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Auburn, AL

Auburn scores 56 points in win over Idaho

2941 days ago
Associated Press

AUBURN, Ala. -- Jeremy Johnson threw two touchdown passes and ran for two more scores to lead Auburn to a 56-34 victory over Idaho on Saturday night.

The Vandals (3-8) outgained the Tigers 479 to 460, but Auburn (6-5) converted all six of its red-zone opportunities and scored three touchdowns off of Idaho's three turnovers to pull away in the second half.

The Tigers marched 66 yards on eight plays on its first drive to take an early lead, but Idaho responded with a 40-second touchdown drive, which included a 71-yard pass from Matt Linehan to Callen Hightower on the Vandals' first play from scrimmage.

After the teams traded punts on their second possessions, Auburn scored on three consecutive drives.

Johnathan Ford's pick-6 stretched the Tigers' lead to 35-10 midway through the first half.

Johnson threw a touchdown pass on Auburn's opening drive in the second half and recorded his second rushing touchdown of the game on the second drive, and Roc Thomas capped off the highest-scoring performance of the season with a 56-yard run in the fourth quarter.

Idaho quarterback Jake Luton fired two fourth-quarter touchdowns, but Auburn was able to hold on for its largest win of the season.

Auburn eclipsed 200 yards rushing for the third consecutive game, and the 297-yard output was the second-highest for the Tigers this season. Jovon Robinson led the Tigers with 99 yards rushing, while Roc Thomas pitched in 78 yards and Peyton Barber added 47.

Linehan and Luton combined for 356 yards on 29-of-47 passing. Buck Cowan and Callen Hightower combined for 279 yards on 18 receptions.

Auburn stays home for next Saturday's matchup against No. 3 Alabama (10-1), while Idaho will host Texas State (3-7) to conclude regular-season play.