Campbell Gets Settled in 34-10 Auburn Win

Jason Campbell is running the West Coast offense like an old pro and turning Auburn into a national title contender in the process.

The often-criticized quarterback threw for 252 yards and two touchdowns, and the eighth-ranked Tigers overwhelmed No. 10 Tennessee, 34-10, on Saturday night.

Carnell Williams and Ronnie Brown each ran for a touchdown to complement Campbell, and the Tigers’ swarming defense made Tennessee’s two freshmen quarterbacks look like neophytes for the first time this season.

Junior Rosegreen had four interceptions to set a record for Auburn (5-0, 3-0 Southeastern Conference) and tie the SEC mark.

“All day long I heard about how great their two quarterbacks are,” Auburn Coach Tommy Tuberville said. “I wouldn’t trade them for the one we’ve got.”

Erick Ainge got his first start for the Volunteers (3-1, 1-1) after racking up the best passer rating in the SEC over the first three games.

The promotion did no good. He went 17 for 35 for 173 yards with four interceptions and a fumble.

Brent Schaeffer had little success in his first game as a reliever. He threw an interception and went one for five.

“They’re freshmen, they’re going to learn,” Vols’ Coach Phillip Fulmer said. “We played against a better football team tonight.”

Campbell has often received the blame from fans and media for Auburn’s past offensive inconsistency, despite playing for four offensive coordinators in four seasons.

“That is something I have never worried about in my career,” Campbell said.

“I always knew I wasn’t getting the credit people should give me, but that’s one thing I didn’t worry about.”

He is finally flourishing under coordinator Al Borges’ West Coast offense, with its multiple shifts, quick throws and moving pockets. He also is showing the confidence and poise of a quarterback with 32 career starts.

Campbell summed up the transformation simply, “They’re giving me the opportunity to use all my abilities.”

Against the Vols, he looked off defenders and stepped up in the pocket. He threw with fine touch over defenders and zipped passes in between them. Campbell was 12 for 15 in the first half for 240 yards to help the Tigers to a 31-3 lead.