Auburn had their annual inner-squad “A-Day” game today inside Jordan-Hare Stadium. The biggest question going into today was who will get the most playing time at the quarterback position. The new look of the defense was also a big talking point.
Evan McGuire kicked off for Team Auburn, Nemiah Pritchett returned it for Team Tigers. T.J. Finley was the first quarterback to play today which was expected. He completed his first pass to Malcom Johnson JR. Team Tigers had a solid drive down the field. T.J. Finley capped the drive off with a 20-yard touchdown pass to Malcom Johnson JR. The drive covered 80 yards in 13 plays.
Robby Ashford was the first quarterback to take snaps for Team Auburn. His first pass was a 20-yard completion to Ze’Vian Caspers. Team Tigers drove down to the four-yard line, but the drive ended with a missed field goal by Marshall Meyers.
Both teams followed that up with drives that ended in punts.
Team Tigers ended the first half with a long drive that ended in a made field goal by Ben Patton. They held a 10-0 lead at the half.
The only points scored in the third quarter was a field goal for Team Auburn, hit by Ben Patton.
Holden Geriner came into the game for Team Auburn in the fourth quarter. The four-star quarterback from Savannah, GA getting some reps was a big talking-point coming into today. The drive was capped off with a 19-yard touchdown pass from Holden Geriner to Landon King. Team Auburn elected to go for a two-point conversion to try to take the lead. The attempt was no good. When asked about freshman quarterback Holden Geriner, Harsin said, “He can play. There is no doubt about it”.
Team Tigers won the game 10-9.
Senior defensive lineman Derrick Hall was asked about the team’s preparation for today. He answered, “I thought our preparation was pretty good.” He added, “Guys have made strides over spring as a whole and we had two scrimmages before this one.”
Senior wide receiver Shedrick Jackson was asked about the leadership role he has been playing in the receive room. He said, “I’ve had to step my game up. I don’t talk that much so I have to step my game up to be more vocal” He added, “They look up to me and they follow me.”
Junior cornerback Jaylin Simpson was asked what come next for the team. He answered, “We’ve been trying to work on our bonding and relationships and just trying to get closer with each other. He added, “I think that will be the first thing to grow as a team, but football wise just crafting”.
Head coach Bryan Harsin commented on Junior quarterback T.J. Finley. He said, “T.J. has really stepped up as a leader.” He also commented on the two-point conversion attempt at the end of the game. He said, “It was fun to have the opportunity to end it that way.” When asked if Robby Ashford could start for Auburn, Harsin said, “We haven’t named a starter yet. As far as I know.”
Auburn’s first game of the 2022 season will be against the Mercer Bears at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 3.
