Halftime takeaways: Tigers struggling with California at half

Auburn is really struggling to get it together halfway through their matchup with Cal.

Author:
Joshua Collins
Publish date:
Sep 10, 2023 12:11 AM EDT

In this story:

With the latest kickoff time in Auburn Football’s history already completed, this of course due to the west coast road test against the Cal Golden Bears, how have the Tigers handled the challenge so far as we enter halftime?

This is also a historic game in another way for the Tigers and the Cal Golden Bears as this is the first time the two schools have ever played one another.

Who has faired well so far? Here are some takeaways about Auburn’s performance during the first half of play.

Offensive Takeaways:

- The offense turned the ball over on the first drive and gave Cal excellent field position. Payton Thorne seems to have pressed a bit during the first half. O-line needed to adjust their intensity.

- Multiple quarterback looks from both Payton Thorne and Robby Ashford. Thorne much more poised during the second quarter.

- Fumble by Damari Alston in the second quarter.

- Thorne threw an interception late in the second quarter. Three turnovers for the Tigers.

Defensive Takeaways:

- Auburn's defense performed very well in the first quarter only giving up one field goal despite Cal having great field position. They were able to hold Cal running Jadyn Ott to 7 carries at 3.7 yards per carry.

- Donovan Kaufman forced a fumble and capitalized on the good field position.

- Defense has been a highlight during the first half.

Penalties and Turnover differential:

- Two Auburn fumbles in the first half both capitalized on by Cal to the tune of 10 points scored.

- One interception.

- Auburn has 3 penalties to the tune of 21-negative yards compared to Cal's 1 penalty only producing 10-negative yards.

Cal leads Auburn by a field goal heading into halftime 10-7 is the current score.

How to watch the Auburn football game vs the Cal Golden Bears

Auburn will kick off at Cal at 9:30 pm CT on Saturday. The game can be watched on ESPN. Dave Flemming, Brock Osweiler, and Kayla Burton will have the call from California Memorial Stadium.

Stream on FuboTV

How to listen to the Auburn football game vs Cal Golden Bears on the radio

You can hear the Voice of the Auburn Tigers Andy Burcham, Jason Campbell, and Paul Ellen on the Auburn Sports Radio Network. The coverage can be heard locally on Wings 94.3. The Tiger Tailgate Show will begin at 6:30 pm CT.

You can find information on all Auburn Sports Radio Affiliates here.