Auburn’s offense was once again explosive and the defense smothering.
I love beating Dan Mullen. I especially love beating him by 39 points a year after beating him by 24. The Tigers have outscored Mississippi State 87-24 over the past two seasons. That makes me happy. Why? Because I am one of those conspiracy theorist barners who believe Mullen played a very large role in some of the garbage that got leaked out during the Cam Newton scandal. True or not, I will always enjoy beating him.
Personal grudges aside, Saturday was also fun because this Auburn team continues to improve. Mississippi State is not a bad football team. In fact, they just might be the #3 team in the SEC West and they are going to win a lot more games than they lose moving forward. But it was clear they were not in the same class as this Auburn team. After a slow start, Auburn has begun building some serious momentum and looking stronger and stronger each week. There’s still plenty of football to be played but the Tigers are moving in the right direction.
Explosive Offense
I don’t know if I would call Auburn’s offense efficient Saturday. They weren’t chewing up yardage and piecing together first down after first down. In fact, Mississippi State had more first downs than Auburn (18-14) and ran WAY more plays (84-56) while being out gained by 160 yards and outscored by 39. How? Because if you aren’t going to be efficient, you better be explosive and Auburn’s offense was TNT Saturday night.On 49 of Auburn’s total plays they gained 150 yards. That’s 3.1 yards per play which is ok. The other 7 plays? 361 yards!
- 1st & 10 - 59 yd run by Kerryon Johnson
- 3rd & 2 - 49 yd pass to Darius Slayton
- 1st & 10 - 47 yd TD pass to Will Hastings
- 1st & 10 - 57 yd pass to Eli Stove
- 3rd & 3 - 30 yd run by Eli Stove
- 3rd & 3 - 52 yd pass to Kyle Davis
- 3rd & 1 - 67 yd TD run by Malik Willis
What was really interesting is WHEN these explosive plays happened. It was either on 1st & 10 or 3rd & short. Over the past couple of seasons it’s been pretty easy to know what exactly Auburn was going to do in these situations, run the ball. Saturday, Chip Lindsey blew up all those preconceived notions. Let’s look at those aggressive 3rd & short calls (sans TD, we will talk about that one later) that helped lead to touchdowns for this Auburn offense.
Talk about breaking a tendency... AU goes super aggressive on 3rd & short. Not easy nor perfect throw but works http://bit.ly/2hMKji6— AUNerd (@AUSportsNerd) October 3, 2017
Outstanding blocks by Smith, Cox & NCM on this play. Another aggressive 3rd & short playcall by Lindsey http://bit.ly/2fRNggV— AUNerd (@AUSportsNerd) October 3, 2017
3rd & short again. AU again attacks. Might be Stidham's prettiest pass to date http://bit.ly/2hMKjP8— AUNerd (@AUSportsNerd) October 3, 2017
1.) Auburn usually runs the ball on 3rd & short
2.) If Auburn passes the ball on 3rd & short it’s usually a quick pass to someone like Ryan Davis or Will Hastings.
Over the last two weeks, Lindsey has used Auburn’s past to whoop defenses in the present. Continuing to keep defenses off balanced and confused is crucial for this offense moving forward.
Elite Defense
Let’s just get this out on the table. Auburn’s defense is elite. It’s taken some time but I think those outside of Auburn, Alabama are starting to understand that fact. Only Auburn’s defense has not allowed more than 14 pts this season. They are still #1 in “Finishing Drives” meaning they give up the fewest amount of points per opponent’s trip inside the 40. They are ranked #5 overall according to S&P+ and are only allowing 13.8 points per game, good for 8th overall. Top to bottom, this is one of the best units Auburn has put on the field in some time. Each level of the defense is loaded with playmakers.Watch the subtle move Holland gives OG to dodge the punch. Outstanding body control and finishes play #SenseiMud http://bit.ly/2hMKkma— AUNerd (@AUSportsNerd) October 3, 2017
This is a ridiculous play by Darrell Williams. Should be easy TD but Williams makes perfect tackle http://bit.ly/2hLObQo— AUNerd (@AUSportsNerd) October 3, 2017
Outstanding play from Dinson. Fights off block from TE and makes the tackle. He's been a force at the nickel spot http://bit.ly/2fRNkNH— AUNerd (@AUSportsNerd) October 3, 2017
Jeremiah Dinson reads run and steps up to set the edge. However, State’s tight end kicks out and looks to be in perfect position to block Dinson. Not so fast... Dinson does a great job fighting off the block by dodging the initial punch and using his own hands to get separation. After that, he rips Fitz down in the open field turning what should have been a decent gain into nothing. This defense is so much fun to watch.
Touchdown Auburn
Once again, we have plenty of Auburn touchdowns to breakdown and dissect. This week, the defense makes the list and there’s even gasp a touchdown pass in the redzone. Scoring points is fun, keep doing it Auburn.Better angle. Dunn the star of this play. Had a very good game Saturday night http://bit.ly/2fRZvtQ— AUNerd (@AUSportsNerd) October 3, 2017
This time Stidham takes advantage of cushion up top. Great block by KD. Ryan Davis finishes the play http://bit.ly/2fRNlkJ— AUNerd (@AUSportsNerd) October 3, 2017
Watch Stidham's eyes. Looks left first which brings other safety away from MOF. Then comes back to Hastings for TD http://bit.ly/2fQs4bi— AUNerd (@AUSportsNerd) October 3, 2017
This is how a 5'9" WR is averaging 20+ ypc. Insane quickness http://bit.ly/2hMKnOS— AUNerd (@AUSportsNerd) October 3, 2017
Dropping back, Stidham looks to the left which moves the strongside safety away from the hashes. He then comes back to Will Hastings who embarrasses the free safety with a quick fake and hits Hastings on the wide open post route for a TD. I love everything about this play from the design, to the blocking, to the route running and of course the throw itself.
AU goes unbalanced & runs power from under center. Enough of a hole opens for KJ to get the TD http://bit.ly/2hPoyyb— AUNerd (@AUSportsNerd) October 3, 2017
Braden Smith taking his man on a walk. Not a great job by James but good enough http://bit.ly/2fRCmIa— AUNerd (@AUSportsNerd) October 3, 2017
Power out of unbalanced look. KJ is a TD machine http://bit.ly/2fQHlZx— AUNerd (@AUSportsNerd) October 3, 2017
Love how chill Steele is during this whole play. Love that D finally converted on scoring opportunity http://bit.ly/2hMKWZ0— AUNerd (@AUSportsNerd) October 3, 2017
Great read by Willis and man he turns corner quickly. Future is bright at QB http://bit.ly/2hMmt6o— AUNerd (@AUSportsNerd) October 3, 2017
Mr October
Gus Malzahn’s favorite month has arrived. As head coach at Auburn, Malzahn has compiled a 12-3 record in the month of October good for an 80% win percentage. That’s better than his 14-4 (78%) record in September and his frustrating 11-6 (65%) record in November. Long story short, it takes Malzahn a few weeks to figure out what he’s got but once he does, he starts rattling off wins.Auburn has a tough road ahead of them even if the schedule doesn’t look as daunting as it did preseason. Ole Miss, LSU, Arkansas and Texas A&M have all struggled out the gates in varying forms this season but they still have talent. Any of those teams are capable of knocking the Tigers off if they don’t show up ready to play. The Tigers should be sitting at 8-1 heading into the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry but that’s far from a given. Over the next few weeks we will find out if this team is just good or capable of contending for an SEC title and more.
War Eagle!
from College and Magnolia http://bit.ly/2hMKppY
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