Things I Think I Saw: AU vs Tulane

[JMR 2,118]

This was a long ways from a "pretty" game, although it wouldn't fall into the "ugly win" category, either.  I reserve that title for those where we were clearly out-played but somehow ended up with the win.  I put this one more in the "didn't look good" box but as any Tennessee fan will tell you, it could have been a lot worse ...

Let's hope the old axiom, "The biggest improvement is from week one to week two" is wrong in this case. While the defense played well most of the time, the offense seemed to take a step backward.  I like to focus these columns on the positives as much as possible but there are not as many opportunities for that as I'd like.  In any case, here are some of the Things I Think I Saw.....

• The problems with the clock to start the game were unfortunate, and made it difficult for the Auburn offense to get into any kind of rhythm/flow. There was basically an official's timeout after every play on the first series.  That may seem like a small thing but it does cause problems.
   
• Bo Nix's heroics at the end of last week's Oregon game probably raised expectations for his play unfairly. He was definitely not sharp this week, missing some throws, and leaving the pocket prematurely a few times.  I still expect great things from Bo, but we are definitely going to have to endure some growing pains with him.
   
• Was good to see Joey Gatewood get some playing time, although I do wish it had been a good bit more.  Was disappointing that with a comfortable lead and only a few minutes left, Gus didn't allow JG to throw, even in a series where AU was second and 16.  From his play, Joey obviously needs more game experience and a chance to build his game.
   
• Hopefully before anyone reading this gets impatient, I'll touch on the offensive line.  I did not see any improvement at all from last week.  Pass protection was actually worse, and run-blocking, especially in the first half, was downright poor.  Yes, Tulane was stuffing the box.  That doesn't necessarily mean the offense can't get three yards.  "Movement" is your friend on the offensive side of the ball, and we are getting very little of it.  If defensive players are being driven off the ball, even if the defensive players outnumber the blockers in the box, there is usually some room to make plays. Not always, but often.
   
• Coach Cadillac is likely finding out why coaches seem to age so quickly, with our running backs often missing the occasional hole, and Boobee Whitlow putting the ball on the ground three times.  It's amazing how many times a twenty-year-old will fail to do what you told him, even if he really would like to.  Boobee was downright sloppy with the ball and it would not surprise me to see his role reduced this week.
   
• Looked to me like Tega regressed this week in his pass protection. With his physical abilities, he should be one of the top left tackles in college football by now. His performance this week was disappointing.
   
• Marlon Davidson had a big game this week. Despite Auburn almost exclusively only rushing four, Marlon had several QB hurries and was definitely a factor.
   
• Derrick Brown played well, despite drawing a double-team most of the game.
   
• Nick Coe has not been much of a factor in the two games to date. I expected more from him, and still do.
   
• Kaleb Kim had the highest pass-pro grade among the offensive linemen.  Good thing, as his run-blocking on Tulane's 340-lb. nose tackle was not good.
   
• I thought Noah Igbinoghene played really well.  His growth as a corner since moving to defense a year ago has been really impressive.
   
• Roger McCreary is really coming along.  He made some great plays in this game, both in coverage and on run plays. He is going to be a force in the secondary if he continues to improve.
   
• I've heard that the injury to Seth Williams is not believed to be serious.  Don't know the veracity of that report and it looked serious to me when it happened ...
   
• Didn't like the cheap shot to the head on Will Hastings.  It was intentional, and egregious.
   
• I gave Spencer Nigh kudos last week for his 9-yard pass reception on Auburn's winning drive.  This week, I'm taking back my kudos based on his blocking from the H-back position.  Poor technique, and not-great effort almost always yield a bad result.
   
• I am certainly no "expert" on the passing game.  Even so, it bothers me that I am unable to understand the passing game portion of the Auburn offense.  There does not appear to be any kind of rhythm or flow, and not much of one route or pattern setting up another.
   
• Punt coverage was a problem once again.  This week, Auburn seemed to have people hustling down the field, but they couldn't tackle anybody when they got there.  I expect Gus to have Sippos kick the ball higher and shorter, to force fair catches and eliminate the returns.


• I was impressed with the play of Auburn's young linebackers after a shaky start early in last week's game.  I felt like that group as a whole regressed this week, with poor run fits and missed tackles.  Freshman Owen Pappoe was impressive last week; this week he looked like a true freshman is expected to look.
   
• Bo Nix was not helped by his receivers this week.  Eli Stove, Kam Martin, and Harold Joiner all dropped catchable passes.
   
• There exists in the coaching ranks a condition known as being "right-handed," wherein a coach will call plays to his right more than to his left.  I've wondered if Gus has that condition, as a significant majority of our plays, especially running plays, go to the right.  With Tega and Harrell on the left, one would think we would go there more often.
   

Still time to make changes and improvements before SEC play begins in two weeks.  Hopefully the offense can get off to a faster start this week vs Kent State, and backups can get more playing time and game experience.  I realize a lot of Auburn people are discouraged but the fact is, Tulane is not bad and has some good players and excellent coaches.  I think we all wish we'd "looked better", so we had some confidence in the offense.  Maybe some of that will come this week.  If not, the defense seems to be good and still improving ... a lot of games can be won by being great on that side of the ball.
 

War Eagle!!
 

Photo Credit: @AUPHOTO

[auburnphan 6,050]

There were clearly signs of Bo already not trusting his o-line and rushing throws.  

Agree with you on the right handed problem and the lack of any point in pass calling offense.

thanks for the post, as usual.

[RunInRed 16,400]

Thanks Coach!  You always have a way to bring sanity to our emotions!  War Eagle!

[Gowebb11 9,314]

Great review, Coach. I always learn a lot from these. Most of us realize that this is not the most talented group of o linemen we've had. But with 5 5th year seniors, it is disappointing to see so many breakdowns in assignments, and confusions amongst the line. It’s one thing to be beat by a bigger, stronger opponent, but 5th year seniors should have minimal mental errors. Army was physically outmatched vs Michigan Saturday, but made up for it with technique, hustle, and grit. I hope our line starts doing the same. 

[around4ever 4,139]

2 hours ago, JMR said: There does not appear to be any kind of rhythm or flow, and not much of one route or pattern setting up another.

 

I'm glad to see you post about this.   When I coached, we had four reasons for running certain plays. 

 What you do best. 

 What the defense doesn't do   well. 

 A play that sets up another play. 

 A play set up by a previous play. 

Gus seems to just close his eyes and put his finger on his play card and calls that play.  No rhythm at all in his play calling. 

[LKEEL75 2,566]

16 minutes ago, around4ever said:

I'm glad to see you post about this.   When I coached, we had four reasons for running certain plays. 

 What you do best. 

 What the defense doesn't do   well. 

 A play that sets up another play. 

 A play set up by a previous play. 

Gus seems to just close his eyes and put his finger on his play card and calls that play.  No rhythm at all in his play calling. 

I get what you are saying, but often during the Tulane game it reminded me of the scene from Necessary Roughness where they call the same play 3 times in a row.  The players are like "We just ran that" and QB is like "They haven't seen it yet".  Sometimes I think Gus thinks this way.  Like that is not the result the play was supposed to have so they didn't really see the play so let's try it again.

[Eagle Eye 7 2,535]

First I would like to say I would rather see the team still improving at this point of the year rather than maxed out already. So not being a 100% is ok. Some of the passpro problem is on Bo and if you listened to his remarks he points it out. The QB calls the protection along with the center but the QB has a much better view. No will get better I have no doubt. But even though he leaves a little early he is making great effort not to have negative plays getting no sacks or interceptions this week. Biggest problem in offense was fumbles. They will cost you down the road. I like the fact they made changes with pulling two guards. Maybe small but at least it shows a willingness to make changes that I didn’t see before . Defense may be the best I’ve seen at AU across the board. Special teams definitely need work especially punt coverage. But need to remember Oregon is probably a top 10’team and Tulane a top 30 team . I think if no major injuries we will be ready to make a run come November. Just my thought. Thanks coach as usual good info.

[WarTim 3,456]

Thanks Coach. Very much appreciated. 

[tbone4jc 2,241]

We just came off a huge win over a very good Oregon team a let down is often the case after a big win and in my honest opinion that is just what the Tulane game was.  Conference play starts in 2 weeks and we will see if we are any good or not against the Aggies. War Eagle 

[Farmer Brown 2,391]

I love this thread and look forward to it each week. JMR, and Big Bird know their stuff. One thing I know I saw, was the same mess from Gustav that we have seen the past few seasons. I am so tired of this mess. The defense, at least, keeps it interesting.

[McFU 205]

The one thing I have noticed these first 2 games is that Gus is calling a lot of pass plays, even on 1st down. This is very different from what he normally does with his repeated runs up the gut. Don't get me wrong, those runs are still happening and the pass plays that are being called aren't that great but I believe Gus is trying to open up the run game by using the passing game. This may be because of how the OL is performing. I will say I did see several passes in the middle of the field this game and a lot of those were dropped by the intended targets. 

Bo has to be more accurate with the ball. I believe he can make all of the throws but he has to settle down a bit and get them lower. He sailed a few that could have been caught for good gains.

WRs have to catch the ball if it hits their hands.

OL needs more push, maybe time for some back ups to get some live reps.

[TigerEyez13 46]

 McFU said, "Gus is calling a lot of pass plays, even on 1st down. ... This may be because of how the OL is performing." 

Tulane was stacking the box with 7 or 8 defenders. Our O line was providing fair pass coverage but not much push on run plays, especially against that nose tackle.

Edited September 10, 2019 by TigerEyez13

[WarNole 141]

Thanks Coach for a great insightful post.

[War Ables 1]

I do not like to bash our coaches. I try to be patient and try and understand the reasoning behind playcalls. That said I played football growing up, defensive end/tackle to be exact. Auburn's offense is incredibly frustrating to watch. I, like a lot of you, feel there is zero rythem to the calls. I don't see any type of play calling used to set up other plays later on or even from one play to the next. It looks like an inefficient high school offense most of the time. I really hope that we see some steps forward in the offense as a whole or I am afraid we are going to be beaten up in SEC play this year. This defense and some players on offense do not deserve that type of a season.

[tigerman1186 537]

Coach...I raised this ? last week and didn't receive a response....so I pose it again concerning our OL....is it a lack of skill or a lack of coaching from our offensive line coach????

If this year is the best we have for a line, just what do we have for next year??? We lose 5 offensive lineman and majority of our defensive line....

I echo the above remarks, appreciate your insight and look forward to it every week...thanks and WDE...

[JMR 2,118]

8 hours ago, tigerman1186 said:

Coach...I raised this ? last week and didn't receive a response....so I pose it again concerning our OL....is it a lack of skill or a lack of coaching from our offensive line coach????

If this year is the best we have for a line, just what do we have for next year??? We lose 5 offensive lineman and majority of our defensive line....

I echo the above remarks, appreciate your insight and look forward to it every week...thanks and WDE...

Just an opinion, of course, but I think we have "average" talent on the OL. We are (at least in the run game) playing "below average" (for the SEC) right now. I have no desire to bash anyone, but I'd say the answer to your question is pretty obvious. I thought last year's OL play would likely result in a new OL coach, even though we played pretty well late in the season. Apparently Gus believes JB is doing a good job. I don't get a vote, but if I did, I'd be a "nay".

[abw0004 10,110]

@JMR thanks for the post.  I know in your podcast you said the hurricane missed you down in Florida so I am glad everything turned out okay.

[Zeek 16,649]

18 hours ago, auburnphan said:

There were clearly signs of Bo already not trusting his o-line and rushing throws.  

Agreed, it can be difficult when there is consistent pressure from the A gap

[AUld fAUx@ 2,584]

11 hours ago, War Ables said:

I do not like to bash our coaches. I try to be patient and try and understand the reasoning behind playcalls. That said I played football growing up, defensive end/tackle to be exact. Auburn's offense is incredibly frustrating to watch. I, like a lot of you, feel there is zero rythem to the calls. I don't see any type of play calling used to set up other plays later on or even from one play to the next. It looks like an inefficient high school offense most of the time. I really hope that we see some steps forward in the offense as a whole or I am afraid we are going to be beaten up in SEC play this year. This defense and some players on offense do not deserve that type of a season.

Thanks.

Welcome home.

Post often.

[NickFairleyFan90 20]

I thought the defense played great.

[Eagle Eye 7 2,535]

22 hours ago, tbone4jc said:

We just came off a huge win over a very good Oregon team a let down is often the case after a big win and in my honest opinion that is just what the Tulane game was.  Conference play starts in 2 weeks and we will see if we are any good or not against the Aggies. War Eagle 

To be honest I don’t think it was a let down. Tulane made a good decision to load the box against a freshman QB. Give them credit. Bo tried to throw out of the situation but him and his receivers ( not named Hastings and Stove) weren’t on the same page. They will get better but expect folks early on to load the box. And I don’t care who you are when a defense is willing to put 8 or 9 guys in the box. They are going to usually stop you. You have to have another weapon to make them pay for loading the box. Actually I think they made a good adjustment with pulling both guards and moving the action outside the box. But still we have to get better on the passing game especially early on. I hope Gus tells the punter to go higher and shorter and stop these run backs. Defense just needs to keep getting experienced 

[Beenjammin 87]

*There exists in the coaching ranks a condition known as being "right-handed," wherein a coach will call plays to his right more than to his left.  I've wondered if Gus has that condition, as a significant majority of our plays, especially running plays, go to the right.  With Tega and Harrell on the left, one would think we would go there more often.

 

I loved this suggestion. Its a great idea. At least something they need to consider. Surely Gus has seen this I hope. 

[SumterAubie 3,031]

5 minutes ago, Beenjammin said:

I loved this suggestion. Its a great idea. At least something they need to consider. Surely Gus has seen this I hope. 

🤣🤣

[aucanucktiger 1,791]

Didnt like the intentional and egregious shot to Will's head either but what had me about to jump through the TV was the Tulane head coach's smirk afterwards caught on camera.

[aucanucktiger 1,791]

20 hours ago, War Ables said:

I do not like to bash our coaches. I try to be patient and try and understand the reasoning behind playcalls. That said I played football growing up, defensive end/tackle to be exact. Auburn's offense is incredibly frustrating to watch. I, like a lot of you, feel there is zero rythem to the calls. I don't see any type of play calling used to set up other plays later on or even from one play to the next. It looks like an inefficient high school offense most of the time. I really hope that we see some steps forward in the offense as a whole or I am afraid we are going to be beaten up in SEC play this year. This defense and some players on offense do not deserve that type of a season.

Thanks, level-headed & well reasoned post. IMO (and you can see this in his book even going back to his OC days), Malzahn ALWAYS tries to set up particular plays later in the game with whatever he's doing in the first half (including mind numbing, repeated runs up the middle). Problems with this approach include games where the D doesnt keep you close or when those select "later" plays are botched from lack of execution (see e.g. Schwartz w/ hand cast almost execute otherwise well timed play vs Tulane). Nobody's a bigger Malzahn fan than me but...just saying, frustrating is an excellent word choice.