White Gains Control of Offense in Breakout Game

Auburn Quarterback Sean White. (Photo: Auburn Athletics/Dakota Sumpter)

Last week, Auburn Head Football Coach Gus Malzahn decided to try something out of the ordinary, rotate three different quarterbacks. The plan, for lack of a better statement, did not work.

On Tuesday, during his mid-week press conference, he revealed a new plan, to only play one quarterback, that was Sean White.

“He’s seen enough football, and a lot of quarterbacks. You know, if he’s putting his full trust in me, that gives me an extra confidence boost.” White said following Saturday night’s win over Arkansas State.

Sean White had the best performance of his short career at Auburn on Saturday night. The South Florida native threw for 244 yards on 17 completions, and threw for three touchdowns. White had one touchdown total entering the game. He also showed off his rockets, as he added 60 yards on the ground to his total.

He could not have performed that solidly, without the help of everyone around him. Auburn’s first touchdown of the night is a prime example of that. With just over 7 minutes remaining in the first quarter, White found himself in trouble. He was feeling the pressure of the Red Wolf defense, and within mere inches of taking a sack, he found a saving grace in running back Kerryon Johnson. White would pitch the ball to Johnson, and Kerryon carried the ball to the opposite side of the field, 47 yards to a score.

He also threw a 42-yard pass to freshman receiver Kyle Davis, a catch that he brought down with one hand.

“He’s a great, great player. “ White said of Davis’ spectacular first quarter grab. “I was shocked at the way that he did it, but I wasn’t shocked that he came up with it.”

One of the issues that White faced heading into the season, was struggling to step in to a leadership role. Saturday’s performance was a testament as to how well he has fit into that role. He mentioned Saturday night that it “feels good” that players are listening to him.

Now that he has this “coming out” performance behind him, he feels that the confidence that he and the team picked up will carry on to next week’s game against Texas A&M. (Saturday, 6:00PM).