Talk about a grand entrance! Jackson Arnold didn’t just debut for Auburn; he put on a clinic, rushing for over 130 yards and two scores in a dominant win against Baylor. From a 96-yard drive to a game-sealing run, the new QB left his mark. Could this be the start of something special for the Tigers?
In a thrilling season opener, transfer quarterback Jackson Arnold made an unforgettable statement, leading the Auburn Tigers to a decisive 38-24 victory over Baylor. Arnold’s electrifying performance, highlighted by his exceptional rushing ability, immediately signals a new era for Auburn football under coach Hugh Freeze, as the Tigers embarked on their first true road game to start a season since 2002 with a resounding win.
Arnold, who previously showcased his talents at Oklahoma, was the undisputed star of the night, amassing 137 of Auburn’s impressive 307 total rushing yards. His dynamic runs included six plays of at least ten yards, confounding the Baylor defense. He punched in two crucial touchdowns, demonstrating both power and agility, with scoring runs of 24 and 27 yards that proved pivotal in securing Auburn’s lead.
The young quarterback’s impact was evident early, as he orchestrated a monumental 96-yard drive, culminating in his 24-yard score that put the Tigers ahead permanently in the first quarter. Later, with the game still in the balance, Arnold’s athleticism shone again with a vital 27-yard touchdown on a daring fourth-and-1 play in the final minutes, effectively sealing Baylor’s fate and igniting the Auburn faithful.
Baylor’s offense, led by Sawyer Robertson, attempted to keep pace, with Robertson completing 27 of 48 passes for 419 yards and three touchdowns. Two of his scores came on fourth-down conversions, connecting with Alabama transfer Kobe Prentice for a 33-yarder and true freshman Caiden Knighten for a 10-yard touchdown, showcasing their resilience despite the eventual loss.
Special teams also played a critical role for Auburn, particularly through the explosive return game of Rayshawn Pleasant. The transfer, who had two kickoff return touchdowns for Tulane last season, delivered a game-changing 98-yard kickoff return for a score in the third quarter. This crucial play extended Auburn’s lead to 31-17, significantly shifting momentum and solidifying their control of the contest.
This impressive start bodes exceptionally well for Hugh Freeze in his third season at the helm of the Auburn Tigers. Arnold, a former five-star recruit from Denton Guyer High School, just 120 miles from the Baylor campus, not only proved his shifty running capabilities but also completed 11 of 17 passes for 108 yards, hinting at a balanced offensive threat for the season ahead.
Conversely, for Baylor and head coach Dave Aranda, who now holds a 31-31 record in his sixth season, this loss marks a challenging start. Despite winning their final six regular-season games last year, the Bears face a tough September schedule, including two more ranked opponents. With Robertson’s passing prowess, expectations remain high for Baylor to contend for a Big 12 title, requiring a quick rebound.
Looking ahead, Auburn will host Ball State for their home opener on September 6th, building on this momentum. Baylor, meanwhile, will travel north to Dallas on the same day to face their former SWC rival, No. 16 SMU, in what promises to be another test for Aranda’s squad.
