AUBURN, Ala. (AP) -Auburn safety Zac Etheridge was carried off the field on a backboard after a collision with teammate Antonio Coleman in the first quarter against Mississippi.

Etheridge and Coleman appeared to bang helmets at the end of a running play Saturday.

Etheridge lay on the field for several minutes while both head coaches stood at midfield looking on. Auburn players knelt on the sidelines and on the field.

The safety was strapped to a backboard with his head immobilized. He flashed a thumbs-up as he was taken off the field and up a tunnel to a waiting ambulance.

Etheridge came into the game fourth on the team with 49 tackles.