Jeremy Johnson has one final chance to shine

nutsandbolts11-18

No matter who plays quarterback for Auburn Saturday, the Tigers are going to beat Alabama A&M by 30 or 40 or 50 points.

The same is true no matter who plays running back or linebacker or safety.

Despite last week’s disappointing offensive meltdown at Georgia, remember, Auburn is still ranked 15th in the country.

Alabama A&M might not be the 15th best team in Alabama.

So, trying to devise a winning strategy had nothing to do with Gus Malzahn’s decision to start Jeremy Johnson in his last time to suit up at Jordan-Hare Stadium. I think it has to do with rewarding a young man who has been a shining example of how to handle adversity and be a team player.

Look, it’s not Johnson’s fault that the fans, the media and even his own coaches built him up to be better than he turned out to be.

No matter what happens Saturday it won’t change that Johnson’s Auburn career turned out to be a major disappointment. But at least it might provide a final bright spot for a guy who has proven to be committed to his team and his school.

That’s a pretty good footnote in a mostly meaningless mismatch.

For Threaded Fasteners, I’m Randy Kennedy with Nuts and Bolts of the Game.