Thorne throws for career-high 5TDs and Auburn dismantles UL Monroe 48-14
Louisiana Monroe head coach Bryant Vincent looks at his play card during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Auburn, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Auburn, Ala. Credit: AP/Butch Dill
AUBURN, Ala. — Cam Coleman caught three of Payton Thorne’s career-best five passing touchdowns, and Auburn defeated Louisiana-Monroe 48-14 on Saturday.
Coleman, a freshman and former 5-star recruit, set his season-highs in receptions (eight) and yardage (100). He became the first Auburn player to have three receiving touchdowns in a single game since 2018.
Thorne, who was questionable throughout the week due to a shoulder injury he suffered two weeks ago in a loss to Vanderbilt, threw for 286 yards. KeAndre Lambert-Smith had 104 receiving yards and a touchdown, while Jarquez Hunter added 102 rushing yards.
The Warhawks were led on offense by Ahmad Hardy, who had 60 rushing yards. Backup quarterback General Booty threw a 65-yard touchdown pass to Jonathan Bibbs on Louisiana-Monroe’s final play of the game.
The Auburn (4-6, 1-5 Southeastern Conference) defense held Louisiana-Monroe (5-5, 3-3 Sun Belt) to 218 yards of offense in the victory.
THE TAKEAWAY
Louisiana-Monroe: Bryant Vincent won five of his first six games as the Warhawks’ head coach, but they are now in the midst of a four-game losing skid. The ULM offense, which entered Saturday ranked No. 112 nationally in yards per play, continues to struggle moving the ball.
Auburn tight end Rivaldo Fairweather (13) dives for the pylon over Louisiana Monroe defensive back Wydett Williams Jr. (12), but was ruled out short of the goal line, during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Auburn, Ala. Credit: AP/Butch Dill
Auburn: While it’s been a disappointing second season for the Tigers under Hugh Freeze, the Tigers were able to take care of business without much trouble Saturday. The increased usage of Coleman could be a boost to an inconsistent offense in its final two games against Texas A&M and Alabama.
UP NEXT
Louisiana-Monroe: Plays at Arkansas State next Saturday afternoon.
Auburn: Hosts No. 15 Texas A&M next Saturday night.
