Auburn came out strong at Jordan-Hare and left no doubt, blasting Ball State 42–3. This wasn’t just another win, this was a chance to sharpen the passing game and see how far the offense has come in only two weeks. Jackson Arnold finished 24 of 28 for 251 yards and three touchdowns, showing off accuracy and poise even when holding the ball a little too long on deeper routes. Fans have been waiting to see what this offense looks like when it’s forced to win through the air, and Auburn put that on display tonight.

Jeremiah Cobb had a breakout moment with his first 100-yard rushing game, finishing with 121 yards and two scores on just 11 carries. The kid ran hard between the tackles, proving he’s not just an edge runner. Add in Darrell Robinson’s explosive 54-yard touchdown late in the game, and Auburn’s backfield depth is looking scary.

On defense, it was pure domination. Ball State was held to just 68 total yards and negative three on the ground. Sylvester Smith played the best game of his career, laying violent hits all over the field. The front seven was relentless, racking up six sacks and 14 tackles for loss. The Cardinals never stood a chance, and the only points they scored came on a questionable call that robbed Auburn of a shutout.

This was about preparation as much as performance. Auburn treated this game like live scrimmage reps, working through different formations and passing concepts without leaning on the quarterback run game. That makes 42 points even more impressive. With South Alabama coming up next, Auburn looks ready to keep building momentum before a showdown in Norman against Oklahoma.

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