AUBURN, Ala. – Cam Coleman caught three of Payton Thorne’s career-best five touchdowns, and Auburn beat Louisiana-Monroe 48-14 on Saturday.

Coleman, a freshman and former 5-star recruit, set his season highs in receptions (eight) and yards (100). He became the first Auburn player to score three touchdowns in a single game since 2018.

Thorne, who was questionable throughout the week due to a shoulder injury he suffered two weeks ago in a loss to Vanderbilt, threw for 286 yards. KeAndre Lambert-Smith had 104 receiving yards and a touchdown, while Jarquez Hunter added 102 rushing yards.

“I thought it was a pretty dominant performance, with just a little gap early in the third quarter on both sides,” Auburn coach Hugh Freeze said. “I was really proud of our kids and our effort. Hopefully we’ve gained some confidence going into these last two big football games that we have.”

The Warhawks were led on offense by Ahmad Hardy, who had 60 yards rushing. Backup quarterback General Booty threw a 65-yard touchdown pass to Jonathan Bibbs on the final play of the Louisiana-Monroe game.

The Auburn (4-6) defense held Louisiana-Monroe (5-5) to 218 yards of offense in the victory.

“Our kids kept fighting,” Louisiana-Monroe coach Bryant Vincent said. “They continued to fight, and I thought a lot of guys stepped up and made a lot of plays for us. My biggest concern after that game was having enough bodies to finish out our last two conference games. “

Vincent won five of his first six games with the Warhawks, but they are now in the middle of a four-game losing streak. Louisiana-Monroe’s offense, which entered Saturday ranked 112th nationally in yards per play, continued to struggle moving the ball.

Although it was a disappointing sophomore season for the Tigers under Freeze, they took care of business without much trouble on Saturday. Coleman’s increased usage could bolster an inconsistent offense in its final two games against Texas A&M and Alabama.

Coleman’s third touchdown, which came in the third quarter, was his most memorable. The freshman caught the ball with one hand – behind his head – while lowering his elbow into the end zone for the score.

“I was a little nervous, because I didn’t feel like I was putting my foot down,” Coleman said. “But first I felt my elbow hit. Then they started replaying it on the scoreboard, and I was like, ‘Oh, snap… No.’ But then they called it a touchdown, and that was a really good feeling.”

Auburn did not commit a single penalty in the game. According to Auburn’s communications team, this is the first time the Tigers have finished a game without a penalty since at least 1996.

“I don’t remember being on a team that didn’t have any penalties,” Freeze said. “I like it. I’m grateful to have played at this level today. It’s definitely not normal.”

Auburn tight end Rivaldo Fairweather (13) dives for the pylon over Louisiana Monroe defensive back Wydett Williams Jr. (12), but was ruled out before the goal line, during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, November 1. 16, 2024, in Auburn, Alabama. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Auburn tight end Rivaldo Fairweather (13) dives for the pylon over Louisiana Monroe defensive back Wydett Williams Jr. (12), but was ruled out before the goal line, during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, November 1. 16, 2024, in Auburn, Alabama. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Auburn wide receiver Cam Coleman (8) stiff-arms Louisiana Monroe cornerback David Godsey Jr. (13) as he carries the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, November 16, 2024, in Auburn, Alabama (AP Photo/Aneth Butch)

Louisiana Monroe quarterback Aidan Armenta (10) throws a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Auburn, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill )

Louisiana Monroe tight end Nate Sullivan Jr. (80) carries the ball after a reception as Auburn safety Jerrin Thompson (1) chases during the first half of an NCAA college football game on Saturday November 16, 2024, in Auburn, Alabama. (AP Photo/Dill Butch)

Auburn quarterback Payton Thorne (1) throws a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Louisiana Monroe, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill )

Louisiana Monroe cornerback David Godsey Jr. (13) breaks up a pass intended for Auburn wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith (5) at the goal line during the first half of an NCAA college football game, the Saturday, November 16, 2024, in Auburn, Alabama (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter (27) is tackled by Louisiana Monroe linebacker Carl Glass Jr. (35) as he carries the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game , on Saturday, November 16, 2024, in Auburn, Alabama. (AP Photo/Dill Butch)

Louisiana Monroe running back Ahmad Hardy (22) carries the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Auburn, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill )