Things I Think I Saw: Auburn vs Miss State....

[JMR 2,118]

Things I Think I Saw: Auburn vs Miss State….

For the typical football fan, this was a game where a “reasonably comfortable” win was the hope going in. That hope virtually assured in the first half, hope quickly became expectation, and then some discomfort and even disappointment in the second half. Fans…of which I am one….are weird that way.

The fact is that the Auburn defense has played well pretty much throughout the season thus far, while the offense has improved steadily over the past three weeks.

Auburn has superior talent to Mississippi State, but State had to be heavily outplayed, to be down by five touchdowns at the half. Credit for that goes not to the aforementioned talent advantage, but to preparation, effort, and execution by the players and coaches. That said, here are some “things I think I saw” while watching the game. I haven’t gone back and re-watched any of it, so odds are good that I missed some things, or saw some things wrong. So if you saw it differently, you may well be right…especially if you went to the trouble to watch it more than once.
 

• I thought Sean White had his best game as an Auburn QB. White looked sharp in most areas, and executed well. He missed a couple of deep throws, but that is always a possibility when you go for a big play. Sean’s pre-snap reads looked nearly perfect, and his anticipation of routes by the wide receivers was the best I’ve seen from an Auburn QB in a while.

• Chandler Cox has improved his blocking over the last couple of games, although he still lets himself get overextended prior to throwing his block at times. There has been improvement there for sure, though, and I’d expect that to continue. I really like the kid, and hope he is eventually as good as he wants to be.

• There was some discussion prior to this season about just how effective the young freshman receivers could be for Auburn right out of the gate, given the lack of experience at that position. I’m still not sure we know the definitive answer to that question, but I think Kyle Davis is making a case for young ones being able to contribute. I love the way he runs his routes, and catches the ball away from his body.

• Speaking of wide receivers, a couple of suggestions for Coach Kodi Burns to work on with his group this week: For the second week in a row, Tony Stevens has tried to catch a ball with his shoulder pads. Last week it ended up being a drop of what would have been a first down pass. This week it turned into an interception of a very well-thrown ball. This was also the second week in a row that one of our wide receivers has lined up off the ball when he was supposed to be on the line of scrimmage. Both times, all the player had to do was look at the side judge, who holds his arm out to his side to indicate whether the outside receiver is on, or off, the line of scrimmage.

• Our inability to develop a blocking tight end continued through this game. If we are not going to use the tight end in the passing game, maybe we should move one of the better young offensive linemen there, to at least provide blocking. I’d almost bet the staff has discussed that possibility, and after this week, it might happen.

• Braden Smith continues to pull away from the mean as an offensive lineman. He is blessed with all the tools, and is beginning to master the use of those.

• I’m a huge Alex Kozan fan. AK is one of those guys who gets it done with knowledge, technique, and the application of basic physics, rather than with brute strength and/or exceptional speed. However, he has gotten in the habit this season of playing entirely too high at times, especially on the goal line, and it’s becoming a problem. I hope someone is pointing this out to him so he gets it corrected.

• I don’t really know what to make of the Golson/Dampeer/James situation. Based on what’s been said, I guess we can probably accept that Dampeer is not 100% recovered from injury. But I have to say, I’ve been pleasantly surprised at the effectiveness of Darius James at left tackle. I don’t think we’ve seen DJ go against an elite speed rusher yet, but he sure looks good in his pass set, and is an excellent drive blocker. Will be interesting to see how the OL situation plays out over the rest of the season.

• On the subject of speed rushers, Carl Lawson appears to be approaching full health status at last. I’ve never thought of Carl as a speed guy, but he definitely looked like one this week. Great to see him open up the tool box of pass rush moves he's worked so hard at developing.

• Mon Adams and Dontavious Russell continue to dominate inside. Lots of talent there, and copious amounts of hustle and effort to go with it. I’m also seeing more and more “real football player” stuff from Andrew Williams. He has been (to me) surprisingly effective this season, and it’s primarily through effort supported by excellent technique.

• As I think I’ve said here in previous weeks, young Darrell Williams continues to make rookie mistakes, but is destined to be an outstanding linebacker. He missed some reads this week, and is beginning to let his eyes overpower his brain at times. Hopefully T-Will keeps bringing him along; talent like he has doesn’t come along often enough.

• I think pretty much anyone who pays attention to football could see very early that Carlton Davis was going to be a tremendous cover guy. I recognized it, like most other people, but even so, I’m surprised by how good he is already. The kid is really good, and seemingly, determined to get better.

Most of us were disappointed that we didn’t dominate in the second half yesterday, after such a strong performance early. Sometimes, for reasons not easily discerned, teams just let off the throttle after getting everything going. It can be a particular play, an injury, or any number of things that cause it, but once you’ve let up on the throttle, it’s really difficult to push it forward again. The best way to go about things is to never let up in the first place, of course, but we’re talking about young men 18 to 22 years old, not 50-year-old men with years of training and experience. Our guys will learn to keep the hammer down, and I’m happy that failing to do that yesterday didn’t really cost them anything. Experience is a great teacher, but she can be very expensive. Not so this week.

War Eagle!, and let’s get ready for Bert and the Hawgs!

[Barnacle 9,064]

I've really enjoyed reading these this season. Thanks for continuing to post them. 

[WeagleAU 594]

4 minutes ago, Barnacle said:

I've really enjoyed reading these this season. Thanks for continuing to post them. 

I second that.  I've also enjoyed listening to Coach's podcast on the War Eagle Sports Radio app.

[JFDTiger80 790]

JMR, outstanding write up. Really enjoy your take.

[WarTim 3,456]

Thanks for posting. Always enjoy. 

[Auskip 196]

Ditto to the above.

[AUFAN78 3,889]

Good summary coach. I thought a few untimely holding penalties and of course the bubba fumble stalled drives in the 2nd half. The play calling appeared the same from the stands, the execution not so much. The pace appeared to be intentionally slow in the 2nd half. My guess was an attempt to run clock. A third of the stands were cleared by half. At least half the stands cleared at start of third. No one in the stadium felt State was a threat in the 2nd half. Quite sure the coaches felt the same as did the players. 

[SumterAubie 3,031]

These posts and Stat's contributions easily make up for all the other drivel posted in this forum.

[1913-14 263]

I concur on your OL assessment...Braden Smith sometimes destroys opponents...ask Mack from A&M...I think DJ gives us great push and if we employed that same attack vs A&M by running at their speed rush ends we would have controlled that game...

 

[Eagle Eye 7 2,535]

Thanks for you well thought out input. I agree 100% about fans. I myself commented at half that I hoped Gus wouldn't let of the gas the second half, but he did. As much as I hate it, from his big picture view wanted to burn the clock in the second half and save the rest for later games. I am in no position to argue the point, that is what he gets paid to do, That said, I do believe that some of the errors both on offense and defense in the second half was do to changing the game plan once we got the lead. As I mentioned before Steve Spurrier (sp) talked about this when he was a coach at UF. You run what you practice all of the time, at full speed. When you start straying, you pick up bad habits for later. Also, due to the 3 and outs by our offense we put our defense on the field more and that contributed to the mistakes by them. One thing I am liking is we are not doing the prairie dog routine, where we keep stopping and looking to the sideline . This tells me two things. First the coaches are gaining confidence in SW and his calls. And secondly this allows the team to go faster and catch the defense off guard. WDE

[JMR 2,118]

51 minutes ago, Eagle Eye 7 said:

Thanks for you well thought out input. I agree 100% about fans. I myself commented at half that I hoped Gus wouldn't let of the gas the second half, but he did. As much as I hate it, from his big picture view wanted to burn the clock in the second half and save the rest for later games. I am in no position to argue the point, that is what he gets paid to do, That said, I do believe that some of the errors both on offense and defense in the second half was do to changing the game plan once we got the lead. As I mentioned before Steve Spurrier (sp) talked about this when he was a coach at UF. You run what you practice all of the time, at full speed. When you start straying, you pick up bad habits for later. Also, due to the 3 and outs by our offense we put our defense on the field more and that contributed to the mistakes by them. One thing I am liking is we are not doing the prairie dog routine, where we keep stopping and looking to the sideline . This tells me two things. First the coaches are gaining confidence in SW and his calls. And secondly this allows the team to go faster and catch the defense off guard. WDE

Absolutely agree with your sentiments re the second half. Personally, I wanted to put 50 on Mullen just because he's Mullen. Spurrier had a thing about "50", too.

[augolf1716 21,093]

Should have at least hung 50 on them

[WinForAuburn 128]

I think you need to run your offense for four qtrs.  I don't know how you tell players to never quit, then allow them to quit for an entire half.  That's NOT an indictment of the players; it's a coaching philosophy and I abhor it.  I want our guys carrying the ass whipping mentality into  the second half and into the next game.

Love these posts BTW.  Very well written and insightful.

 

[Michael X 74]

18 hours ago, SumterAubie said:

These posts and Stat's contributions easily make up for all the other drivel posted in this forum.

Couldn't agree more. This post plus the Upon Further Review and Game Report Card posts by StatTiger are the ones I look forward to after a game.

Thanks JMR, keep the insightful posts coming.  

[autigeremt 6,560]

I believe we would have hung 45 on them had Bubba not fumbled at midfield. We were staring to put a good drive together.

[C'viewTiger 242]

7 hours ago, WinForAuburn said:

I think you need to run your offense for four qtrs.  I don't know how you tell players to never quit, then allow them to quit for an entire half.  That's NOT an indictment of the players; it's a coaching philosophy and I abhor it.  I want our guys carrying the ass whipping mentality into  the second half and into the next game.

Love these posts BTW.  Very well written and insightful.

 

Exactly!  You dominated the first half with a young crew. They can use the reps to prepare for the upcoming games.  I just think it sends mixed signals to the guys when you change the game after they busted it and dominated the game up to that point.

Thanks JMR for the post.

[NoALtiger 3,849]

This has become my favorite thread of the week and is very appropriately titled. Love the first glance impression and simple breakdown as it resonates with regular football fans like myself. Thank you. 

[ACT1ger 8]

12 hours ago, WinForAuburn said:

I think you need to run your offense for four qtrs.  I don't know how you tell players to never quit, then allow them to quit for an entire half.  That's NOT an indictment of the players; it's a coaching philosophy and I abhor it.  I want our guys carrying the ass whipping mentality into  the second half and into the next game.

Love these posts BTW.  Very well written and insightful.

 

I somewhat agree; I don't reach the level of 'abhoring' the philosophy.  Put in some 2nd teamers/back ups but still run your offense.  Don't run high risk plays but run your offense. They need reps in case they suddenly become the starter.

[Butthead 525]

to my untrained eye, KP looked exhausted late in the 2nd half.  ~40 carries seems like a big load for a guy that size.  am I wrong here?

[McLoofus 35,182]

2 minutes ago, Butthead said:

to my untrained eye, KP looked exhausted late in the 2nd half.  ~40 carries seems like a big load for a guy that size.  am I wrong here?

No. You are correct. That's a lot of carries for anybody, much less somebody his size. 

Questionable coaching decision. Maybe they factored in the bye the following week, but still, tired guys are more susceptible to injury. 

[AuburnNTexas 7,127]

I thought a very good write up. The difference in the second half and first half was partly coaching and partly player execution. While we were basically a run on 1st down team in first half we mixed in enough passes on 1st and 2nd down to keep MSU honest in second half we basically quit throwing on 1st down. Add that to a couple of holding penalties and illegal alignments the O stalled in second half. I agree we need to keep the pressure on in second half but we also need to work other players in which can lead to some of the execution issues it is a balancing act.

 

 

[lionheartkc 6,150]

1 hour ago, McLoofus said:

No. You are correct. That's a lot of carries for anybody, much less somebody his size. 

Questionable coaching decision. Maybe they factored in the bye the following week, but still, tired guys are more susceptible to injury. 

I think the announcers were right.  Had we gone down and scored on the first drive of the second half, and then stopped them again, you would have seen Franklin and Truitt/Martin for the rest of the game.

I also believe, had Miller not been hurt, he would have been spelling Pettway.

[McLoofus 35,182]

Just now, lionheartkc said:

I also believe, had Miller not been hurt, he would have been spelling Pettway.

Absolutely. Unfortunate for Miller. Could've been a big day for him in terms of experience, and maybe stats, too. 

[Linayus 676]

Great post - as usual. We missed a couple of deep balls (one overthrow and the other was weird turn-around by Kyle Davis) and the Pettway fumble killed the offensive momentum. Other than that, I was happy with what I saw this weekend. With the BYE week, we might just come out fast against a likely "on their heels" Arkansas after they lost to Bama and very likely to Ole Miss as well (or at least a hard fought game if they manage the win).

Keep building each week and this team will be something special by the Iron Bowl. I know several smart Bama fans that are now eyeing Auburn as a likely upset game for the Tide.

[doc4aday 1,887]

As I sit and watch the replay of the game with MSU, I still cannot get over how much the announcers were so biased to MSU and found it hard to give us the credit where credit is due. They should not be allowed to call another Auburn or SEC game as far as I am concerned. Come guys, leave your bias in the toilet and not in the announcer booth!