AUBURN, Ala. — Payton Thorne threw for 322 yards and four touchdowns in the first half, and Auburn opened its season with a 73-3 victory over in-state FCS opponent Alabama A&M on Saturday night.
Thorne wasted no time in taking advantage of his new wide receivers, tossing two touchdowns to Penn State transfer KeAndre Lambert-Smith and another one to highly touted freshman Cam Coleman in the first quarter. Fellow freshman receiver Perry Thompson added a 70-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter.
Auburn’s big offensive night started with a 34-yard touchdown run from Jarquez Hunter on the fourth play of the game. Thorne scored his rushing touchdown from 4 yards out in the second quarter, and Damari Alston added a 2-yard score just before halftime.
Malcolm Simmons, another Auburn freshman receiver, scored two touchdowns in the third quarter on a blocked punt and a 55-yard reception. California transfer Sam Jackson V added a 42-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter.
Alabama A&M quarterback Cornelious Brown IV threw for 182 yards in the loss. The Bulldogs only converted two of their 16 third-down tries and missed two short field goals.
THE TAKEAWAY
Alabama A&M: The Bulldogs have been on the wrong side of several lopsided losses to SEC teams over the last several years, and Saturday night was no exception. The positive is that this is their only game against an FBS squad this year — which should help in the quest for their first winning season since 2021.
Auburn: The Tigers added seven newcomers to a wide receiver room that has struggled over the last several years, and they made their impact rather quickly in the season opener. Thorne still had some misfires that he’ll want to clean up, but there was a clear difference in Auburn’s ability to both get open and stretch the field Saturday night.
UP NEXT
Alabama A&M: Hosts Kentucky State on Saturday.
Auburn: Hosts California on Saturday.
