2009 Week 1

Auburn, AL (AP)-- In the first game of the Gene Chizik regime, the Auburn Tigers put on a show. The Tigers were running on all cylinders from start to finish, sending Louisiana Tech back home with an embarrassing loss.

Gene Chizik put in plainly, "When everyone is on the same page--the players and the coaching staff--great things can happen. This team is special and will surprise more than its fair share of opponents. This victory is hopefully only the first of many for Auburn University this season."

Auburn compiled 457 yards of offense with 340 of those coming on the ground. Though Gus Malzahn isn't considered to be the traditional smashmouth offensive coordinator, but he had good things to say about the running game following this victory.

"Every single one of the running backs ran the ball very well today. Ben Tate showed everyone why he is one of the premier backs of the Southeastern Conference," Malzahn stated.

While giving Tate high praises, he wasn't the only back that Malzahn was very pleased with.

"Fannin never ceases to amaze me. He only carried the ball ten times, but easily put up over one-hundred yards. That's the kind of production I like to see."

Though the running game was the main cog for the offensive machine in this game, quarterback Neil Caudle managed the game extremely well as he completed 6 passes on 8 attempts. He also ran the ball six times and had two scores on the ground, each from two yards out.

The offense wasn't the only thing working in favor for Auburn on this Saturday evening. The defense more than lived up to its billing. They only allowed Louisiana Tech to put up 43 yards of offense. Ted Roof had great things to say about his unit:

"The guys looked great on defense today. They got to the ball quickly and tackled well. We even forced a couple of turnovers. I'm real proud of our guys. It's a great way to start off our season."

Auburn (1-0) hosts their first SEC opponent next Saturday at 6:00 PM when they take on the Mississippi State Bulldogs.