The Difference Between AU '03 and '04

[cadillacattack 0]

Philip Marshall once again illustrates his knowledge of AU football by succinctly focusing on the key differences that have unlocked the performance of the '04 version of the Tigers. Note the difference in organizational dynamics, the specialization in down-and-distance associated with the WCO approach, and Chizik's relentless quest for improvement. One of the more revealing articles I've read in awhile - the story behind the stats............enjoy:

al.com article

Auburn lining up third and strong

Thursday, October 28, 2004, By PHILLIP MARSHALL

Third down not a problem for third-ranked Tigers

AUBURN - As Jason Campbell surveyed the LSU defense late on the afternoon of Sept. 18, the circumstances seemed dire. It was third-and-12 at the LSU 16. Auburn trailed 9-3 and time was running short. But Campbell was calm, even confident. So what if it was third-and-long? He'd been in this situation so many times in practice. Standing in the pocket, Campbell watched the play unfold. He saw Courtney Taylor break open in the end zone and delivered the ball for the touchdown that ignited a run that continues today.

Going into Saturday night's game against Ole Miss at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, the Tigers are 8-0 overall, 5-0 in the Southeastern Conference, ranked No. 3 in the Associated Press poll and are No. 4 in the Bowl Championship Series standings. They have won 10 consecutive games dating back to last season. They are heavy favorites against the Rebels (3-4 and 2-2).

And third-down dominance on both sides of the ball has played a major role in making it happen.

On offense, the Tigers have converted 46 of 95 third downs, 48.4 percent. In the first half, when seven of their eight games have been decided, they have been deadly - 13 of 17 for 76.4 percent in the first quarter and 14 of 25 for 56 percent in the second.

On third-and-11 or more, usually considered a lost cause, they are 11-for-23 for 48.4 percent.

"That's unheard of," offensive coordinator Al Borges said. "The NFL is 20 percent on third-and-eight or more."

Campbell says it is the product of concentration and practice.

"We do every type of third-down situation," Campbell said. "We work on it every day. We know how important it is. It helps our team by keeping the defense off the field and giving them an opportunity to rest.

"I think there's a carryover from each series to each game."

Borges assigns assistants to concentrate on various phases of offense. Eddie Gran deals with the red zone and blitzes. Steve Ensminger deals with goal line. Hugh Nall is in charge of the running game. Third downs belong to wide receivers coach Greg Knox.

"He does a great job of really breaking it down," Borges said. "He and I will meet for probably two hours just on third downs. He comes up with some really good ideas.

"Knowing what the opponent is going to do, he has presented some really good information and some different looks they haven't seen."

But the credit, Borges and Knox agree, goes to the players who make it happen. "It starts with the offensive line, which is usually where it beaks down in that situation," Borges said. "They've given us great protection. Greg has done a real good job of research and having some real good input, but it comes down to the kids' ability to execute it." Knox says the players, from the start, have been willing listeners.

"I give all the credit to the players," Knox said. "The offensive line is giving us time to throw the ball downfield, we are dialing up some good routes and Jason is delivering the ball."

Defense does well, too

On defense, third downs were a priority beginning in spring practice. Opponents were successful 36.5 percent of the time last season, and that did not please coordinator Gene Chizik.

This season, opponents have been successful 27.6 percent of the time. On third-and-11 or more, they are 2-for 29. "It's really just all about execution on third down and really being aware of the significance of third down," Chizik said. "It's really very simple. If you stop them, you are going to be able to get off the field and take a break. If you don't, you are going to stay out there a lot longer.

"We haven't really ap-proached it any differently. I just think this defense as a whole is a lot more conscious of little things in a lot of different ways." Nose guard T.J. Jackson says players have learned their lessons well. "It's being aware of personnel and knowing what they are likely to do," Jackson said.

"That's what coaching will do for you."