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Auburn hosts Southern Miss in second tuneup

Sep 6, 2008 - 11:33 AM AUBURN, Alabama (Ticker) -- No. 10 Auburn plays the second of two non-conference tune-ups on Saturday when it hosts Southern Mississippi of Conference USA in the first meeting between the schools since 1993.

The Tigers had few complaints in their season-opening 34-0 victory over Louisiana-Monroe, debuting the spread offense that new offensive coordinator Tony Franklin has installed.

Auburn rushed for 321 yards, led by Ben Tate, who ran for 115 yards on 13 carries. Coach Tommy Tuberville rotated quarterbacks Kodi Burns and Chris Todd on every series.

Tuberville announced Tuesday that Todd, who completed 9-of-18 passes for 70 yards against Louisiana-Monroe, will start on Saturday.

Burns, who started last week, did not return after suffering a cut on his leg midway through the third quarter, and his status for Southern Mississippi is uncertain. Tuberville indicated that Burns will not play unless he is fully recovered.

Running back Tristan Davis was held out of the opener due to an ankle injury, but is expected to play against the Golden Eagles.

Southern Mississippi gave coach Larry Fedora a victory in his inaugural game, routing Louisiana-Lafayette, 51-21.

USM rolled up 633 yards of offense, including 427 on the ground, with running back Damion Fletcher rushing for 222 yards and two scores.

Fedora spent three seasons as an assistant at Florida (2002-2004) and Oklahoma State (2005-2007) before taking the Golden Eagles' job. He replaced Jeff Bower, who was fired after 17 seasons in Hattiesburg.