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Auburn-Memphis Grades: Lynch unimpressive in final game

Memphis wide receiver Phil Mayhue (89) carries the ball after a reception over Auburn defensive back Carlton Davis (18) during the first half of the Birmingham Bowl NCAA college football game, Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2015, in Birmingham, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

The Birmingham Bowl was a tightly-contested defensive battle until Auburn was able to pull away from Memphis with three quick scores in the second half. Here are the most notable performances from both squads in Auburn's 31-10 victory:

Auburn Tigers

– LT Shon Coleman was the game’s top performer, as his ability to consistently control the point of attack, both at the line of scrimmage and out in space, led to much of Auburn’s success in the run game. Not only did he post a +5.4 grade on run blocks, he also put up a clean sheet in pass protection.

– FB Kamryn Pettway had an outstanding day, as his lead blocking (+3.6) allowed the Auburn RBs, Jovon Robinson in particular, to put up huge numbers. He repeatedly put defenders on the ground with his powerful punch, and also demonstrated the ability to adjust effectively in space.

– Auburn’s defensive backfield was littered with big performances on Wednesday, but none were better than the one turned in by CB Carlton Davis. While giving up just 26 yards receiving against seven targets is certainly impressive, he stood out even more against the run, as his six stops led the Tigers. Expect to hear his name early and often next year, as Davis is one of the top underclassmen at his position, and will only be a sophomore in 2016.

Top performers:

OT Shon Coleman +6.4

CB Carlton Davis +3.9

FB Kamryn Pettway +3.6

CB Jonathan Jones +2.5

RB Jovon Robinson +2.4

 

Memphis Tigers

– While he received little help from his skill position players (-5.2 combined receiving), QB Paxton Lynch certainly did not put on the kind of final college performance that is going to impress NFL scouts. Throughout the game, he struggled to locate and exploit open targets, and at times was very inaccurate due to poor footwork and weight transfer. Auburn was expected to be a difficult test for him because of its depth at CB, but Lynch simply appeared to be off his game on Wednesday.

– ILB Shareef White was one of the few bright spots on the afternoon for Memphis, as he led the Tigers in both tackles (12) and stops (eight). He did most all of his damage against the run (+3.4), as he did an excellent job of defeating blockers and finding the ball throughout the game.

– CB Chauncey Lanier had a game he’d certainly like to forget, as he posted negative grades in every major category but pass rush (-3.4 overall). He gave up four receptions on five targets against for 43 yards (34 after the catch) and a touchdown, and also struggled to hold up on the edge on perimeter runs at him.

Top performers:

ILB Shareef White +3.6

DE Michael Edwards +2.0

CB Dontrell Nelson +1.5

TE Daniel Montiel +1.1

NT Donald Pennington +1.1

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