The top plays from Auburn’s 31-15 win over Vanderbilt

The Auburn Tigers continued their winning ways on Saturday, mashing the Vanderbilt Commodores 31-15 in Nashville.

Auburn’s offense relied on the big play, as running back Jarquez Hunter rushed for two long touchdowns on his way to 183 rushing yards.

Quarterback Payton Thorne was solid again, although he did throw a pick-six to give the Commodores life in the second half.

The win puts the Tigers in a great position to qualify for a bowl game, as they need just one more win over their last three games to secure a .500 record.

Here are some of the top plays from the victory.

Jarquez Hunter gets the scoring started

The Auburn offensive line has been outstanding the last few weeks in pass protection and the run game.

Jarquez Hunter had gaping hole after gaping hole to run through against Vanderbilt. None was bigger than this beautiful first touchdown.

Hunter waltzes to through a monstrous hole on this play thanks to an amazing second tier block by last week’s SEC Freshmen on the Week Connor Lew,

Guard Cam Stutts makes a solid seal block as well, though he may have gotten away with a hold.

Hunter does the rest, as Auburn sets the tone early.

Lawrence Johnson's tackle for loss recaptures the Momentum

With the Auburn offense struggling in the second half, it was once again left to the defense to carry the Tigers to a victory.

Vanderbilt had a chance to cut the Auburn lead to one possession early in the fourth quarter. Tigers defensive lineman Lawrence Johnson had other plans.

Johnson shoots the gap on this third and one, forcing a Vandy punt and giving the Tigers some needed breathing room.

Payton Thorne finds Rivaldo Fairthweather for 53-yard score

Payton Thorne and the passing attack have found their rythm the last few weeks.

After throwing for 230 yards and 3 touchdowns against Mississippi State, Thorne threw for 194 and 2 touchdowns against Vandy.

This 54-yard strike to tight end Rivaldo Fairweather was the highlight of the day for the junior quarterback.

Thorne delivers a great ball and his favorite target does the rest, making a solid grab and rumbling through the green grass in front of him.

Auburn's defense comes up with a huge sack

Auburn held a comfortbale lead for most of the game, but things did get iffy late in the fourth quarter as Vanderbilt had a first down and goal down with a chance to cut the Auburn lead to a single score.

The Auburn defense put a stop to any hope the Commodores had at making a comeback with an empathetic sack to set Vandy well behind the sticks.

Linebacker Cam Riley gets the credit in the stat sheet, but this sack was truly a fantastic overall effort from the Tigers’ front seven.

Story originally appeared on Auburn Wire