March 26, 2025

Football - LSU Tigers On SI - Sports Illustrated

BATON ROUGE, LA – In a thrilling SEC matchup, LSU running back John Emery Jr. delivered a standout performance as the LSU Tigers triumphed over the Auburn Tigers at Tiger Stadium on a brisk Saturday afternoon. Emery, a dynamic presence in LSU’s backfield, played a pivotal role in the victory, showcasing his speed, vision, and ability to break tackles.

Emery, who has faced his fair share of challenges throughout his college career, was in peak form against Auburn. Throughout the game, he demonstrated his versatility, amassing significant yards both in the running game and in the passing attack. His ability to read blocks and explode through holes in the Auburn defense was evident from the first snap, leaving defenders grasping at air.

The game opened with a strong defensive showing from both teams, but as the clock ticked on, Emery began to take control. His first major run came in the second quarter when he took a handoff up the middle, sidestepping a defender before bursting through a hole in the Auburn defense. With his acceleration, Emery outran several defenders for a 25-yard gain, setting up a touchdown that would give LSU the momentum it needed for the rest of the game.

The LSU offensive line was stellar throughout the afternoon, creating gaps for Emery to exploit, and the running back didn’t disappoint. He finished with over 100 rushing yards, including two touchdowns. His second touchdown came late in the third quarter when he found the end zone on a 14-yard run, showing his ability to read the field and make plays when it mattered most.

In addition to his rushing efforts, Emery was also effective in the passing game, catching several screen passes and checkdowns from quarterback Jayden Daniels. His ability to make defenders miss in the open field kept the Auburn defense on their toes throughout the game, and his contribution to the offense allowed LSU to control the clock and keep Auburn’s offense off the field.

Emery’s performance was a much-needed boost for the Tigers, who have been working to find consistency in the backfield. His big day against Auburn is sure to fuel his confidence as the season progresses. LSU head coach Brian Kelly praised Emery’s performance, calling it one of the best of his career.

“John was outstanding today,” Kelly said after the game. “He ran with authority, made some great cuts, and showed his playmaking ability. He’s been working hard and it’s paying off. We’re going to need him to continue to perform like this as we get deeper into the SEC schedule.”

For Auburn, the loss was a tough one, as the defense struggled to contain Emery. While the Tigers’ defense managed to hold LSU to a few key stops, they were unable to slow down Emery’s explosive runs. Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze acknowledged the difficulty in facing such a talented running back.

“John Emery is a heck of a player,” Freeze said. “He has the ability to change the game with just one play. We tried to mix up our schemes, but he was able to break free a couple of times and that made a big difference.”

As the game wound down, LSU’s offense continued to control the tempo, with Emery continuing to churn out yards. His efforts helped secure the Tigers’ 34-21 victory over Auburn, a crucial win in the SEC standings.

For LSU fans, the win was a sign that their team is heading in the right direction, and with Emery finding his stride, there’s plenty of optimism for the rest of the season. The performance also reaffirmed that, when healthy and in rhythm, John Emery Jr. has the potential to be one of the most dangerous running backs in the SEC.

With the win, LSU improved to 4-1 on the season and continues to make strides under Coach Kelly’s leadership. As for Emery, this game may very well be the start of something special. If he can continue to build on his performance, LSU’s offense could be a force to be reckoned with for the rest of the year.

Looking ahead, LSU will need Emery to stay consistent as they prepare for their next SEC clash, where they will need another big performance from their star running back. For now, Emery’s performance against Auburn has certainly made an impact, and it will be remembered by LSU fans as one of his best outings to date.

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