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Three winners from Auburn’s win over Georgia State

lance dawe
·2 min read

“Stress-free football.” Those are three words you will never hear from an Auburn fan.

The Tigers managed to mount a huge comeback in the fourth quarter on homecoming after being down 24-12 at the half against Georgia State. It was not the ideal homecoming, but it made for dramatic football. Bo Nix was benched late in the third quarter for backup QB TJ Finley. Head coach Bryan Harsin said they were willing to try everything to get back into the game.

Harsin: “We hadn’t really done anything. I made the decision to change and try to create some type of momentum… We had played every running back. We played every wide receiver. You aren’t going to change the offensive line. That was my decision.”

Here are three winners from Auburn’s dramatic win over Georgia State on Saturday.

1. TJ Finley

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When you think a season with a first-year head coach couldn’t get any spicier, throw in some quarterback controversy for taste. Even though Finley led a 98-yard go-ahead touchdown drive in the waning seconds of the game, Harsin said he isn’t ready to name anyone anything just yet. He wants to see this team get better.

“I don’t have to tell anyone what the gameplan is. Alright, I played it. I coached it. Those guys, the quarterback position, you get yourself ready like everybody else. Bottom line. You’re part of this team.”

We will have to wait and see who will be QB1 against LSU. If it means anything, Pro Football Focus thinks TJ Finley played very well on Saturday.

2. Special Teams

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Carlson made four of his five field goal attempts. Special teams blocked and returned a punt for a touchdown. Nehemiah Pritchett had 183 kick return yards. Hard to ask for much more from your special teams unit.

3. Shedrick Jackson

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Shedrick Jackson’s redemption arc begins now. After a poor showing through his first three games, Jackson caught four passes for 70 yards and the game-winning touchdown.

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