Todd on target in Auburn blowout

AUBURN, Ala. - Chris Todd was hoping that he and the Auburn Tigers would get off to a quick start against Furman on Saturday.

That's exactly what happened as Todd completed his first 14 passes and Auburn jumped out to a 42-3 halftime lead before cruising to a 63-31 win over the Paladins, a Football Championship Subdivision team.

Todd said it was important to stay on the winning track after last week's win over Ole Miss broke a three-game losing streak.

"We wanted to come out and have some players step up and keep the momentum going from last week. We had some guys really come out and play well," Todd said.

Todd played so well he got to watch the second half from the sideline - something he didn't mind.

"I think it was a really good opportunity for a lot of guys to get out there and play," Todd said. "A lot of them did a really good job in the offense in the second half."

Todd threw three touchdown passes to Darvin Adams for the Tigers (7-3), who scored on six of their first seven possessions. Todd's other scoring pass went to Mario Fannin, who finished with 60 yards rushing.

Auburn head coach Gene Chizik said it was good to see Todd have a big game, particularly after the senior quarterback was criticized by fans and media this season.

"He was on the run for a lot of his throws, and he was very efficient in what he did," Chizik said. "Chris did a really nice job. It is hard to complete that many in a row."

The Paladins (4-5) scored 28 points in the second half against Auburn reserves.