TO's Doom Rutgers, Reigning BCS Champion Tigers Advance

#38 Rutgers – 7

#27 Auburn – 24

AUBURN, Ala. -- Barrett Trotter led an efficient offensive attack for Green’s Auburn Tigers, kicking off the 2012 Sensationalizationalism campaign in winning fashion over the Scarlet Knights of Red.  
Green was able to overcome Red’s decided advantage in time of possession, which saw Red receiving the opening kickoff and maintaining possession a minute deep into the second quarter.  The Rutgers special teams unit was unable to convert a field goal attempt at the end of the six minute-plus drive.  

After trading possessions, Green and Auburn Tigers got on the board first, and appeared poised to take a tight 7-0 lead into halftime as the Tigers had the ball deep in their own territory with only fourteen seconds remaining.  In a crafty move by Green, the Tiger offense lined up in a goal line formation and use a play action fake to draw in the Scarlet Knight safeties.  Barrett Trotter hooked up with WR Emory Blake on long touchdown pass to end the half up 14-0.

The second half proved to be more of the same, as Auburn secured Green’s first win of the tournament, 24-7.  The Tiger defense forced five turnovers in total, often providing short fields for the offense.  Perhaps no play better encapsulated Red’s tough luck than when Neiko Thorpe intercepted the Scarlet Knight QB in end zone, only to fumble the ball.  The ball was recovered and subsequently fumbled again by another Tiger defender, ultimately recovered by Thorpe for a touchback and change of possession to Green.  

Stats:

Auburn

QB Barrett Trotter – 5/9 for 145 yards, 2TD, fumble

RB Michael Dwyer – 16 carries for 52 yards, TD

WR Emory Blake – 2 receptions for 109 yards, TD

Neiko Thorpe – 2 tackles (solo), TFL, INT, fumble recovery

Rutgers  
5 turnovers (3 INT, 2 fumbles), 10 first downs, 170 yards