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Pro Football Focus grades in Auburn's 31-15 win over Vanderbilt

Justin Hokansonby:Justin Hokanson•11/05/23•

_JHokanson

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Auburn linebacker Austin Keys (6) and defensive back Jayalin Simpson (36) celebrate against Vanderbilt on November 5, 2023. (Photo by Auburn Athletics)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Auburn’s defense dominated for large parts of the game against Vanderbilt, with veteran cornerback DJ James leading the way. James finished with a Pro Football Focus grade of 87.8, his highest grade of the season after recording eight tackles, two pass breakups and a tackle for loss.

Offensively, three offensive linemen were among the top five highest graded players on the team. Kam Stutts had a grade of 72.9, Izavion Miller graded a 72.4, and Connor Lew finished with a grade of 71.4. It was Lew’s highest grade of the last three games after taking over the center duties.

Offensively:

— Ja’Varrius Johnson and Jay Fair both had important catches on drives that led to Auburn scores.

— Payton Thorne’s adjusted completion percentage was 88.5 taking into accounts the drops. That’s three straight games with an adjusted completion percentage over 76.

— PFF graded the tight ends tough. Rivaldo Fairweather scored, but also dropped two passes. Brandon Frazier, Luke Deal and Tyler Fromm were all hit with some below average blocking grades.

Here’s the rest of the offense…

Defensively:

— Austin Keys was credited with four pressures, including three hits on the QB.

— Jayson Jones was credited with three pressures and two hurries.

— James only allowed five catches for 16 yards on nine targets.

— Lawrence Johnson finished with his highest grade in a Power 5 game this season with 2.5 tackles, both at or behind the line of scrimmage. It was Johnson’s highest rush defense grade of the season.

— Zykevious Walker stepped up with three tackles, including four stops constituting a failure for the offense.

Here’s the rest of the defense…

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