AUBURN, Ala. (AP) – Cameron Artis-Payne wanted to prove he has speed this season and Corey Grant aimed to show his power.

The two tailbacks for No. 5 Auburn so far have complemented each other nicely and helped the Tigers’ running game remain one of the nation’s best despite losing Heisman Trophy finalist Tre Mason.

Auburn (2-0) enters Thursday night’s visit to No. 20 Kansas State (2-0) ranked fifth nationally in rushing offense. Artis-Payne stands eighth in yards per game.

Coach Gus Malzahn still calls Artis-Payne and Grant Tailbacks 1 and 1A, though the former has gotten most of the carries.

Grant thinks both can rush for 1,000 yards. Quarterback Nick Marshall reached that milestone last season in directing the first SEC offense to lead the nation in rushing.