ATLANTA — The expectation for Auburn’s football team in the preseason was mostly around the 6-foot-5 junior quarterback Jeremy Johnson, a powerfully built passer and runner, who was supposed to make the Tigers’ offense under Coach Gus Malzahn a season-long trial for defenses. There was even a mention of the former all-American quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton in the same breath as Johnson.
On Saturday, however, Johnson made a mess of his coming-out party with three interceptions, as he ran out of the pocket with a clear view and still managed to throw it right into the hands of a Louisville defender each time.