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NCAA FB

Running back competition currently underway at Auburn

By FoxSports
Published | Updated
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Sep 12, 2015; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers running back Peyton Barber (25) scores the game-winning touchdown during overtime against the Jacksonville State Gamecocks at Jordan Hare Stadium. Auburn won 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports

Can Barber reclaim his role in the Auburn offense? Shanna Lockwood USA TODAY Sports

Has the Jovon Robinson era finally begun at Auburn? The five-star JUCO prospect was expected to come in and star for the Tigers but has been one of the SEC's biggest disappoints of the season up until Halloween.

Leading up to the Ole Miss game played Oct. 31, Robinson had four carries for 20 yards on the season. However in the last two games, the first year sophomore has 250 yards on the ground and helped spark the offense in the win at Texas A&M.

Meanwhile Peyton Barber came out of nowhere to star for the team averaging over 100 yards a game and scoring 11 touchdowns in the four games prior to the Ole Miss game. Injuries opened the door for Robinson in Barber's absence and now the team has to find a way to split the carries.

"I'm not ready to say who our No. 1 guy is," head coach Gus Malzahn said Tuesday. "Peyton's done a super job. I will say this, we've got confidence in all the running backs that we have."

While Barber has been the more consistent player this season, Robinson's speed and explosiveness give the Auburn offense big play potential Barber simply does not. Don't be surprised to see the Tigers ride the hot hand at running back until defenses prove they can stop Robinson.

"You can really tell that he is very explosive, because he has been fresh the last two weeks," Malzahn said. "It's also helped Peyton with his carries. Of course, he was a little banged up and I think he's getting a little healthier too. Hopefully that'll help us these last few games."