Touchdown Auburn: Joey Over The Top

Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Gatewood punches it in from the 1 yard line

Auburn scored 53 touchdowns in 2019 and over the coming weeks we are going to breakdown each one.

Following Eli Stove’s touchdown, Auburn’s defense forced the Ducks offense to punt again. Auburn’s offense in return failed to convert a third and short, a problem that would haunt this offense all season long. But the defense was in beast mode at this point and promptly forced a 3 & out on Oregon’s ensuing possession.

Now it was time for Auburn’s offense to get rolling again. Again, it was an explosive play on the ground that got things going.

Auburn is running a Split Zone RPO concept that they started using more heavily in recent seasons. Bo Nix is reading the end to the near side. If he crashes, Nix will pull it and look to dump the ball off to Matthew Hill. If he holds his ground or comes up field, as he does on this play, Nix will give it to JaTarvious Whitlow.

Jack Driscoll seals the end while John Samuel Shenker takes the backside cornerback out of the play. That leaves a wide open hole for Boobee on the right side of the line. He does a great job pressing the A-gap (space between the center and guard) to suck in Oregon’s All-Conference linebacker Troy Dye before exploding through the open C-gap (space between the tackle and tight end).

Oregon’s safety is in position to make a play but takes a bad angle and doesn’t have the speed to adjust in time. Boobee races 31 yards down the field and Auburn is in business inside the 20.

Two more runs by Whitlow puts Auburn on the 1 yard line. Gus Malzahn then elects to send his 6’5” 235 lbs backup QB in the game behind as heavy a set as Auburn would use all season long.

Bailey Sharp and Tashawn Manning both check into the game. Auburn goes unbalanced with Prince Tega Wanogho once again lined up outside Jack Driscoll while Sharp mans the tackle spot on the left side of the line. Manning is at left guard allowing Marquel Harrell to line up in the backfield as a fullback. Joey Gatewood follows the big man and dives into the endzone for six points.

All of a sudden, Oregon’s three score lead has shriveled to a single point. Getting nervous Duck fans?

War Eagle!

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