The Auburn Tigers kicked off their 2024 season with a stellar performance, defeating the Alabama A&M Bulldogs 73-3 at Jordan-Hare Stadium.
Auburn faced a challenge at kicker after Alex McPherson missed spring practice due to an injury and has been battling illness over the summer. However, Towns McGough, a freshman from Auburn, stepped in earlier than expected and quickly proved he was up to the task.
McGough successfully made a 32-yard field goal, went a perfect 10-for-10 on PATs, and achieved numerous touchbacks on kickoffs.
McGough shared how meaningful it was for him to play in the stadium where he had attended games as a fan.
“I’m really grateful to Coach (Tanner) Burns and Coach (Hugh) Freeze for giving me this chance this week,” McGough said. “I wish Alex (McPherson) a speedy recovery; he’s been a great mentor both on and off the field. This week has been an amazing experience. I came into this season expecting to redshirt, so it was a big surprise to find myself playing. It hit me yesterday in the hotel that I was about to perform on the field where I used to watch games. It’s all thanks to God.
“After that first field goal, I was overwhelmed with excitement. I nearly had tears of joy running out onto the field for the first time. It felt surreal and like a dream come true. I’m incredibly blessed for this chance.”
McGough appeared confident and capable throughout the game, reflecting on his success with each kick.
“The first kick was especially thrilling,” McGough said. “My goal was to make a field goal, and I think I accomplished that. The kickoffs at the start of the first quarter were driven by adrenaline. I think that’s what helped me so much.”
McGough’s impressive debut suggests a promising future for Auburn’s kicking game.
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