Jeremy Johnson lifts Auburn past Memphis in Birmingham Bowl

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Jeremy Johnson came off the bench to run and pass for a touchdown, lifting Auburn to a 31-10 victory over Memphis Wednesday in the Birmingham Bowl.

Johnson sparked a sputtering offense that suddenly scored three touchdowns in a five-minute span starting late in the third quarter. Auburn (7-6) avoided the first losing season of Gus Malzahn’s 11-year college coaching career.

A defense without a coordinator didn’t allow an offensive touchdown for Memphis (9-4) and star quarterback Paxton Lynch.

Johnson gave Auburn a 17-10 lead with an 11-yard touchdown pass to Jason Smith. He ran 17 yards on his second play from scrimmage and opened the fourth quarter with a 5-yard touchdown run on his third.

Marcus Davis set up two of the touchdowns with punt returns of 28 and 56 yards.

Lynch could never get untracked in what might be the final college game for projected top-five NFL draft pick.