10 replies to this topic

[StatTiger]

Though all the attention is on Tyler Wilson and the Razorbacks fleet of receivers, Auburn must take away the running game because Bobby Petrino knows the importance of remaining balanced on offense. In the last 3 meetings with the Razorbacks, Arkansas has been able to run the football, allowing them to build their play-action off the success of their ground game. If Arkansas can remain balanced, it will be nearly impossible for Auburn to match them point for point unless the Razorbacks have 3-4 turnovers during the game.

Auburn's run defense has improved over the past 2 weeks but they are not where they would like to be in terms of being consistent.

Interior line push...



On this play against South Carolina, Auburn is able to get a strong push by their interior line. Kenneth Carter and Angelo Blackson take away any running lanes for Marcus Lattimore and he is dumped for a 2-yard loss. When the DT's are winning the battles up front, it normally means the LB's are free to make plays.

Winning the battles up front...



On this play, Kenneth Carter goes 1 on 1 with the LG. In frames #2 and #3, it appears that Marcus Lattimore has a running lane as he cuts back to hit the "A" gap. Note Carter's footwork and leverage in the circled pic within frame #3. He has the guard fully extended as Carter maintains his own balance and footwork, which allows him to slide off the guard and make the solo tackle on Lattimore for a 2-yard gain.

Last week Auburn did a great job of disguising their defense often shifting just before the snap to prevent the Gamecocks from getting the correct presnap read on the defense. Note how Demetruce McNeal moves up in the box just before the snap for added run support. The Tigers will need to do the same this week against Arkansas though it might be difficult when the Razorbacks speeds up their tempo on offense. This could translate to more zone than man coverage for the Auburn defense.

Before Auburn can sack the quarterback, they have to stop the run. When they do defend obvious passing situations, the Tigers will need a strong inside push from the DT's or Wilson will step up in the pocket and get his pass off. The defense will have to take some risks Saturday night but stopping the run must remain the No.1 priority. Petrino's offense has averaged 182-yards rushing in his 3 meetings against Auburn. The DT's are beginning to play with more confidence and are slowly improving. Having a solid game from the defensive line will be essential for Auburn to pull the upset.

Beat Arkansas!

[RunInRed]

You nailed it Stat.  If we make them one dimensional, similar to what we did to USCe, we are in a great position to the control the time of possession and win the game.

[Aubie_Jr]

If Whitaker plays like he did last week, we should be able to disrupt their non-existent running game.

[AUBURNJAC]

I agree with this,  but aren't they sort of one dimensional already?  So if we focus on stacking the box then isn't that going to leave Wilson some wide open (and pretty bad assed) receivers?  I guess if we are stopping the run then we can parlay that into putting tons of pressure on TW.  This is why I AM NOT and WOULD NOT BE a good football coach!  lol.  



WAR DAMN EAGLE!!!!!!! BEAT THE HOGS!  

[Auburnfan91]

I'm sorry Stat but this time I have to a disagree with you. Arkansas made a huge comback last week against Texas A&M and they didn't run the ball that well. They had 71 rushing yards last week. Even if we stop Arkansas's running game, I'm not confident we'll be able to cover Arkansas's WR's. Last week we did a good job of containing Alshon Jeffrey but he was South Carolina's best reciever. Arkansas has more than 1 good receiver: Jarius Wright, Greg Childs, and Joe Adams.

We just don't match up well with Arkansas.

[JB33]

AUBURNJAC, on 06 October 2011 - 11:09 AM, said:

I agree with this,  but aren't they sort of one dimensional already?  So if we focus on stacking the box then isn't that going to leave Wilson some wide open (and pretty bad assed) receivers?  I guess if we are stopping the run then we can parlay that into putting tons of pressure on TW.  This is why I AM NOT and WOULD NOT BE a good football coach!  lol.  



WAR DAMN EAGLE!!!!!!! BEAT THE HOGS!  

I don't think Stat is suggesting that we stack the box.  Just the opposite: If our front four can hold the line of scrimmage, and we can limit their run WITHOUT commitig extra men to the box, we have a lot more flexibility in what we do to contain their receivers.  Plus, if we get them behind the chains, I believe we can pressure Wilson with our Owens-Sanders-Eguae-Lemonier DL package.  I'm sure Wilson will get some yards, but if we pressure him, hopefully he'll toss a few our way.  

If we control the clock and field position like last week (and convert those advantages to about twice as many points), we have a good chance to win.

Edited by JB33, 06 October 2011 - 01:53 PM.

[StatTiger]

Auburnfan91, on 06 October 2011 - 12:06 PM, said:

I'm sorry Stat but this time I have to a disagree with you. Arkansas made a huge comback last week against Texas A&M and they didn't run the ball that well. They had 71 rushing yards last week. Even if we stop Arkansas's running game, I'm not confident we'll be able to cover Arkansas's WR's. Last week we did a good job of containing Alshon Jeffrey but he was South Carolina's best reciever. Arkansas has more than 1 good receiver: Jarius Wright, Greg Childs, and Joe Adams.

We just don't match up well with Arkansas.

Yes they did make a comeback but how often does that happen? Bottom line, because they struggled running the football, they won by only 4 pts. If you think it will be difficult defending their pass-offense, doesn't it make sense it would be even more difficult if the Razorbacks could run too?

[eibua12]

StatTiger, on 06 October 2011 - 02:02 PM, said:

Auburnfan91, on 06 October 2011 - 12:06 PM, said:

I'm sorry Stat but this time I have to a disagree with you. Arkansas made a huge comback last week against Texas A&M and they didn't run the ball that well. They had 71 rushing yards last week. Even if we stop Arkansas's running game, I'm not confident we'll be able to cover Arkansas's WR's. Last week we did a good job of containing Alshon Jeffrey but he was South Carolina's best reciever. Arkansas has more than 1 good receiver: Jarius Wright, Greg Childs, and Joe Adams.

We just don't match up well with Arkansas.

Yes they did make a comeback but how often does that happen? Bottom line, because they struggled running the football, they won by only 4 pts. If you think it will be difficult their pass-offense, doesn't it make sense it would be even more difficult if the Razorbacks could run too?

We need solid play from our front 4 period if we can nickel them and get pressure we are good if we give Wilson time we are dead, heck just watch last years game we gave him time and he tore us apart when we pressured him he made mistakes.

[RunInRed]

Does any one else get the impression that Blackson is on the verge of emerging?  

I really feel we're (finally) settling into a front four of Blackson, Lemonier and Egue + 1 solid rotation.