Powers named SEC defensive player of week
Defense proved to be the key in Auburn's win over then-No. 4 Florida last Saturday and cornerback Jerraud Powers had one of the best games for that group.
Powers had a career-high nine tackles and a key pass breakup on third down which forced a Florida punt and gave the Tigers a chance to drive for the win.
His efforts garnered him Southeastern Conference defensive player of the week honors, along with teammate Wes Byrum, who was named the special teams player of the week for his game-winning kick.
"Jerraud tackled well in space," Auburn defensive coordinator Will Muschamp said. "He made a lot of plays on the ball. He shows up in all the right spots. He's playing well at nickel and corner."
Powers, a 5-foot-9, 183-pounder from Decatur, Ala., helped Auburn hold Florida to 205 yards and 32 points below its season averages. Auburn allowed just one play for more than 25 yards and forced a three-and-out on five of 10 offensive possessions. He leads the team with 29 tackles, including 18 solo stops, and four pass deflections.
The Tigers took Monday off, although head coach Tommy Tuberville urged his team to watch film on Vanderbilt during the day. They'll return to practice this morning.
Bigger role
Auburn offensive coordinator Al Borges said he'd like to see freshman quarterback Kodi Burns have a bigger role in this week's 12:30 p.m. game against Vanderbilt.
He said he scripted plays for Kodi Burns, which included bringing him in on the goal line and also pushing him out to receiver for one play. Kodi Burns scored on a 6-yard run, but dropped the pass from Brandon Cox. He finished with three carries for 5 yards.
"He did get a couple of shots in there," Borges said. "We're going to expand Kodi as we go. This last game, being at Florida and all, we probably did it about right. This next game, we'll try to get him a little more."
The improved play of senior Brandon Cox has enabled Borges to have more leeway with how he handles Kodi Burns. The improved play of the offense has taken pressure of Cox, and he's played better. That allows Borges to use Kodi Burns in good situations.
Blackmon returns
Muschamp said linebacker Tray Blackmon, a former LaGrange High standout, played 28 snaps in Saturday's win over Florida.
Blackmon didn't have the same impact as he did against Florida a year ago, but he finished with two assisted tackles.
"He played well in regular and nickel," Muschamp said. "You have to watch his reps. He hasn't done a whole lot in a month. You have to get back in football shape."
Blackmon has been out since the first half of the season opener with an ankle injury. Expected to be a huge part of the defense, Blackmon has seen limited time. He has five tackles, an interception, a hurry and a pass deflection in two games.
Corralling the boss
Muschamp said he didn't get an assisted tackle, for steering his boss off the field after a bad call.
"No production," joked Muschamp, who grades his players on production, not tackles.
Tuberville went ballistic following a judgment call by the referees on an interference call on Eric Brock on a punt. Brock hit the Florida returner just moments after he made the catch, but drew a flag.
Muschamp eventually pulled Tuberville back to the sidelines, preventing a possible unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and another 15 yards given to the Gators.
"The referee looked at me and said, 'You better come get him.' I figured it was time," Muschamp said.
[More at www.ledger-enquirer.com]
|
