Ladies and gentlemen, Auburn played a football game on Saturday. For the first time since the heartbreaking loss to Wisconsin in the Outback Bowl on New Year's Day, the Tigers took the field in front of the Auburn family in the annual spring game. Here is a recap of the top performers, and how the position battles shook out during spring practice.

Offense:

While it wasn't the typical Auburn offense we've grown accustomed to watching over the past few years—both sides combined for only 170 yards on 47 carries—the quarterbacks slung the ball around the yard for a combined 435 yards on 50 attempts. Jeremy Johnson took most of the first team snaps, as was expected, and finished with a stat line of 14 completions on 22 attempts for 252 yards with two touchdowns. Sean White took the field with the second team offense, against the first team defense for most of the first half, finishing with 15 completions on 19 attempts for 109 yards.

The most intriguing position battle this spring was probably being held at the running back position. Roc Thomas, Jovon Robinson and Peyton Barber are all battling for the title of premiere running back. While Jovon Robinson came out for the first series, earning the “starting" title, the show was quickly stolen by Roc Thomas. Thomas took the spotlight on a 36-yard touchdown run to open the scoring for Team Auburn. He scored another touchdown on a three-yard run in the waning minutes of the first half, finishing his day with seven rushes for 70 yards and two touchdowns, leading the pack as far as ball carriers are concerned.

Another intriguing position battle was the battle for number two wide receiver. The main contenders for this position include Ricardo Louis, Melvin Ray and Marcus Davis. Louis finished with the best statistical day, amassing 64 yards on three catches, including a pretty jump ball for 49 yards from Jeremy Johnson. Ray finished his day with two catches for 33 yards, while Davis, who played mostly in the slot position, finished the day with five catches for 30 yards. The best day of all the receivers belonged to Myron Burton, who went off for seven catches for 124 yards and a touchdown.

Defense:

With multiple big name players for the 2015 defense either sitting out (Carl Lawson, DaVonte Lambert, Jonathan Jones) or sitting in the stands (Byron Cowart), most of the attention was shifted to the improvement of the now Will Muschamp-led defense, and man, was it evident. Defenders were absolutely flying to the ball, making plays from sideline to sideline. Tray Matthews, the transfer from Georgia who, the last time he was on this field, was lying face down after Ricardo Louis caught the “Prayer in Jordan-Hare," played his tail off, recording five tackles, intercepting a jump ball in the end zone as well as forcing a fumble. Gimel President showed the ability to get to the quarterback, finishing with 2.0 sacks on the day, while Kenny Flowers, a backup defensive lineman ended up leading the way with seven total tackles.

Special Teams:

Daniel Carlson was predictably consistent, hitting 100 percent of his kicks—four extra points and a 50 yard field goal.

Kevin Phillips has evidently won the starting punting job, and did a fine job punting with nobody breathing down his neck, averaging right around 40 yards per punt.

Overall, the Tigers showed promise during the scrimmage, but showed room for improvement as well. Obviously, Gus wasn't going to show his entire offensive repertoire during this spring game, but it was good to see the ball being whipped around the yard, changing things up from the run-heavy attack we've grown accustomed to watching.

I have the utmost confidence that come September 5th in the Dome, Gus, Boom and the Gang will have the Tigers ready to compete for a championship.

Come on back in the fall for a schedule breakdown complete with predictions.

As always, War Eagle, y'all!