Called on my friend and UK grad Jay Tate, who covers Aubun for the Montgomery Advertiser, for a scouting report on Kentucky’s opponent for Saturday.
Click here for Jay’s Auburn blog.
1) What happened to Auburn in the 44-23 loss at Arkansas?
Jay: The primary issue there involved Auburn not being prepared mentally for that challenge. Practices were sluggish during the days leading up to the game. Gene Chizik admonished the team for dill-dallying through practice on Thursday and basically forecast trouble at Arkansas.
Also, this is a team that requires offensive excellence. Auburn’s offense moves at such a fast pace that the defense is compromised from the beginning. The days of Auburn allowing 14 points per game are over. The defense spends significantly more time on the field these days because Auburn’s drives, by design, require less time than every before.
Auburn is trying to win games 40-25. Coaches know points will be conceded. Defensive players are OK with that as long as the team is ahead. Once the Tigers fell behind 20-0 last week, that severely jarred players on both sides of the ball.
2) How has Gus Malzahn transformed the Auburn offense in such a short time?
Jay: He runs his system. It works. It creates tempo and, at least in September games, gives defenses fits. It stresses runs. It also calls for a lot of deep passing. And it all moves at a remarkably fast pace at times. Defenses get tired, Auburn takes over.
There are minuses. It creates defensive strain much like Hal Mumme’s offense did years ago. It also is good for at least its fair share of three-and-outs.
Still, when opponents come to play without tailor-made schemes in mind, Auburn holds a clear advantage.
3) What do you see as the key for Auburn on Saturday?
Jay: Auburn is going to load the box and force The Unnamed UK Quarterback to beat people in man coverage. It’s that simple. Can Auburn’s front line repel Locke and those UK linemen? That’s the question.
Auburn also needs to regain the offensive rhythm it showed during the third quarter at Arkansas. The Tigers reeled off 248 yards in 17 plays. A failed quarterback sneak early in the fourth quarter broke the team’s spirit, but a new week provides a new start.
My guess is they’ll regain their swerve. It’s never gone for long.
Kentucky folks looking for an advantage can look at UK trying to exploit Auburn’s special teams. Auburn is so thin defensively that most of their kicking units are filled with walk-ons and back-up players. This has caused breakdowns, particularly in allowing long kickoff returns (ie, a 70 yarder to Arkansas last week). I think if UK is going to have a chance they’re going to have to have short fields with an unestablished QB under center.