Auburn 30, Ole Miss 22: Initial thoughts on the Tigers' win

Auburn (4-1, 2-1 SEC) jumped out to a 20-6 halftime lead, but it took stout defensive play to hold on for a 30-22 win over Ole Miss (3-2, 1-2) Saturday night at Jordan-Hare Stadium. A few initial thoughts:

• Nick Marshall, what a game. He struggled throwing at times, but before he was Auburn's biggest offensive threat. He finished with 140 rushing yards, becoming the fourth Tiger to rush for 100 yards in a game this season. That's the first time that's ever happened.
• Both lines dominated most of the night, and the D-line really took over in the second half. Four second-half sacks made the difference. That game was one of the finest performances we've seen from that unit in quite some time.
• The offense did just about everything wrong down the stretch, fumbling twice and letting the Rebels back in the game. But the D got stop after stop when it was a one possession game, including an interception by Ryan White.
• Robenson Therezie. Pick-six. That let Auburn take over in the first half.
• Like Marshall in the running game, Carl Lawson had his coming out party on defense. He had six tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and two sacks. Welcome to the show, Carl.
• Cassanova McKinzy's injury was scary, but considering he returned from the hospital pretty quickly, maybe it wasn't too bad.
• Anthony Swain played pretty well in McKinzy's place, which was obviously huge.
• The defense did a lot of good things, but we should thank Ole Miss' receivers for their numerous drops. Also, Bo Wallace never looked comfortable running the option. Have to think his confidence was shaken after last week's debacle at 'Bama.
• With Western Carolina coming up, the Tigers should have a chance to rest a few banged up players -- Marshall, McKinzy, Montravius Adams -- which is much needed.

That's all we can muster for now, as our blood pressure is soaring through the roof. What are your thoughts?