Auburn headed for another QB controversy

Chris Todd started Saturday’s game, but he didn’t finish.

Todd, who completed 14-of-23 passes for 93 yards, an interception and a touchdown, gave way to fan-favorite Kodi Burns in the second period and late in the contest with the game on the line.

Todd may have thrown the Tigers’ only touchdown pass, an 18-yarder in the first quarter to Robert Dunn, but Burns’ 9-yard pass to Montez Billings gave Auburn a necessary first down to put the game away.

Who will start next week?

“I’m going to look at it (film),” Tuberville said. “We will probably continue to use both as we did today. (Offensive coordinator) Tony (Franklin) did a good job. I thought he put Kodi in at the right time at the end of the first half and gave us a shot and got the fans back into the game. It was a good move on him and a very gutsy move to put him in right there at the end of the game.”

Burns started the season-opener against Louisiana-Monroe and had not played since Sept. 6 against Southern Miss. Todd has started all other games.

Injury Report
Tristan Davis did not dress for Saturday’s game. He left last week’s game against LSU with a concussion after being kicked in the head on a kickoff return in the second half.

Josh Bynes started at linebacker in place of Tray Blackmon, who did not play because of a wrist injury, while running back Ben Tate got the starting nod.

Brad Lester, who started Auburn’s first four games, also did not play. The senior running back twisted his knee last week against LSU. Two weeks ago, Lester suffered a sprained neck at Mississippi State.

Pybus makes plays
Former Northview standout Spencer Pybus continues to excel in his freshman season. Seeing his most extensive playing time, he was credited with three total tackles, one solo and two assists.

BEST/WORST
Best Fumble: After punter Clinton Durst pinned Tennessee down at the 5, the Vols fumbled on their very first play. The ball rolled into the end zone where AU’s Jake Ricks recovered it for a touchdown.

Best third down conversion: Under heavy pressure, Tennessee quarterback Jonathan Crompton tucked the ball and raced straight ahead for 14 yards and a first down, taking a hard lick at the end of the play. The Vols eventually scored a touchdown on the drive.

Best stop:  After a 40-yard punt return into AU territory at the 38 in the fourth quarter, the Tigers’ defense held strong to force a punt with the Vols in prime position to take the lead.

Worst Trick: On a third-and-long, Auburn went to its bag of tricks with an end around to Robert Dunn who then prepared to throw a pass. Tennessee was not fooled, hammering Dunn and ripping off his helmet for a 7-yard loss.

Worst taking advantage: Kodi Burns sparked the crowd when he entered the game and steadily drove Auburn down the field. But receivers dropped two passes on the drive and Wes Byrum missed a chip shot field goal to nullify the excitement.

Worst decision to throw: Chris Todd had plenty of protection from his line, but threw a pass into triple coverage that was picked off by Tennessee’s Dennis Rogan and returned 38 yards to the AU 37.