Popular Post JMR 2,118 Posted September 11, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted September 11, 2018 As expected, we got some answers from the Washington game to questions we’d had through the summer. And, most of the answers were positive in nature. There were few questions to be answered vs an out-manned team like Alabama State, except maybe in the cases of some backup players who got lots of playing time in that one. The LSU game seems to always be big for Auburn, and this one is certainly no exception. If AU is to maintain its status as “relevant” in the chase for the SEC title, this is one we need to win. While a loss would not eliminate Auburn, it would greatly diminish whatever margin for error exists in that pursuit. I expect an especially physical game, as that is Orgeron's and LSU’s style, and, I believe, the style of this Auburn defense. Here are some things I will be watching carefully in this one, as we find out more about our 2018 Tigers….. LSU Defensive Coordinator Dave Aranda, following the Faux Tigers’ dismantling of #8 Miami, said, “They have no intermediate passing game, which makes them easy to defend”. After a dearth of intermediate passing throughout the 2017 season, Auburn showed both the intent and the ability to make that a part of their offense this time around, exploiting holes in a good Washington defense. We still haven’t involved the tight end at all, but the running backs and H-backs appear to be a part of the plan. We also still seem reluctant to attack the middle of the field. I’m curious to see if the trend toward more intermediate throws and involving multiple receivers will continue this week. LSU’s defensive secondary is excellent, and it will be critical to stretch their coverage to the max. We all approached the season knowing that multiple new starters on the offensive line meant that group would take some time to begin playing well together. While I wouldn’t characterize the OL performance vs Washington as a “failure,” it was also not one I’d qualify as a “Here’s how it’s done” performance. Lots of uncertainty showed up, and that tends to limit aggressiveness. Those guys have had another two weeks together now, and I’m anxious to see how much improvement has been made. In the run game, the linemen were slow coming off the combo blocks and getting to the second level, allowing the linebackers to make lots of plays. LSU has better linebackers than UW in my opinion, and I’m anxious to see if that seeming small, yet critical, problem has been corrected. That combo block is NOT a double-team; all the second guy is supposed to do is “shock” the defender enough the other blocker can get his head across the defender. That only takes a step or two, and then it’s on to the linebacker. I think this is a critical factor in Auburn’s run game, and I really want to see what kind of progress has been made there. There was kind of a “lull” in the second and third quarters of the Washington game where Auburn seemed to lose some of its pass rush. LSU quarterback Joe Burrow is a good passer, but is not nearly as effective when moved off his spot. I don’t know what kind of game plan LSU OC Steve Ensminger will bring, but if AU can make him one-dimensional, I like our chances. I think with the typical strength of the LSU running game, Kevin Steele will be inclined to limit blitzes on first and second downs, and focus on stopping the run. But on obvious passing downs, I’m curious to see whether Steele will stick mostly with rushing four, or if he’ll try to confuse what looks to be a pretty decent LSU OL. That offensive line allowed two sacks vs Southeastern Louisiana last week, and will be without it’s starting right tackle. Their strength is run blocking, and pass protection is at least questionable. After waiting anxiously all summer for his arrival, Aussie punter Arryn Siposs has been neither “poor” nor “great” in his few attempts. Being a punter is a very nervous existence until you’ve done it a few times. You worry about fielding the snap cleanly, taking your steps, not taking too long, dropping the ball properly, and extending through the ball. I am hoping Siposs has gotten rid of his butterflies by now, and will step up and provide Auburn with a field position advantage in this one. I believe field position will be a big factor in this game. One of the few things we got to see in the ASU game was the talents of Anthony Schwartz and Shaun Shivers, two freshmen with big-time speed. I thought Schwartz showed that he is not just “a track guy playing football”, but a football player with world-class speed. Shivers is also exceptionally fast, runs hard, and has good hands. A coach’s opinion of a player changes as they get to know each other and assess skills. I’m curious to see if Chip Lindsey comes up with ways to get the ball to Shivers and Schwartz in space against a very good LSU defense. The Washington game was big, no question. Pretty much all of the freshmen who played in that one are a good bet to not redshirt this season. But almost every player who dressed for last week’s game got to play. Some showed that they aren’t ready to contribute anytime soon, but some may well have shown that they can help right away. I think it’s safe to assume that any who play in this one, whether they played against UW or not, will not be redshirting this year. I’ll be curious to see if any youngsters or backups impressed their coach enough last week to change his mind. LSU-Auburn games in recent years have been particularly physical, especially in the trenches. I think how our offensive and defensive lines handle their part of that physicality in this game will tell us a lot about the character of our team. I’m looking forward to seeing our guys welcome LSU to Jordan-Hare once again. Aranda is an excellent defensive game-planner, and he will have scouted the Auburn offense thoroughly. I would hope to see AU break some major offensive tendencies and upset LSU’s defensive schemes that are doubtless based on those tendencies. Will Auburn use tempo? It will be hot, but both teams are accustomed to the heat. However, as talented as LSU is on defense, they are not deep. Tempo will not only help wear down the LSU defense, it will also cause some difficulties for Aranda. IF Auburn uses a lot of tempo in the game, will we finally get away from running the same inside zone play after getting a first down? Auburn has the talent to win this important game. But, they had the talent to jump out to a 20-point lead last year, and lost. That one was mostly a case of Gus Malzahn going conservative and allowing LSU to seize the momentum. That win was huge for Ed Orgeron and LSU, and almost cost Malzahn his job. I am curious to see if Auburn and Malzahn remember all that, and how they will approach the game this time around. As always, a lot to look forward to in this one! WAR EAGLE!! 9 14 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
As expected, we got some answers from the Washington game to questions we’d had through the summer. And, most of the answers were positive in nature. There were few questions to be answered vs an out-manned team like Alabama State, except maybe in the cases of some backup players who got lots of playing time in that one. The LSU game seems to always be big for Auburn, and this one is certainly no exception. If AU is to maintain its status as “relevant” in the chase for the SEC title, this is one we need to win. While a loss would not eliminate Auburn, it would greatly diminish whatever margin for error exists in that pursuit. I expect an especially physical game, as that is Orgeron's and LSU’s style, and, I believe, the style of this Auburn defense. Here are some things I will be watching carefully in this one, as we find out more about our 2018 Tigers….. LSU Defensive Coordinator Dave Aranda, following the Faux Tigers’ dismantling of #8 Miami, said, “They have no intermediate passing game, which makes them easy to defend”. After a dearth of intermediate passing throughout the 2017 season, Auburn showed both the intent and the ability to make that a part of their offense this time around, exploiting holes in a good Washington defense. We still haven’t involved the tight end at all, but the running backs and H-backs appear to be a part of the plan. We also still seem reluctant to attack the middle of the field. I’m curious to see if the trend toward more intermediate throws and involving multiple receivers will continue this week. LSU’s defensive secondary is excellent, and it will be critical to stretch their coverage to the max. We all approached the season knowing that multiple new starters on the offensive line meant that group would take some time to begin playing well together. While I wouldn’t characterize the OL performance vs Washington as a “failure,” it was also not one I’d qualify as a “Here’s how it’s done” performance. Lots of uncertainty showed up, and that tends to limit aggressiveness. Those guys have had another two weeks together now, and I’m anxious to see how much improvement has been made. In the run game, the linemen were slow coming off the combo blocks and getting to the second level, allowing the linebackers to make lots of plays. LSU has better linebackers than UW in my opinion, and I’m anxious to see if that seeming small, yet critical, problem has been corrected. That combo block is NOT a double-team; all the second guy is supposed to do is “shock” the defender enough the other blocker can get his head across the defender. That only takes a step or two, and then it’s on to the linebacker. I think this is a critical factor in Auburn’s run game, and I really want to see what kind of progress has been made there. There was kind of a “lull” in the second and third quarters of the Washington game where Auburn seemed to lose some of its pass rush. LSU quarterback Joe Burrow is a good passer, but is not nearly as effective when moved off his spot. I don’t know what kind of game plan LSU OC Steve Ensminger will bring, but if AU can make him one-dimensional, I like our chances. I think with the typical strength of the LSU running game, Kevin Steele will be inclined to limit blitzes on first and second downs, and focus on stopping the run. But on obvious passing downs, I’m curious to see whether Steele will stick mostly with rushing four, or if he’ll try to confuse what looks to be a pretty decent LSU OL. That offensive line allowed two sacks vs Southeastern Louisiana last week, and will be without it’s starting right tackle. Their strength is run blocking, and pass protection is at least questionable. After waiting anxiously all summer for his arrival, Aussie punter Arryn Siposs has been neither “poor” nor “great” in his few attempts. Being a punter is a very nervous existence until you’ve done it a few times. You worry about fielding the snap cleanly, taking your steps, not taking too long, dropping the ball properly, and extending through the ball. I am hoping Siposs has gotten rid of his butterflies by now, and will step up and provide Auburn with a field position advantage in this one. I believe field position will be a big factor in this game. One of the few things we got to see in the ASU game was the talents of Anthony Schwartz and Shaun Shivers, two freshmen with big-time speed. I thought Schwartz showed that he is not just “a track guy playing football”, but a football player with world-class speed. Shivers is also exceptionally fast, runs hard, and has good hands. A coach’s opinion of a player changes as they get to know each other and assess skills. I’m curious to see if Chip Lindsey comes up with ways to get the ball to Shivers and Schwartz in space against a very good LSU defense. The Washington game was big, no question. Pretty much all of the freshmen who played in that one are a good bet to not redshirt this season. But almost every player who dressed for last week’s game got to play. Some showed that they aren’t ready to contribute anytime soon, but some may well have shown that they can help right away. I think it’s safe to assume that any who play in this one, whether they played against UW or not, will not be redshirting this year. I’ll be curious to see if any youngsters or backups impressed their coach enough last week to change his mind. LSU-Auburn games in recent years have been particularly physical, especially in the trenches. I think how our offensive and defensive lines handle their part of that physicality in this game will tell us a lot about the character of our team. I’m looking forward to seeing our guys welcome LSU to Jordan-Hare once again. Aranda is an excellent defensive game-planner, and he will have scouted the Auburn offense thoroughly. I would hope to see AU break some major offensive tendencies and upset LSU’s defensive schemes that are doubtless based on those tendencies. Will Auburn use tempo? It will be hot, but both teams are accustomed to the heat. However, as talented as LSU is on defense, they are not deep. Tempo will not only help wear down the LSU defense, it will also cause some difficulties for Aranda. IF Auburn uses a lot of tempo in the game, will we finally get away from running the same inside zone play after getting a first down? Auburn has the talent to win this important game. But, they had the talent to jump out to a 20-point lead last year, and lost. That one was mostly a case of Gus Malzahn going conservative and allowing LSU to seize the momentum. That win was huge for Ed Orgeron and LSU, and almost cost Malzahn his job. I am curious to see if Auburn and Malzahn remember all that, and how they will approach the game this time around. As always, a lot to look forward to in this one! WAR EAGLE!!
gctiger 918 Posted September 11, 2018 Share Posted September 11, 2018 I always enjoy reading your analysis. It’s nice to get insight from someone who’s been in the heat of the battle. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RunInRed 16,239 Posted September 11, 2018 Share Posted September 11, 2018 2 hours ago, JMR said: If AU is to maintain its status as “relevant” in the chase for the SEC title, this is one we need to win. This. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wareagleguy 1,393 Posted September 11, 2018 Share Posted September 11, 2018 3 hours ago, JMR said: IF Auburn uses a lot of tempo in the game, will we finally get away from running the same inside zone play after getting a first down? This and pleeeassseeee!!! WDE! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Win4AU 4,044 Posted September 11, 2018 Share Posted September 11, 2018 I’ve noticed this seasons 1st down play tends to be a screen to Ryan Davis. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boisnumber1 2,814 Posted September 11, 2018 Share Posted September 11, 2018 1 hour ago, Win4AU said: I’ve noticed this seasons 1st down play tends to be a screen to Ryan Davis. Faking this on the 1st play would be nice. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aucater 150 Posted September 11, 2018 Share Posted September 11, 2018 I listened to a local radio station this afternoon and they interviewed an ex LSU player who is still close to the program. One tidbit he let out was they plan on dropping a 6 ft 2 225 safety down to speed rush off the edge to help take up the slack from the player they have that was hurt for the year. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
augolf1716 21,058 Posted September 12, 2018 Share Posted September 12, 2018 48 minutes ago, Aucater said: I listened to a local radio station this afternoon and they interviewed an ex LSU player who is still close to the program. One tidbit he let out was they plan on dropping a 6 ft 2 225 safety down to speed rush off the edge to help take up the slack from the player they have that was hurt for the year. Hopefully we can exploit that if that is what they intend to do 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doc4aday 1,887 Posted September 12, 2018 Share Posted September 12, 2018 This is one game that we will win and will come into the game with a point to prove left over from last year's game. I think we will see an extremely focused team with a mission. I think we will give LSU's offense fits all day long, and our offense will come through and will score the points we need to win this game. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tigerman1186 537 Posted September 12, 2018 Share Posted September 12, 2018 It was stated earlier....but coach, appreciate your thoughts and opinions...I look forward to reading yours over any of those 'talking heads' that get paid...can't wait to read your response after our victory on Saturday!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RunInRed 16,239 Posted September 12, 2018 Share Posted September 12, 2018 8 hours ago, JMR said: If AU is to maintain its status as “relevant” in the chase for the SEC title, this is one we need to win. While a loss would not eliminate Auburn, it would greatly diminish whatever margin for error exists in that pursuit. Got me thinking ... has Auburn ever won a SEC title with a lost to LSU (modern era)? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AUBwins 10,001 Posted September 12, 2018 Share Posted September 12, 2018 14 minutes ago, RunInRed said: Got me thinking ... has Auburn ever won a SEC title with a lost to LSU (modern era)? 2013 LSU was only loss in reg season. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RunInRed 16,239 Posted September 12, 2018 Share Posted September 12, 2018 Just now, AUBwins said: 2013 LSU was only loss in reg season. Doh! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AUBwins 10,001 Posted September 12, 2018 Share Posted September 12, 2018 1 minute ago, RunInRed said: Doh! Probably just blocked that year out after the finish. 1 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zeek 16,525 Posted September 12, 2018 Share Posted September 12, 2018 Gus needs to make coach O his new bielma. He always came out with the intent to demoralize Arkansas. I just want us to handle an inferior LSU the way we should have last year. Get up big early and keep piling on with more. A final score like the Georgia v South Carolina game would be ideal and put everyone on notice. 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aucater 150 Posted September 12, 2018 Share Posted September 12, 2018 17 hours ago, augolf1716 said: Hopefully we can exploit that if that is what they intend to do Me too, surely they have folks that are gleaning such information. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aucanucktiger 1,784 Posted September 12, 2018 Share Posted September 12, 2018 Thanks for the terrific analysis! IMO LSU's secondary (so far this season) not matching the description of them that usually fits, as great. Their fundamentals and judgment against Miami's mediocre passing game were VERY hit or miss and their 2d game was against a minnow. LSU's secondary may have become like Miami QBs where the assumption is it's greatness waiting to happen. Hopefully they don't come around aginst us but so far - not seeing it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AuburnNTexas 7,104 Posted September 12, 2018 Share Posted September 12, 2018 LSU started out bad last year and got better as season went on. That said I think their O-line is weaker than ours and their D-Line while good is not as good or as deep as ours. We have more speed at WR and higher quality, Our LB's will match theirs if not better and I believe we have a better secondary. Basically our D is better than theirs. They brought the other safety up last year in the second half and we did not adjust we have had a year to figure that out. If our O-Line and RB's can establish a running game it will be a blowout if not our D will pretty much stuff LSU O and we will score enough with Stidham and receivers to win anyway. I don't know why but I am pretty sure we will beat the 10.5 point spread. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WarNole 136 Posted September 12, 2018 Share Posted September 12, 2018 Great write-up ! Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Plainsman 948 Posted September 13, 2018 Share Posted September 13, 2018 The later into the week we go,. The more I believe our defense is going to absolutely shut down their run,. And make it miserable for their QB. stop the run,. And then just bring heat and more heat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
McLoofus 35,182 Posted September 13, 2018 Share Posted September 13, 2018 10 hours ago, The Plainsman said: The later into the week we go,. The more I believe our defense is going to absolutely shut down their run,. And make it miserable for their QB. stop the run,. And then just bring heat and more heat. Zero concerns about our defense against their offense, other than them probably hitting a couple deep passes at inopportune times where the QB just throws it up for grabs and their receiver makes an incredible catch that could not have possibly been defended better because that has happened to us in every single big game going back 3 or 4 years. I just hope we can score on them. Might see a lot of those quick hitters to Ryan Davis again, which is totally ok. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Linayus 676 Posted September 13, 2018 Share Posted September 13, 2018 3 hours ago, McLoofus said: I just hope we can score on them. Might see a lot of those quick hitters to Ryan Davis again, which is totally ok. With Schwartz's speed - we should be able to throw downfield without all those long developing plays. Just move up under center real quick, snap, drop 3-5 steps and float one up for him to chase down. Well, as long as he's not covered up top with a safety too. That'll be a bummer. lol 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
McLoofus 35,182 Posted September 13, 2018 Share Posted September 13, 2018 1 minute ago, Linayus said: With Schwartz's speed - we should be able to throw downfield without all those long developing plays. Just move up under center real quick, snap, drop 3-5 steps and float one up for him to chase down. Well, as long as he's not covered up top with a safety too. That'll be a bummer. lol You make an excellent point. And that's exactly what I hoped would happen with JFIII a couple years ago. Can he catch? Who cares. They still have to cover him, which means something else opens up. But we know that Schwartz can catch, and it appears he can run after the catch, too. !!! This freshman class is like going to a Brazilian steakhouse. If we have a QB next year... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Bad Example 126 Posted September 13, 2018 Share Posted September 13, 2018 Things I'll be looking for......that's would be the LSU majorettes in those white outfits 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Linayus 676 Posted September 13, 2018 Share Posted September 13, 2018 35 minutes ago, McLoofus said: You make an excellent point. And that's exactly what I hoped would happen with JFIII a couple years ago. Can he catch? Who cares. They still have to cover him, which means something else opens up. But we know that Schwartz can catch, and it appears he can run after the catch, too. !!! This freshman class is like going to a Brazilian steakhouse. If we have a QB next year... Let's hope Nix, at the very least, can fill in the role quickly if needed. (He's next year, right?) Having all this (legit) world class speed at skill positions is amazing and Gus/Chip should be working extremely hard to get these guys involved early on. It will do nothing but help the run game open up to allow us to be even more deadly on offense. (Seems like we say that every year.. but c'mon.. this year it's obvious!!) I didn't get to watch the Washington game (except highlights) so I haven't seen our secondary up against a decent team so I'll be watching that closely. TA&M, Ole Miss, and TuaBama will hurt us if that's an area of weakness. The rest of the defense appears as solid as last year! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now