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From 1990-2008, Auburn's defense allowed an average of 16.9 first downs per game. Under Ted Roof, Auburn's defense allowed 21.5 first downs per game.
Only 4 Auburn defenses allowed an average of 20 or more first downs per game from 1990-2011 and 3 of those defenses were 2009, 2010 and 2011.
If Brian VanGorder's defense can shave off 2-3 first downs per game, it will make a huge impact in total defense. When you consider Auburn's opponent average 18.7 yards per first down, shaving off 2-3 first downs would be a huge improvement for the 2012 Auburn defense.
Shave off 2 first downs per game and Auburn drops into the 371-yards per game or 53rd nationally in total defense. Auburn was 81st last season in total defense, allowing 408-yards per game.
Shave off 3 first downs and Auburn is in the 352-yards per game or 41st nationally in total defense.
Shave off 4 first downs and Auburn is in the 333-yards per game range or 26th nationally in total defense.
Since 1990, Auburn's opponent has averaged 3.8 plays per first down, which means shaving off first downs would limit the number of plays defended per game. If the 2012 defense can shave off 3 first downs per game, it translates to 11 less plays defended during a game. Over the course of a 13-game season, that would mean Auburn's defense would have played 2 less games at -11 plays per game.
Improving 3rd down pass-defense will be the key and the primary reason why VanGorder has stressed limiting the impact or explosive plays and getting off the field during 3rd & long situations. Last season Auburn's opponent completed 68 percent of their passes facing 3rd % 10 or more for a pass rating of 183.5. When you consider anything over a 125 rating in this situation is solid, 183.5 is hideous. Auburn's opponent completions in this situation resulted in the opponent converting 45.8 percent of their 3rd and long situations. Better pass defense in 2012 will help drop the average of first downs allowed per game.
Only 4 Auburn defenses allowed an average of 20 or more first downs per game from 1990-2011 and 3 of those defenses were 2009, 2010 and 2011.
If Brian VanGorder's defense can shave off 2-3 first downs per game, it will make a huge impact in total defense. When you consider Auburn's opponent average 18.7 yards per first down, shaving off 2-3 first downs would be a huge improvement for the 2012 Auburn defense.
Shave off 2 first downs per game and Auburn drops into the 371-yards per game or 53rd nationally in total defense. Auburn was 81st last season in total defense, allowing 408-yards per game.
Shave off 3 first downs and Auburn is in the 352-yards per game or 41st nationally in total defense.
Shave off 4 first downs and Auburn is in the 333-yards per game range or 26th nationally in total defense.
Since 1990, Auburn's opponent has averaged 3.8 plays per first down, which means shaving off first downs would limit the number of plays defended per game. If the 2012 defense can shave off 3 first downs per game, it translates to 11 less plays defended during a game. Over the course of a 13-game season, that would mean Auburn's defense would have played 2 less games at -11 plays per game.
Improving 3rd down pass-defense will be the key and the primary reason why VanGorder has stressed limiting the impact or explosive plays and getting off the field during 3rd & long situations. Last season Auburn's opponent completed 68 percent of their passes facing 3rd % 10 or more for a pass rating of 183.5. When you consider anything over a 125 rating in this situation is solid, 183.5 is hideous. Auburn's opponent completions in this situation resulted in the opponent converting 45.8 percent of their 3rd and long situations. Better pass defense in 2012 will help drop the average of first downs allowed per game.
