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No letdown for Cox, Auburn against Tulane

Oct 21, 2006 - 9:47 PM AUBURN, Alabama (Ticker) -- Brandon Cox and Auburn probably would like to renew acquaintances with Tulane a lot more often.

Cox threw three touchdown passes and eighth-ranked Auburn followed up an emotional victory with a methodical 38-13 triumph over Tulane in a non-conference matchup.

After knocking off then-No. 2 Florida last week, Auburn was hosting Tulane in the first meeting between the programs in more than 50 years.

Auburn and Tulane played each other 36 times from 1902-1955 but had not met since. If Cox had his way, he would line up against the Green Wave again next week.

"Brandon had a great day and that was the best protection that we've had," Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville said. "He's getting a lot more confident throwing to different receivers and we are going to have to do that as we go down the stretch."

Cox completed 18-of-27 passes for 182 yards against the Gators but could not get the offense in the end zone. On Saturday, he went 16-of-19 for 212 yards and threw two of his scoring strikes in the second quarter as Auburn pulled away.

Cox connected with Tommy Trott on a 27-yard TD pass on the first play of the second quarter to give Auburn (7-1) a 14-7 lead. He found Tre Smith for a six-yard score just under three minutes later to make it 21-7.

Tulane (2-5) was able to move the ball, racking up 389 yards, but never was able to stop Cox and Auburn's offense.

The Green Wave entered the game ranked 110th of 119 Division I-A teams in total defense, surrendering 411.33 yards per contest. They were in usual form Saturday, allowing 432 yards.

With Kenny Irons sitting out with turf toe and a sprained ankle, Ben Tate picked up the slack and rushed for 156 yards and TD on 26 carries for Auburn.

"Ben did a good job and we are going to need him," Tuberville said. "We are just beat up. Kenny Irons is still hobbling around. Brad (Lester) is going to be hobbling. (Tate) might be the starter next week. It just depends on what happens."

John Vaughn became Auburn's all-time leading scorer when he kicked an extra point after the first touchdown. Vaughn entered the game tied with Carnell "Cadillac" Williams with 276 career points, and finished Saturday with 284.