HOUSTON (AP) -- Texas A&M's Kyler Murray had to compete all last week to start against South Carolina.
This week against Auburn, the job was his from the start after his big performance helped the 25th-ranked Aggies to a win that ended a two-game skid.
Kyle Allen started A&M's first seven games but was benched last week after he threw four interceptions in the team's two losses.
Murray was named SEC freshman of the week after throwing for 223 yards and a touchdown and running for 156 yards and another score. The performance made him the first A&M quarterback since Johnny Manziel to have 200 yards passing and 100 yards rushing in the same game.
His ability to scramble elicited comparisons to Johnny Football before he set foot on A&M's campus, and Saturday's outing only intensified those comparisons.
"We never compare quarterbacks," coach Kevin Sumlin said. "Everyone is their own guy. Because he plays here at A&M that's going to be a comparison (but I) don't think it's fair, really don't. Each guy has his own skillset and is little bit different."
He said he thinks Murray's job will be tougher this week now that people have extended video of him and because he'll be facing a defense led by veteran coordinator Will Muschamp.
"We have to bolster his weaknesses and get the other 10 guys involved to not put the game on his shoulders," Sumlin said. "That's exactly what happened last week. He was the beneficiary of the other 10 guys on the field playing pretty well. He did good job operationally and he's got talent."
Auburn coach Gus Malzahn didn't have to watch last week's game to find out about Murray, who went 43-0 in leading his high school in Allen, Texas, to three state titles.
"Murray ... is dynamic with his feet," Malzahn said. "He was a great high school player that we are very familiar with, we actually recruited him. He is somebody that will definitely get your attention."
EVOLVING BACKFIELD
Tailback Peyton Barber has been Auburn's biggest offensive weapon, but the SEC's fifth-leading rusher isn't necessarily a game breaker. Malzahn expects both junior college transfer Jovon Robinson and freshman Kerryon Johnson -- who's largely played the Wildcat quarterback role -- to get more carries.
MY OH MYLES
Texas A&M defensive end Myles Garrett was named a semifinalist this week for the Lombardi Award given annually to the nation's best collegiate lineman. He has 10 1/2 sacks, 15 1/2 tackles for losses and has forced five fumbles to lead the SEC in all three categories. The sophomore also has 44 tackles, seven hurries, a blocked punt and an interception this season. Malzahn said he could tell last season that Garrett had the "it factor."
"He just has a knack," Malzahn said. "He is a playmaker, and he is someone that you have to be aware of ... because he can change the game."
WHITE'S KNEE
Auburn quarterback Sean White played against No. 19 Mississippi on a gimpy left knee, but is expected to start on Saturday. Kerryon Johnson will almost certainly take some snaps in the Wildcat spot and former starter Jeremy Johnson could, too.
Texas A&M defensive coordinator John Chavis raved about White's skills.
"Has a tremendous arm," Chavis said. "With the multitude of things they do, for him able to grasp all those concepts and put it all together (is impressive). Seen him improve week to week."
KIRK'S WORK
Texas A&M WR/PR Christian Kirk needs nine yards receiving to break Uzoma Nwachukwu's school record for yards receiving as a freshman of 670. He has three 100-yard receiving games this season and needs just one more to tie the school record for such games by a freshman last set by Mike Evans in 2012. Kirk is tied for the FBS lead with two punt returns for touchdowns and leads the nation with three returns of 50 yards or more.
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