When Cam Newton’s in the house, Auburn just doesn’t lose to Alabama.
His quarterbacking the Tigers to a comeback win over the in-state rivals helped him win a Heisman Trophy and a national championship in 2010, and last night, his people skills helped the basketball team.
The Panthers quarterback took to the student section to fire up the crowd, in what was said to be a factor in Auburn snapping a six-game losing streak with a 49-37 win over the Crimson Tide.
Considering there are SEC football games with bigger scores, it’s hard to know how much to value it, but the Auburn players apparently noticed Newton and the student section whooping it up.
“I hate to admit it, but I was paying attention to the student section, and I saw him out there leading cheers,” Auburn forward Allen Payne said, via AL.com’s Joel Erickson. “I just heard the crowd, and it pumped me up. That’s great he was leading them on.
You can watch the video here, and it’s clear Newton’s having as much fun as those around him.
Newton’s back on campus this spring working on his sociology degree, and apparently inspiring his basketball brethren.
Maybe he can fire up the Panthers this fall, and help them improve on a 13-19 record during his time.