:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47327988/usa-today-8840019.0.jpg)
Coach Ron Caragher and the San Jose State Spartans went to face the Auburn Tigers on a Saturday afternoon showdown looking to pull a big upset, but weren't able to do so. Senior Joe Gray had a nice outing, and leading rusher Tyler Ervin was able to put another great performance on the ground together, gaining 160 yards on 27 carries and rushed for a touchdown. However, this wasn't enough to pull the upset on an Auburn team that hasn't lived up to expectations this year.
Let's take a quick recap on how both sides of the ball fared against the Auburn Tigers.
Offense:
The offense managed to help keep the Spartans in the game for the majority of the time. Joe Gray got the start, and was able to keep his job under center for the entire game without having to share time with Kenny Potter. Gray's stats weren't anything too impressive, going 21 for 33 for 224 yards while throwing a touchdown, but also throwing two interceptions while also rushing for a touchdown. Tyler Ervin had another impressive showing against Auburn, running for 160 yards and a touchdown while averaging 5.9 yards per carry. Gray was able to distribute the ball very well in the passing game, as 7 different receivers recorded a reception. Tyler Winston lead the team in receiving yards with 62 and was the only receiver to record a touchdown.
Defense:
The defense really crumbled under Auburn's running attack. The Spartans defense gave up a total of 234 yards on the ground. Running back Peyton Barber was taking the lead for the Auburn offense, running for 147 yards and 5 touchdowns. With the rush defense getting exposed by Auburn, a highlight in this game was that they were able to hold starting quarterback Sean White to just 108 yards for no touchdowns. San Jose State was unable to create a turnover for its offense.
Outlook:
Despite this loss, the Spartans aren't out of the hunt for a Mountain West title as they are sitting atop the West division, just ahead of Hawaii. The Spartans can make up ground and get some momentum as they start heading in to conference play with a game against UNLV next Saturday..