Auburn Spring Game 2016: Recap, Highlights and Twitter Reaction

The blue and orange side of Alabama might want to try to forget about last season. Auburn football went 7-6 in 2015, its worst mark since 2012, while watching the University of Alabama win its 16th national championship.   

Tigers fans had a chance to look ahead on Saturday with the school's annual A-Day—Auburn's version of its spring game—as the Blue team defeated the White team, 19-10. 

There are some big-time questions that need answering, especially under center. A transfer from East Mississippi Community College is expected to be the man to lead Auburn. 

John Franklin III, who has made his name in football by utilizing his blazing speed, wasn't consistently lighting it up with his arm, as Brandon Marcello of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution noted:

However, he did show off his throwing ability on his lone touchdown pass, via Dana Sulonen of the Opelika-Auburn News:

"

REPLAY: John Franklin III to Marcus Davis. Touchdown. https://t.co/J8tRNsiK8o

— Dana Sulonen (@DanaSulonen) April 9, 2016"

Franklin might have some competition in Sean White, who had a decent outing himself. But neither came out of A-Day exhibiting the skill or confidence to lead a threatening SEC program. Saturday Down South tried to pick between the two:

Franklin's day was done after the first two quarters, and Auburn Gold Mine took a look at the two quarterbacks' stats at halftime:

The busiest member of Auburn and probably the most valuable player of A-Day was kicker Daniel Carlson, who booted five field goals for both teams in the first half alone. 

He hit two from 25 yards out, one from 33, another from 52 and another from 55, his longest of the day. Auburn Football had a look at the 55-yarder:

While Carlson was succeeding, Auburn's offense—whether it be the Blue or White team—had problems punching the ball into the end zone, which concerned Marcello:

The Blue team managed to build on its 12-10 halftime lead when quarterback Jeremy Johnson hit Roc Davis for an eight-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter in the last score of the day. 

With mental mistakes and sloppy play galore, Auburn has a lot of work to do if it wants to challenge in the always-difficult SEC next season. It will all start at the quarterback position, and if Franklin does get the nod as the team's starter, it might be best for the Tigers to keep the offense simple and utilize him as a dual threat. 

Once Franklin's able to grasp the offense, Auburn can play a quick-tempo style and could possibly be a dangerous team to meet in 2016. 

Post-Game Reaction

While the offense wasn't exactly impressive, Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn was impressed with his kicker Carlson, via Michael Niziolek of the Ledger-Enquirer

“It was windy as all get out down there and he was just drilling it,” Auburn coach Gus Malzahn said. “He’s one of the best kickers in college football and he’s going to be a huge weapon for us.”

He was also happy with his defense, that held down the trio of quarterbacks trying to make a good impression, via Niziolek. 

"I thought our defense was outstanding,” Malzahn said. “I think the one thing that stands out is our depth. I think we got more depth which is great.”

Regardless of his results, Franklin seemed content with the offense, via Niziolek: "“I feel like this offensive is suited for my skill set,” Franklin said. “The more and more I do it the more and more my natural ability is going to come out.”

He has a few more months to sow Malzahn and Auburn that he can really succeed in the role if given the starting job. After that he'd have the tough responsibility of keeping the Tigers in contention in such a tough SEC.