3 takeaways from Auburn's 24-10 win over Kentucky

Both Auburn and Kentucky limped into late-night competition Saturday night in Lexington, both trying to get off the mat after back-to-back weeks of disappointment.

Auburn started slowly, but big runs from Jarquez Hunter and a complete defensive performance helped Auburn to a 24-10 win.

It was a game in which Auburn played to its strengths, stifling Kentucky's offense and punishing the Wildcats with a tough run game.

Here are three takeaways from Auburn's first Southeastern Conference win:

Jarquez Hunter needs touches

Auburn's offense seemed unable to start the game. The Tigers did not gain a single yard on either of their first two drives, and the only rush attempt was a scramble by Payton Thorne that did not gain a yard.

Hugh Freeze and the offensive staff made little attempt to get Jarquez Hunter involved early in the game and the offense stalled. Hunter had just one carry in the first quarter and Auburn was outrebounded 115-38 for a 10-0 lead.

The second quarter was the exact opposite. Hunter carried the ball four times for 64 yards, and Auburn matched Kentucky's 10 points and defeated the Wildcats 158-30.

He and Damari Alston both had success, and as the offense found its rhythm, Thorne didn't throw a single incompletion in the second quarter.

Once Auburn figured out what worked, there was no going back.

There was no greater example of changing the tone of the game than a 14-play, 75-yard drive early in the second half that left Auburn with seven minutes and seven seconds on the clock. Hunter touched the ball on 10 of those 14 plays.

Hunter rushed for 278 yards, highlighted by long runs of 50, 46 and 45. The 45-yard run was the stunner and symbolized how Auburn won this game by leaning on its star.

Kentucky's offense couldn't get comfortable

Auburn's defense looked out of bounds early in the game. After giving up 10 points to a Kentucky offense that had yet to score more than 20 points in conference play, there wasn't much to be happy about early on.

DJ Durkin and the defensive team increased the pressure after the initial difficulties and Kentucky quarterback Brock Vandagriff had problems.

Even though sacks didn't always happen, Vandagriff was affected by the pressure on almost every throw. He split snaps at times with backup quarterback Gavin Wimsatt, but Wimsatt took over full time to start the second half.

After gaining 115 total yards in the first quarter, Kentucky added 36 in the next two quarters. With its leading rusher not playing, Kentucky never had much success on the ground. Wimsatt offered a new dynamic compared to Vandagriff, hurting Auburn with his dual-threat ability on a long drive late in the fourth quarter.

However, the defense still held firm on this attack when needed, intercepting Wimsatt near the goal line and slamming the door on an impressive performance.

Auburn ended the game

Auburn outscored Kentucky 313-36 in the second and third quarters. By the fourth round it had a total of 200 yards, but was only ahead by seven.

It was a similar story to many of Auburn's close losses, where he seemingly did everything necessary to win but never made the plays to escape.

Then, on third down near midfield, where it seemed like the game might turn, Hunter made a play. He took a handoff 45 yards for a touchdown, putting Auburn ahead 24-10 and ultimately giving the Tigers a comfortable lead.

Kentucky responded, moving the ball better than in the previous two quarters, but after advancing to the two-yard line, Auburn's defense held firm.

A goal-line interception by Kayin Lee was the moment of relief Auburn fans had been longing for since conference play began as they saw their team finally put a game away.

Auburn's performance was far from perfect, but for the first time this season against a Power 4 opponent, it was enough.

Peter Rauterkus reports on Auburn Sports AL.com. You can follow him on X below @peter_rauterkus or send him an email at [email protected]M