No. 7 Auburn capitalizes on rushing attack, return game in 55-23 victory over Tennessee

Auburn quarterback Nick Marshall (14) looks for a receiver in the first quarter of an NCAA college football game against Tennessee on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne) (The Associated Press)

Auburn tight end C.J. Uzomah (81) catches a pass for a touchdown as Tennessee linebacker Dontavis Sapp (41) defends in the first quarter of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne) (The Associated Press)

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Nick Marshall gained 214 of Auburn's 444 yards rushing Saturday and the seventh-ranked Tigers scored on a punt return and kickoff return in a 55-23 victory over Tennessee.

Marshall ran for two touchdowns on just 14 carries and threw for a third score. Tre Mason rushed for 117 yards and three touchdowns as Auburn (9-1, 5-1 SEC) earned its sixth straight victory and averaged 8.4 yards per carry.

Chris Davis put Auburn ahead for good and broke a 13-13 tie in the second quarter with an 85-yard punt return, Auburn's longest since 1970 and third-longest ever. Corey Grant returned the second-half kickoff 90 yards for another Auburn touchdown.

Auburn won while attempting just seven passes all day. The Tigers had thrown just nine passes last week in a 35-17 victory over Arkansas.

Rajion Neal rushed for 124 yards and a touchdown for Tennessee (4-6, 1-5), which dropped its third straight.