated on the Auburn offensive line, he made the middle accessible to Mike Dyer and Cam Newton. South Carolina didn’t have an answer.
Brandon Mosley, OT - 7.5
After a rocky start to his Auburn career, he has enjoyed two flawless outings against Alabama and South Carolina.
**
Auburn Defense:
Antoine Carter, DE - 6.0
Stayed strong against quarterback Stephen Garcia while only earning one tackle on the night.
Nick Fairley, DT - 7.5
Concluded an arguably award-winning 2010 campaign with four tackles and a sack.
Zach Clayton, DT - 6.0
Chased Stephen Garcia around in the pocket, earning one tackle for his efforts.
Nosa Eguae, DE - 7.0
The freshman’s rapid improvement continues with a four-tackle performance in the SEC Title Game.
Craig Stevens, OLB - 6.5
Did he best to contain Marcus Lattimore, picking up three solo tackles.
Josh Bynes, MLB - 6.5
Didn’t hesitate to knock a few heads (three tackles), but his leadership on the defensive calls paved the way for the Tigers’ most impressive defensive showing of the season.
Daren Bates, OLB - 8.0
Channeled his defensive back with a swooping first half interception; also corralled six tackles for the Tigers.
T’Sharvan Bell, CB - 8.5
In a surprise move, Bell made his first career start matter: he led the Tigers with nine tackles, slowed future pro Alshon Jeffery to just 36 yards receiving, and ran back a Stephen Garcia interception for a touchdown.
Zac Etheridge, S - 7.0
Got burned on the Alshon Jeffery touchdown haul, but his seven tackles helped the Tigers hold the Gamecocks to only two touchdowns.
Mike McNeil, S - 6.5
Secured five tackles on the evening.
Demond Washington, CB - 6.0
Only two kick returns turned in (for 42 yards) and one tackle, but despite letting up three receptions to receiver Tori Gurley, maintained balance in a solid outing for the defensive back corps.
**
Auburn Key Subs:
Onterio McCalebb, TB - 6.5
Only three rushes for 30 yards for Auburn’s speed back, but he made his presence known on the day’s first touchdown with a rare reception out of the backfield.
Neiko Thorpe, CB - 6.5
Didn’t start for the first time this season, but contributed to Auburn’s great defensive showing, accumulating four tackles and a pass breakup.
Eric Smith, HB - 6.0
Answered when called upon, making two catches (one on a shovel pass) for 23 yards.
@davidsmith28 @auburnjunglecat
The Jungle Cat is an online magazine dedicated to Auburn Tigers football, written by David Smith.
