Automatic Adjustments

[StatTiger 3,188]

One of the challenges of facing Alabama's defense is their preparation level for their opponent. Though they are loaded with talent, they are also well prepared for their opponent. Having faced Gus Malzahn's offense on five occasions, the Alabama defensive staff is more than familiar with Auburn's schemes and formations. They are also well versed in Auburn's personnel groupings which allows them to have a solid pre-snap read on the Auburn offense. This is why Auburn needs to limit substitution packages because Alabama will be waiting to sub their packages to counter Auburn's personnel groupings. Another key will be breaking tendencies against Alabama, which they have already scouted from film study.

The play...

On this play Auburn is set to run the ball with Peyton Barber at the Vandal 6-yard line. Before the snap, Tony Stevens is lined up on the boundary side with the CB in man-coverage. At the snap, Jeremy Johnson recognizes the CB coming off the edge to blitz on what he believes will be a run play with Peyton Barber (frame #2). Tony Stevens will raise his hand to make sure Johnson recognizes there is no coverage on Stevens.

Johnson continues the motion of the inside give to Barber, which freezes the safety from maintaining coverage over the top for the vacated CB. Johnson play-actions and makes a quick "pop" pass to Tony Stevens for the easy score. Looking back at the play, it appears the safety should have jumped over in coverage but never makes the transition. One might assume it was a blown assignment but opposing teams have left Auburn receivers uncovered this season to sell out for the run.

This has occurred primarily on first-down, when Auburn is extremely run-heavy and it is normally the slot-WR that is left uncovered. Just like Auburn's offense showing tendencies, the Alabama defense will also show tendencies. Gus Malzahn must be prepared to exploit these opportunities in an attempt to generate explosive plays. Auburn must be prepared to attack the vacated spaces by the Alabama defense, when they blitz.

[auburn4ever 1,266]

The Alabama staff will know what and how to stop us. Coach Malzahn might have to pull out some tricks in able to move down field.

[RunInRed 16,394]

Stat, picking up his game ... just in time for the Iron Bowl ... love it!

[au701948 998]

Stat always sharp and to the point. I don't know that it will happen again, though we did do it on a lesser team at TAM, but execution will be our key to success or failure. If CGM, CWM and players can channel just one more complete game of execution this season, then we have at least a chance. Everyone including the towel boy and trainers have to want this as much as we fans do. I am sure they all think they want it but it has to come from deep inside knowing that being the underdog may be our best advantage.

[alexava 6,973]

I wish we had this play vs UGA.

[AuburnSpider 2]

I honestly believe stat could have done better calling plays this year

[hutchids 227]

It will be nice to see some of those vs bama. Seems we've rarely run this play this year. Any ideas why? Maybe due to the lack of a consistent starting qb?

[Eagle Eye 7 2,535]

Thanks Stat for pointing out that JJ can and does run the read option. There were several other plays he made in that game also. Just hope they call these plays this week. WDE