SPORTS

Jonathan Jones developing into end zone ball hawk

James Crepea
Montgomery Advertiser

AUBURN – Nova and Spirit may circle Jordan-Hare Stadium before the kickoff, but Jonathan Jones is Auburn's ball hawk in the end zone.

After plucking two interceptions for the second time in as many games in Auburn's 42-35 win over South Carolina on Saturday, the Tigers cornerback is second in the SEC and tied for third nationally with five interceptions this season.

Both of Jones' picks came during the fourth quarter and were in the end zone.

Matching South Carolina's Shaq Roland stride for stride down the left sideline, Jones dove from the one-yard line and fully extended to reign in a critical interception in the end zone to keep the game tied at 35 with 13:17 to play.

"I was taking away inside leverage and it forced (Roland) outside," said Jones, who also had two tackles and two pas breakups. "Gabe (Wright) was able to get pressure and make him throw it short so I was able to step inside and make a play on it."

Six plays and 1:55 later, Auburn took a 42-35 lead it would never surrender, holding on to defeat the Gamecocks thanks again to Jones, who came away with his second interception on the game's final play.

"That was the play of the game," Auburn coach Gus Malzahn said of Jones' first interception. "We knew they were going to keep playing. They weren't punting. They weren't kicking field goals. We knew it. They knew it. Everybody knew it. He made the play of the game."

Auburn defensive back Jonathan Jones deflects a pass intended for South Carolina wide receiver Shaq Roland during Saturday's game.

The highlight reel play was especially important given the circumstances.

South Carolina tied the game at 35 and recovered an onside kick late in the third quarter. Facing third-and-eight from the Auburn 18-yard-line, there was no question South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier was going to go for it on fourth down if need be, but Jones put a stop to the threat.

"You could say he's got a knack but the thing about Jonathan is he's been playing so consistent for us that he keeps making those plays," Auburn defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson said. "Even sometimes when you don't see the flashy plays, he's really making some important plays for us in other areas. …

"Those were big plays, the one in the end zone particularly, because right at the onsides kick we lost two possessions because of the turnovers and the kicking game and the defense goes right back out there and he steps up and makes a big play. You got to really be proud of him."

Johnson disagreed with a pass interference call that went against Jones later in the fourth quarter, believing the ball was uncatchable.

Four of Jones' five interceptions have come in the end zone, underlining the critical nature of his plays. He cited the Kansas State game, when he had an interception, though on incredibly good fortune, but also was called for two pass interference penalties, as a turning point of his season.

"I wasn't really making a play on the ball, wasn't really turning my head around and I've done it several times in practice," Jones said. "(Defensive backs coach Melvin Smith) told me just settle down and do what I've seen you do plenty of times.

"I began to just, become second nature to calm down and make plays."