Good morning, Auburn.

Auburn University was awarded $1.2 million in state grants for research officials say could have a positive impact in Alabama and beyond, Gov. Kay Ivey said.

Auburn men's golf won the East Lake Cup at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, beating Oklahoma State 4-1 in the final.

Logan Reilly shared the individual title with a 7-under 65 for his first Auburn collegiate win + the Tigers play the Steelwood Collegiate in Loxley Oct. 31 to Nov. 1.

Auburn overcame a slow start to beat Samford 80-68 in an exhibition at Neville Arena on Thursday, with Kevin Overton and Tahaad Pettiford combining for 45 points + seven made threes as the Tigers tune up for the season opener next week against Southeastern Louisiana.

Auburn's defense has regressed through seven games, ranking 109th in total defense and 115th in passing defense, while coordinator DJ Durkin remains on staff for a third season at $2.7 million a year and will see his pay rise to $2.9 million on Feb.

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Auburn will finish its October gauntlet by playing No. 12 Ole Miss in Oxford this week + the Tigers will try to build on their upset of No. 1 Georgia two weeks ago.

Auburn beat Samford 80-68 in an exhibition at Neville Arena after rallying late, with Kevin Overton scoring 25 and Tahaad Pettiford adding 20 while Samford's Cooper Noard finished with 30 and 10 rebounds.

The Tigers will open the regular season at Neville Arena on Wednesday, Nov. 4 (7:00 p.m. CT) against Southern Louisiana.