AUBURN, Ala. (AP) — Chris Todd was hoping that he and the Auburn Tigers would get off to a quick start against Furman Saturday afternoon.

That’s exactly what happened as Todd completed his first 14 passes and Auburn jumped out to a 42-3 halftime lead before cruising to a 63-31 win Saturday over the Paladins, a Football Championship Subdivision team.

Todd said it was important to stay on the winning ways after last week’s win over Ole Miss broke a three-game losing streak.

“We wanted to come out and have some players step up and keep the momentum going from last week. We had some guys really come out and play well,” Todd said.

Todd played so well he got to watch the second half from the sidelines — something he didn’t mind.

“I think it was a really good opportunity for a lot of guys to get out there and play,” Todd said. “A lot of them did a really good job in the offense in the second half.”

Todd threw three touchdown passes to Darvin Adams for the Tigers (7-3), who scored on six of their first seven possessions. Todd’s other scoring pass went to Mario Fannin, who finished with 60 yards rushing.

Auburn head coach Gene Chizik said it was good to see Todd have a big game, particularly after the senior quarterback was criticized by fans and the media earlier in the season.

“He was on the run for a lot of his throws, and he was very efficient in what he did,” Chizik said. “Chris did a really nice job. It is hard to complete that many in a row.”

The Paladins (4-5), scored 28 points in the second half against Auburn, which played most of its reserves during the half.

Chizik said he was committed to going with younger players in the second half, even when Furman scored two quick touchdowns after intermission.

“That was really indicative of how football games go. They have to play through those times. You have to keep them out there and let them play,” Chizik said.

One of those younger players was freshman receiver Emory Blake, who caught five passes for 32 yards.

“I played all right, but I think I can play better. I was pretty confident, but I wasn’t confused,” Blake said.

The Tigers, who won their second in a row, started the season 5-0 and then suffered three losses before rebounding with a win over Ole Miss last week.