BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Jeremy Johnson came off the bench to run and pass for a touchdown, lifting Auburn to a 31-10 victory over Memphis Wednesday in the Birmingham Bowl.
Johnson sparked a sputtering offense that suddenly scored three touchdowns in a five-minute span starting late in the third quarter. Auburn (7-6) avoided the first losing season of Gus Malzahn's 11-year college coaching career.
A defense without a coordinator didn't allow an offensive touchdown for Memphis (9-4) and star quarterback Paxton Lynch.
Johnson gave Auburn a 17-10 lead with an 11-yard touchdown pass to Jason Smith.