Auburn is standing behind struggling quarterback Jeremy Johnson, but his performance at LSU this week looms as a potential crossroads moment for the 2015 Tigers.
Johnson, viewed as a preseason Heisman Trophy quarterback, has five interceptions in 53 pass attempts and his performance last week left the Tigers ripe for the Jacksonville State upset bid.
“It’s football,” said Johnson. “Interceptions are going to happen. All the greats throw interceptions. I feel really good about where this team is, and where I’m at. I have a lot of confidence in myself, so does my team.”
Head coach Gus Malzahn agreed with Johnson’s sentiment that some of his mistakes were a byproduct of calling plays that didn’t hit weak spots of the defense.
“I need to help Jeremy, too,” Malzahn said.
LSU hosts Auburn on Saturday afternoon in a game that will help determine the verdict, and not just in Johnson’s case to remain the Tigers’ quarterback. Following the overtime drama against an in-state undercard FCS opponent last week, Auburn dropped 11 spots in the polls.
Malzahn said the trip to Death Valley sets the tone for the rest of the season.
“The first two games obviously aren’t up to our standards,” Malzahn said. “Our rushing yards … that’s the area that’s really got to improve.”
There was no issue with the running game late in last week’s game with Peyton Barber carrying the load. Malzahn said he “willed us” to the win.