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Running backs

After weeks of hearing about the desire to establish a run-first offensive identity, Auburn finally had a break-out performance on the ground. Tre Mason had a career-high 22 carries for a career-high 152 yards with a touchdown — his fifth TD in the last four games. Onterio McCalebb had eight carries for 113 yards and two touchdowns and it marked the first time the Tigers had two 100-yard rushers since 2010 against LSU when Cam Newton (217) and Michael Dyer (100) accomplished the feat. Mike Blakely had six carries for 24 yards — his first touches since against Arkansas — Corey Grant added eight yards on four carries — his first of the season — and Jay Prosch scored his first career touchdown on a 1-yard run as the Tigers racked up 311 yards on the ground.<br>

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Jonathan Wallace

In his debut as Auburn’s starting quarterback, true freshman Jonathan Wallace was not particularly impressive. Wallace went 9 for 16 for 164 yards with a touchdown and an interception but a lot of his production happened when the game was already well in hand. He was just 4 for 10 for 50 yards with an INT in the first half as the Tigers clung to a 7-0 lead at the break. Wallace did take a hard hit early and stayed in the game and showed some poise as the Tigers did not allow a sack for the first time this season.<br>

By the Numbers

62 – Distance of Daren Bates’ fumble return touchdown – the longest in Auburn records since 1969. The previous long was 60 yards by Ed Graham at Florida State in 1984. The longest ever at Auburn is believed to be a 91-yard return by Gusty Yearout in 1966.

76 – Consecutive Auburn wins when the Tigers score 30-or-more points

83 – Rushing yards for New Mexico State, the fewest Auburn has allowed since giving up 66 to Florida last season, a span of 15 games.

152 – Rushing yards for Tre Mason on 22 carries – a career-high in both yards and carries. It is the second 100-yard rushing game of the season for the sophomore.

311 – Rushing yards for the Tigers. The first time the Tigers have eclipsed the 300-yard mark since gaining 315 against Georgia in 2010.