Skillful walk-on
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AUBURN, Ala. | LSU won a decisive 45-21 game over Auburn Saturday, dominating on both sides of the ball. But there was actually one phase of the game Auburn excelled at in the loss.
Special teams.
That starts with punter Kevin Phillips, who averaged 50.0 yards on six punts.
"Kevin Phillips was phenomenal," Gus Malzahn said. "Our special teams was actually our bright spot on Saturday. They did some good things. Our punting game was very good."
Phillips, who transferred to Auburn from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College in January, admits to being a little nervous in his first SEC road game.
"I could feel my heart pounding just a little bit but it makes me perform a little bit better," Phillips said. "I think I did well. My hang time needs to be a little bit better, I need to locate the ball a little bit better but overall a good day."
Three games into his Auburn career Phillips is averaging 46.3 yards per punt, which ranks third in the SEC. He's dropped six punts inside the opponent's 20-yard line, which is tied for best in the conference.
"I can definitely see myself getting better. I have another year here and I see a bright future here," Phillips said.
Phillips, who prepped at Pillow Academy, a small private school in Greenwood, Miss., chose to walk-on at Auburn.
"I really liked what I saw in the program. I felt like the Lord was looking out for me and bringing me where I needed to be," he said.
Phillips won the starting job during preseason practice and is hoping to earn a scholarship in the near future.
"That's the goal but that's not going to affect the way I play," Phillips said. "I'm still going to play to my full potential. I look forward to doing what the team needs me to do."
Auburn hosts Mississippi State 6:30 p.m. CT Saturday at Jordan-Hare Stadium on ESPN2.
