StatTiger

The team effort we witnessed against Ole Miss was present the week before against Tennessee. The difference in the outcome of the two games was better execution in critical moments of the game. Auburn did not commit self-destructing errors against Ole Miss as they did against the Volunteers. Auburn's defense allowed Tennessee to convert 7 of 10 third-down situations of at least eight yards. Auburn's remaining opponents this season converted only 9 of 63. The three turnovers against Tennessee were poor decisions on the part of the quarterback. Take the sack on all three plays and Auburn survives to play another series. Both offensive game plans were to feed the football to the playmakers and for the most part, Auburn was successful in both games. Looking at the big picture, Auburn's three losses this season are inexcusable, but the team cannot afford to look back at what could have been. The only element they have control over is the remaining games to be played. Auburn has more than enough talent to win their next three football games. The outcome of the next three games will be no different from the first eight games. The coaching staff must place their personnel in a position to be successful, and the players must execute and limit their mistakes. The bye week allows the players to rest up and for the coaching staff to self-evaluate their team. The coaches and players need to focus on the "short-term" goals, treating each remaining game as a season within a season. Auburn's ten impact plays netted 303-yards, a season-high against FBS competition. JaTarvious Whitlow was responsible for five of the plays for 142-yards. Through eight games, Auburn's top-4 playmakers are JaTarvious Whitlow (13), Seth Williams (12), Anthony Schwartz (10) and Darius Slayton (10). During the last three games, the quartet is responsible for a combined 277-yards per game on 12.0 yards per play. Add Ryan Davis, and Shaun Shivers to the game plan and Chip Lindsey has plenty to work with to win the next three games. During the first five games of the season, Auburn's opponent gained at least 5-yards on 31.1 percent of their snaps. During the last three games, it has increased to 43.9 percent. The defense is tired and in dire need of the upcoming bye week. Auburn averaged 6.3 yards per play on first down against Ole Miss, a season-high for the Auburn offense against an FBS opponent. Malzahn's Auburn teams are 31-2 when they average at least 6-yards per play on first down and 19-23 when they do not. During the last three games, Sal Cannella has been targeted more in the passing game than Seth Williams and Anthony Schwartz. Cannella during the last three games averaged 6.2 yards per reception, while Schwartz averaged 24.7 yards and Williams, 24.0 yards per catch. The time has come to target the playmakers rather than trying to make someone a playmaker. Sal Cannella can still have a role in the offense but not at the expense of limiting the proven personnel. Through eight games, Auburn's defense has defended 67 possessions beginning at least 75-yards away from the Tiger's goal line. They have surrendered only three touchdown drives. Special teams, field position, and turnovers will likely decide the outcome of Auburn's next three games. Gus Malzahn must dig deep to become a better situational coach the next two games. During the past five games, 61.3 percent of Stidham's pass attempts are within 5-yards of the line of scrimmage. He has completed only 33.9 percent of his passes beyond 5-yards of the line of scrimmage. Regardless of how Stidham has performed this season, he will be needed to make plays in the intermediate range to win the next two conference games. During his last ten games, Stidham is completing 49 percent of his intermediate passes and only 33 percent of his deep balls. Auburn averaged 4.4 yards per rush during the first half against the Rebels and 7.5 yards during the second half. 57 percent of Auburn's offensive snaps were part of a scoring drive, a season-high against an FBS opponent. Auburn averaged 40.3 yards per offensive possession, a season-high for the Tiger's offense. Last season 31 percent of Auburn's offensive touchdowns were scored outside the red zone. This season it has dropped to just 16 percent, the lowest percentage of touchdowns outside the red zone since 1974. The lack of the big play on offense this season has stymied the offense. The decision to focus the game plan on the playmakers is beginning to show results. During the first five games, Auburn averaged a play of at least 30-yards, every 58 snaps. During the last three games, it has improved to 1 every 34 snaps. Auburn has been out-gained on first down during seven of their last eleven games, posting a 6-5 record. The Tigers went back to running heavily on first down with 80.6 percent of the snaps being run plays. Auburn had run the ball 57.6 percent on first down this season, coming into the Ole Miss game. Emphasizing the running game against the Rebels was an excellent "short-term" decision. First down play selection could change against the next two conference opponents. Auburn's offense under Gus Malzahn is now 58-10 during games the Tigers attempt at least 45 runs. The Auburn defense is allowing a TD every 56.9 plays, the best ratio since the 1989 Auburn defense. Hopefully, the bye week is the spark needed to pump up a defense with rubber legs. Auburn's pass-efficiency defense is currently at 112.9, fifth-best among the last 25 Auburn defenses. Except for the occasional play of 20-plus yards, Auburn's pass defense has been relatively consistent this season. Auburn has now been scored on in 15 consecutive quarters, the longest such stretch since the 2015 season. During Auburn's last 12 conference games, the opponent has attempted 372 passes and the Tigers have intercepted only two of those passes. War Eagle!

They threw it 47 times.

Auburn was finally able to run the football, though it came against the worst run defense in the country. The Tigers ability to run the football kept the outcome off the shoulders of Jarrett Stidham, who had a pedestrian like performance. JaTarvious Whitlow was the MVP of the offense, who tallied 208 yards on 23 offensive touches. For the second week in a row, Chip Lindsey worked the football to his top playmakers. Auburn's top-5 leaders in impact plays, totaled 385-yards on 30 snaps for two touchdowns. They also accounted for all of Auburn's impact plays against Ole Miss. Auburn's 21-point third quarter was the second most points scored during the third period under a Gus Malzahn offense when the Tigers were held to just ten halftime points. Auburn was 14-21 in games when Malzahn's offense was held to 10-points or less by halftime. Auburn's 484-yards in total offense was a season-high against an FBS opponent. Nick Coe had a monster game with three QB sacks, and Marlon Davidson effort on a bad leg was a prime example of a player selling out to win. Overall, the defense did an excellent job of limiting the big plays, something that was a major concern coming into this week. The defense is banged up and running on fumes but had enough left in the gas tank to assist in the "team" victory. The Tigers were at their best inside the red zone, and Ole Miss scored their only touchdown against Auburn's backups. After surrendering 92-yards on the first two possessions, Auburn allowed only 212-yards during the next eight possessions. The game was already decided before the Rebels finally cracked the Auburn goal line. The Auburn defense earned their bye-week and hopefully can re energize their batteries before Texas A&M comes to town. Auburn's fifth victory of the season should assure the Tigers of becoming bowl eligible this season with Liberty an almost certain victory. The Tigers win over Ole Miss certainly doesn't salvage a disappointing season, but it was definitely a much-needed victory for the players. It was a positive sign the players have not quit on the coaching staff, and the bye-week should inspire the team to sell out for Texas A&M. There still were looming issues that have stymied the team this season, but this Saturday was about the players believing once again. It was about digging down deep this past week in practice despite being injured, fatigued and on a two-game losing streak. The players went on the road to face a confident Ole Miss team and came away with a solid victory. There will be no accolades given out for defeating an un-ranked Ole Miss team, but a loss would have undoubtedly finished off this football team. Since 1995, Auburn is now 43-0 with at least 250-yards rushing and only 1 turnover or less. War Eagle! Game #8 Statistical Evaluation (Ole Miss Game) Offensive Report Card 01) Avg 6-yards per play on 1st down: [6.29] pass 02) Convert at least 40% of 3rd downs: [42.8%] pass 03) Avg at least 4.5 yards per rush: [5.8] pass 04) Score on at least 1/3 of possessions: [41.7%] pass 05) Keep 3 and out series under 33%: [16.7%] pass 06) Average 8.0 yards per pass attempt: [9.8 yds] pass 07) Score at least 75% inside red zone: [100.0%] pass 08) TD red zone above 60%: [75.0%] pass 09) Avg at least 30-yards per possession: [40.3 yds] pass 10) 40% of offensive snaps part of scoring drives: [57.3%] pass 11) TD / Turnover ratio above 1.6: [4 / 0] pass 12) TD ratio of at least 1 every 17 snaps: [17.0] pass 13) At least 8 impact plays: (10) pass 14) At least 2 big plays: (3) pass 15) Pass rating of at least 126.3: [156.2] pass 16) Yards to Point Ratio of 14.0 or under: [15.6] pass Score: 16 of 16 (100.0%) Defensive Report Card: 01) Avg under 6-yards per play on 1st down: [7.03] fail 02) Convert below 35% of 3rd downs: [35.3%] fail 03) Avg at least 4.0 yards per rush or less: [3.2] pass 04) Score 1/3 of possessions or below: [33.3%] pass 05) Keep 3 and out series above 33%: [25.0%] fail 06) Average below 7.5 yards per pass attempt: [6.9 yds] pass 07) Score below 75% inside red zone: [100.0%] fail 08) TD red zone below 60%: [33.3%] pass 09) Avg under 30-yards per possession: [37.2 yds] fail 10) 40% or less of offensive snaps part of scoring drives: [47.7%] fail 11) TD / Turnover ratio below 1.6: [1/0] pass 12) TD ratio of at least 1 every 30 snaps: [86.0] pass 13) Less than 8 impact plays: (6) pass 14) No more than 2 big plays allowed: (3) fail 15) Pass rating below 125.0: [122.4] pass 16) Yards to point ratio of 18.0 or higher: [27.9] pass Score: 9 of 16 (56.2%) Special Teams Report Card: 1) Punt Average (Above 41.3): [44.7] pass 2) Punt Return Defense (Below 7.8 YPR): [2.0] pass 3) Punt Return Offense (Above 9.8 YPR): [4.0] fail 4) Kick-Return Defense (Below 21.2 YPR): [17.0] pass 5) Kick-Return Offense (Above 22.3 YPR): [14.0] fail 6) PAT’s (100%): [4/4] pass 7) FG Pct (75% or above): [33.3%] fail Score: 4 of 7 (57.1%) * 50% is a passing score.

No I am not. I am saying because the way Malzahn has prepared his quarterbacks, Stidham is the only viable option. Malzahn is the primary variable why Auburn hasn't had a backup quarterback ready for action since 2014. Where did I say Stidham is untouchable as a player? Go back and look at every blowout victory since 2014 and look at how the backup quarterbacks have been utilized.

Stidham began to struggle once there was no running game and poor pass protection. Swapping him out won't change that. The OL and running game has to be addressed first. Placing another QB on the field only magnifies the problems. Again, the reality is there isn't a QB on the roster PREPARED to run the offense so putting them in the game behind the existing issues won't improve the offense. How does swapping out the QB improve run blocking? Auburn's best running back is a converted QB with an injured shoulder? How does replacing the QB make Auburn better at running back? Malzahn won't allow backup QB's to throw the football downfield when leading by 30 points, so why would he start them? You have to look at the situation with all the known variables. This is not about what other coaches would do. This is about how the backup QB's have been prepared under Malzahn and whether or not they would even be given a chance. It's also about the existing passing schemes under Malzahn. Sandberg is being redshirted along with Joey Gatewood. That leaves Willis and walkon Adams. Malik Willis is fast but nowhere the athletic runner Nick Marshall was. He attempts to run to the edge, hoping he can out-run the pursuit and rarely turns it up field. Even Alabama State tackled him for a safety. Every time he takes to the field, the opposition scheme to defend him running on the edge. The only way to counter that is to establish an inside running game, which goes to back to thew INITIAL problem. Auburn cannot run inside consistently because of a poor OL and only 1 option at RB, who is now injured.

If there was truly a reliable option behind Stidham, I would be all for sitting him a series or two when he struggled. The reality is there is no viable option behind him right now. This isn't a video game where you just swap a player out and hope for the best. Even with his struggles, he is the only QB prepared to run the offense as it is. Play anyone else right now and it would be a disaster and he has accounted for over 60 percent of Auburn's impact plays. Benching Stidham would not improve pass protection or make Auburn a better running team. A major reason why Stidham is struggling is the supporting cast around him is also struggling. This is not to say he has contributed to Auburn's miscues on offense but Auburn cannot run the football and cannot consistently protect the quarterback. Even Steve Spurrier struggled without a running game. Thirty-two times during his stint at UF, his offense was held to under 100-yards rushing. The Gators were 12-19-1 during those 32 games, averaging 357-yards and 24 PPG. During the 90 games his offense rushed for at least 125 yards, he was 86-4, averaging 507 yards and 43 ppg. Think back to the 2001 season when Auburn defeated UF. Tommy Tuberville said all week long, the key to beating Florida would be taking away the ground game and forcing UF to pass. UF was held to -36 yards rushing, finishing the game with 4 interceptions, 326 yards and 20 points. Chip Kelly at Oregon never won a game when held under 100-yards rushing, averaging 265-yards and 13 ppg during the 5 games held under 100-yards rushing. During the last ten years in the SEC, teams have averaged 280-yards and 17 ppg when held under 100-yards rushing, with a win pct of just 21 percent. Pass rating among SEC teams the past ten seasons with under 100-yards rushing is 115.8 It increases to 136.4 with 150-200 yards rushing and 146.3 with 200-250 yards rushing.

Of Auburn's 80 offensive snaps, 46.2 percent went for 5-yards or more, a season-high for the Tigers against FBS competition. It was not enough to overcome the three turnovers by Jarrett Stidham. During the first five games of the season the Auburn defense allowed 4.3 yards per play during the first half and 4.6 yards during the second half. During the last two games, it has increased to 5.4 yards per play during the first half and 6.0 yards during the second half. 52.9 percent of the snaps defended by the Auburn defense went for 2-yards or less. Better consistency than the 33.8 percent against Mississippi State the week before. The impact plays allowed on third and long ruined what might have been a solid defensive performance. Auburn's ten impact plays for 248-yards against the Volunteers was a season-high for the Auburn offense. Seth Williams and Anthony Schwartz accounted for 7 of Auburn's ten impact plays against Tennessee. Of Auburn's 80 snaps, 36 were directed to Auburn's top-5 impact players coming into the game. It would have been higher had Whitlow not been injured. It was a good indicator the game plan was built to funnel the football to their established playmakers. In conference play only this season, Kam Martin has 19 offensive touches for 44 yards. Of Auburn's first five offensive possessions against the Volunteers, four of the drives netted at least 50-yards, the first time this season Auburn accomplished such a feat this season. Unfortunately for the Tigers, two of those drives ended with interceptions. Jarrett Stidham had his best game of the season when it came to throwing the intermediate routes. He was 7 of 10 for 177-yards and two touchdowns. Strangely, his two horrific interceptions came throwing the football short. Before the Tennessee game, Auburn was 32-4 in games under Gus Malzahn when scoring at least 17 points by halftime. So what happened against Tennessee? In the past Auburn was able to lean on their running game during the second half which was not the case against the Vols. After rushing for 123-yards during the first half, Auburn had just 20 yards on 11 carries during the second half. Auburn went 75 percent in short-yardage running situations against Tennessee, a season-high in conference play for the Tigers. Last season Auburn passed 33 percent of the time during the second half, and this season Auburn is throwing 56 percent of the time against FBS competition. The lack of a running game has prevented the offense from taking control of the game. During the last four games, Auburn is completed just 61 percent of their first down passes for only 5.4 yards per attempt. With the lack of a running game, Auburn needs to sprinkle more vertical passes into the equation on first down. Auburn is throwing the football 43.4 percent of the time on first down. Auburn has gone "three and out" during more than 28 percent of their possessions in four consecutive games. This is an all-time low for a Gus Malzahn offense at Auburn. Auburn's pass-efficiency on third down from 1993-2018 is 126.4. During Auburn's last six games, it has been 90.1. The Tigers converted 56.3 percent of their third downs against Tennessee, a season-high for the Auburn offense. Auburn has fumbled the football 15 times compared to the opponent's eight fumbles. Deshaun Davis has led Auburn in tackles on 13 occasions since Kevin Steele took over the defense, more than any other Auburn player. Auburn's freshman players accounted for 263-yards on 25 offensive touches for two touchdowns against Tennessee. Malzahn's Auburn Tigers are now 2-7 during games against Power-5 competition when they are minus-two in turnover margin or worse. The Auburn offense against Tennessee succeeded in utilizing their established playmakers. The coaching staff was willing to place the football in the hands of freshman players. They attempted to manufacturing rushing yardage and threw the football on early downs. The game plan and play-calling against the Volunteers was perhaps the best of the season but in the end, it was the turnovers that killed a momentum built. The turnovers was a twenty-point swing in a game lost by six points. The Auburn defense played very well except for third and long. They took away the run and were very successful on first down. They managed to force Tennessee into 19 third-down situations but allowed them to convert ten. At the end of the day, the poor play on third and long and the lack of forced turnovers turned a good performance into a losing performance. On special teams, Auburn struggled in delivering a "game-changing" moment in a game decided by less than seven points. There were plenty of elements of the game to build on, which could carry over to a victory against Ole Miss, the worst defense in the conference. However, there are concerns in every phase of the Auburn Tigers that could result in another "team losing" performance. Saturday's loss to Tennessee was a "snake-bitten" moment for the Auburn Tigers. Every time they made a step forward, there was a play that knocked them backward, whether it was on offense or defense. Auburn's performance against Tennessee minus the turnovers on offense and miscues on defense was good enough for a victory and a win over Ole Miss. The key moving into next week against Ole Miss will be eliminating the mistakes. War Eagle!

Turnovers by the offense and hideous play on defense in third & long were the story of this football game. There were the usual issues such as the lack of a running game and poor pass protection to go along with a defense that has surrendered explosive plays all season long. But overall, this version of the Auburn Tigers is just a bad offensive team coupled with a defense that fights every week to keep the Tigers in the ball game. Auburn's defense allowed eight third-down conversions of at least 8-yards, surrendering 169-yards on the eight successful conversions. On the remaining 60 snaps defended, Auburn allowed only 3.8 yards per play but the 21.0 yards per play allowed on third and long destroyed any success the Tigers had on defense. I cannot recall a game in recent memory, where Auburn's defense played so poorly in third and long. The first two Auburn offensive possessions appeared to be a good start for the Tigers, but Auburn had only 10 points after four possessions, despite gaining 207-yards on offense. It has been a trademark of Gus Malzahn's offense when it comes to the first four possessions of the game. From 2015-2018, Auburn has been held to 10 points or less during the first four possessions of the game 26 times, averaging only 21.3 PPG when it occurs. Auburn is 10-16 during those games and 8-12 in conference play. Bottom line, if the offense cannot score more than 10 points during their first four possessions of the game against a Power-5 opponent, there is a higher probability for a loss than a victory. During his last nine games, Jarrett Stidham has 13 combined fumbles and interceptions and 11 combined passing and rushing touchdowns. Similar to last week's performance against Mississippi State, there were several moments of blown opportunities on offense. Jarrett Stidham missed on a couple of deep balls, and Darius Slayton dropped a potential deep ball for a touchdown. Last week it was four plays out of 59 snaps, and this week it was three of 80 snaps. Some will focus on less than ten plays to extract some form of moral victory or hope for the future. The reality is Auburn lost these last two games primarily on the remaining 132 snaps. The only positive from this game was the players did not quit. Midway into his sixth season as head coach, Gus Malzahn has a team that cannot run the football and cannot protect the quarterback. His best running back is a converted quarterback with a bad shoulder and there isn't a reliable and prepared backup at quarterback to take over for Jarrett Stidham. The offensive line lacks experience and is playing hurt with very little depth to tap into. One of the starters transferred in from U-Mass and quickly became a starter. It is a nightmare scenario for a first-year head coach rebuilding a program, so how did Auburn arrive here after six years? Game #7 Statistical Evaluation (Tennessee Game) Offensive Report Card 01) Avg 6-yards per play on 1st down: [4.72] fail 02) Convert at least 40% of 3rd downs: [56.2%] pass 03) Avg at least 4.5 yards per rush: [3.70] fail 04) Score on at least 1/3 of possessions: [30.8%] fail 05) Keep 3 and out series under 33%: [38.5%] fail 06) Average 8.0 yards per pass attempt: [7.00 yds] fail 07) Score at least 75% inside red zone: [100.0%] pass 08) TD red zone above 60%: [66.7%] pass 09) Avg at least 30-yards per possession: [34.4 yds] pass 10) 40% of offensive snaps part of scoring drives: [47.5%] pass 11) TD / Turnover ratio above 1.6: [1.0] fail 12) TD ratio of at least 1 every 17 snaps: [26.7] fail 13) At least 8 impact plays: (10) pass 14) At least 2 big plays: (1) fail 15) Pass rating of at least 126.3: [125.3] fail 16) Yards to Point Ratio of 14.0 or under: [18.7] fail Score: 6 of 16 (37.5%) Fail Defensive Report Card: 01) Avg under 6-yards per play on 1st down: [4.40] pass 02) Convert below 35% of 3rd downs: [52.6%] fail 03) Avg at least 4.0 yards per rush or less: [1.9] pass 04) Score 1/3 of possessions or below: [41.7%] fail 05) Keep 3 and out series above 33%: [25.0%] fail 06) Average below 7.5 yards per pass attempt: [10.3 yds] fail 07) Score below 75% inside red zone: [100.0%] fail 08) TD red zone below 60%: [0.0%] pass 09) Avg under 30-yards per possession: [33.0 yds] fail 10) 40% or less of offensive snaps part of scoring drives: [50.0%] fail 11) TD / Turnover ratio below 1.6: [2/0] fail 12) TD ratio of at least 1 every 30 snaps: [34.0] pass 13) Less than 8 impact plays: (10) fail 14) No more than 2 big plays allowed: (4) fail 15) Pass rating below 125.0: [172.3] fail 16) Yards to point ratio of 18.0 or higher: [13.2] fail Score: 4 of 16 (25.0%) Fail Special Teams Report Card: 1) Punt Average (Above 41.3): [44.3] pass 2) Punt Return Defense (Below 7.8 YPR): [0.0] pass 3) Punt Return Offense (Above 9.8 YPR): [N/A] 4) Kick-Return Defense (Below 21.2 YPR): [N/A] 5) Kick-Return Offense (Above 22.3 YPR): [15.0] fail 6) PAT’s (100%): [3/3] pass 7) FG Pct (75% or above): [50.0%] fail Score: 3 of 5 (60.0%) Pass * 50% is a passing score. War Eagle!

It was in 1999 when AU went 10 consecutive games. There was a stretch in 2008 where AU went under 100 rushing during 3 of 4 games. The one game not under 100 was a 110-yard performance.

I think the screen packages to the WR's is essential in what Gus-Chip do on offense but I believe they have become to dependent upon them. During Lindsey's first 12 games as OC, Stidham threw 156 passes within 5-yards of the line of scrimmage, averaging 7.87 yards per attempt and threw 7 TD passes. Since the Alabama game, Stidham has thrown 129 passes within 5-yards of the line of scrimmage for 5.54 yards per attempt and only 1 TD. Only once in the last eight games has Auburn averaged more than 7-yards per attempt from those perimeter and short passes including 5.9 yards per attempt against MSU. I understand the concept of stretching the defense horizontally and trying to slow down the rush off the edge but during the last three games it has become over 63 percent of our pass offense. Jeremy Pruitt has faced Auburn's offense every season since Gus took over as head coach. During the five meetings, Malzahn's pass offense has averaged 155 yards per game on 6.9 yards per attempt . I would imagine Tennessee has spent time working on Auburn's screen game. There needs to be a strong mixture of vertical routes built off the screens to truly keep the opposing defense honest. For now, it almost feels like we are throwing a boat load of them, hoping we break one for a big gain, rather than setting up the opponent to create a big gain in the vertical passing game.

This quote might paint a better picture... “You don’t want to go second-and-9 or second-and-10 and then try to go fast,” Lindsey said. “Now you’re third-and-8 or third-and-9, and that’s not good in this league. You got to have good first-down plays, whether you’re running it, throwing it, whatever you’re doing. The one thing we did, I think, last night that was pretty nice was our screen game was a lot better. “Our guys executed that, and if we’ll continue to get better in that area and couple that with some rhythm throws and then our shots and then run the ball when we can in pace, I think we showed we can do that last night.” - Chip Lindsey (Auburn OC) The Malzahn offense is a downhill run offense to set up the deep ball and is most efficient when ran at tempo. Take away the tempo and it becomes a very basic offense to defend. Lindsey is basically saying the offense won't work without tempo and there is truth to it. IMO, this offense would still be very effective with a dual-threat QB running the offense at tempo. The problem is what Malzahn wants and the players he recruits for his offense. If Auburn is going to utilize a pocket passer, the offense cannot be about tempo. The offense needs to be more about schemes, a variety of passing routes and play-calling to compliment the passing quarterback and the skill players surrounding him. Yes, a pocket passer worked at Tulsa but the level of defenses there allowed Malzahn to get away with running a very simple pass offense. It won't work in the SEC. Malzahn's pass offense is primarily a lot of WR screens, flat passes, fly routes, wheel routes and deep posts. It works when the running game is sound and Auburn operates under tempo. Take away the run or tempo and this offense is predictable and easy to defend. This year the primary issue is a struggling inexperienced OL that is now beat to hell. Jarrett Stidham is now anticipating the pass-rush because he has been hit and sacked too many times. In practice, Stidham isn't being hit and likely looks like the QB we saw last season for the most part. In actual games with no running game and no tempo, he is under constant duress. Some of it is on him as he sometimes leaves the pocket to soon and doesn't step up. He also misses open receivers but it all comes back to the actual hits and sacks he has taken. Add the two picks he tossed in the LSU loss and Stidham is a tad gun-shy. The concern I have is the above quote from Chip Lindsey. In summary, he is stating AU needs to be better on first down so they can run more tempo. This will include more screen and short passes to build a rhythm. What is not being addressed is the response to the blitzes and pressure. There are areas of the field that could be exploited, especially territory vacated when the opposition does blitz. You cannot leave a freshman tackle on an island by himself against a projected NFL DE. Yes, Auburn did double team him on occasion but not enough. The pressure MUST be addressed first beyond anything else. Running plays faster is not a real solution. If you car is sputtering for some reason, would the answer be, driving faster?

During the last four games Auburn is a combined 5 of 27 on third downs during the first and fourth quarters. Converting only 18.5 percent on third down is not the successful recipe for starting or closing out a football game. As of late, the offense digs themselves into a hole and has a limited response in terms of adjustments. Against Mississippi State, Auburn was 1 of 6 on third down, when facing four yards or less to convert. Struggling to convert the long conversions is an issue but they have to be more successful on the manageable situations. The Bulldogs averaged 8.3 yards per play on first down which set them up on third down, with 10 of their 17 attempts were of four yards or less to convert. During the first three games of the season, 42.3 percent of Auburn's offensive snaps went for at least 5-yards. During the last three games, it has dropped to just 30.1 percent. Last night against MSU, only 18 of 59 snaps went for 5-yards or more. Yes, Auburn missed out on a couple of big plays, but overall, there is no consistency on offense. Once again, there is a minimal to no attempt to attack the middle of the field in the passing game. Coming into the game, Auburn's defense allowed 4.5 yards per play during the second half. Mississippi State gained 6.3 yards during the second half, a season-low for the Tigers defense. Mississippi State owned the line of scrimmage against the Auburn Tigers, which was surprising when Auburn was on defense. Before last night, Auburn's opponent was held to 2-yards, or less during 60.4 percent of the snaps defended. MSU was held to just 33.8 percent, a season-low for the Auburn defense. During the first three games of the season, 31.3 percent of Auburn's first down plays went for 2-yards or less. During the last three games, it has increased to 43.4 percent. This includes 13.8 percent of the first down plays failing to gain during the first three games and 31.6 percent during the last three games. The offense is constantly fighting uphill on offense and it isn't the result of running too much on first down. Last season through six games, the Auburn offense scored on 40.6 percent of their possessions beginning on their side of the field. This season it is 27.9 percent. Auburn attempted 37 passes on first down for 8.9 yards per play during the first three games of the season. During the last three games, Auburn attempted 35 for only 5.5 yards per play. The Tigers remain heavily reliant upon their WR-screens and the competition is taking it away. Over 63 percent (50 of 79) of Auburn's offensive possessions this season have netted one first down or less. Auburn scored on 7 of the 50 possessions (14.0 percent). The inability to sustain drives is magnified by Auburn's lack of big play ability. Last season 53.2 percent of Jarrett Stidham's passes during the first six games were within 5-yards of the LOS for an average of 7.05 yards per attempt. This season it has increased to 63.4 percent for 6.17 yards per attempt. Once again, the pass offense has become a peppering of screens with a hand full of bombs. Mississippi State wore down the Auburn front-seven last night, but fatigue was just the final issue. The Bulldogs had 149 yards rushing during the first half, averaging 6.12 yards per rush, compared to the 2.75 Auburn had allowed during the first half. Auburn is now 8 of 19 (42.1 percent) in short-yardage situations of 2-yards or less to convert against conference opponents. Last season Auburn converted 75.8 percent for the entire season. Only 29 percent of Auburn's offensive snaps were part of a scoring drive, a season-low for the Tigers. The Bulldogs had 74 snaps, and 41 were part of a scoring drive, also a season-low for the Auburn Tigers defense. Gus Malzahn's Auburn Tigers are now 5-15 in conference play when over 36 percent of the plays are pass attempts and 22-3 when 36 percent or less. During the last four games, Auburn has completed 14 of 32 passes on third down for an efficiency rating of just 79.2. The Tigers converted 28.1 percent of those passing situations. The last time Auburn was out-rushed by 259 yards was against Arkansas in 2002, when the Razorbacks had 322 more rushing yards than Auburn. Jeremiah Dinson's 15 tackles against Mississippi State was the most by an Auburn Tiger since Daren Bates had 16 tackles against Ole Miss in 2012. Auburn's offense under the control of Gus Malzahn is now 3-13 in conference play when held to under 150-yards rushing. During those 16 games Auburn averaged 272-yards and 15 points per game, completing 54 percent of their passes for 169 yards per game. Malzahn's offensive history has been built around success in the running game and the combination of tempo. Take away the run and tempo and his pass offense is exposed. Every offense will stagger somewhat when it becomes one-dimensional but Auburn's pass offense under Malzahn has rarely been able to carry the offense when needed. War Eagle!

Perhaps the best way to describe the disaster in Starkville was the Bulldogs reestablished their offensive identity and Auburn continues to search for one. MSU leaned heavily on their ground game beginning on their third possession of the game, and Auburn's defense slowly dwindled as the game progressed. Two plays that stood out during the game was the Bulldogs touchdown just before the first-half expired and Whitlows fumble going in for the score. One might argue it was a 14-point swing in favor of the Bulldogs but ugly teams rarely get the breaks. Auburn's offense is a total mess, and it has the potential to drag the team down with it. How much longer will the defense continue to fight, knowing the offense is an Albatross tied around their necks? If Gus Malzahn is not careful, he could very well see a repeat of the 2012 season, when some players quit on Coach Gene Chizik. They are not there yet, but they took a step closer tonight. Though the offense performed better during the second half, it was far from being a recovery. The decision to take Malik Willis off the field on 3rd & two to place Kam Martin in the wildcat only adds fuel to the fire, why so many fans question the "brain trust" on offense. Jarrett Stidham was given the opportunity for an easy touchdown pass, but he failed to connect on the play. He has been hit and sacked so many times this season; he is now anticipating a pass-rush that isn't there at times. He showed glimpses of Sean White tonight, throwing and ducking at the same time. Watching Calvin Ashley being owned late in the game and no adjustment is another log on the fire for the fan base to question what is going on offense. Last week, offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey commented, "I like where we are at on offense." I do not believe for a minute he thinks this to be the case but it is a sure sign of complacency. There is very little about the Auburn offense that is right and for any staff member to say so, is a disservice to the players and their ability to coach at this level. I realize these are harsh words, stemming from the emotions of another disappointing performance but maybe the coaches need to be honest about the product they are putting on the field. Late last season, Auburn showed their faith in Coach Gus Malzahn by rewarding him with a raise and significant contract extension. The point of the new contract was to show confidence in Malzahn and to take the pressure off Malzahn, to prevent him from continually looking over his shoulder after a poor performance. Through six games, it appears the result of this contract is complacency rather than striving to legitimize the handsome contract he was rewarded with last year. It was another ugly loss as Malzahn is now 0-7 when trailing by 10 or more points at halftime. For the sake of the players, I sincerely hope the coaching staff is honest about the performance rather than searching for words to disguise what we all saw tonight. War Eagle! Game #6 Statistical Evaluation (Mississippi State Game) Offensive Report Card 01) Avg 6-yards per play on 1st down: [5.04] fail 02) Convert at least 40% of 3rd downs: [21.4%] fail 03) Avg at least 4.5 yards per rush: [4.28] fail 04) Score on at least 1/3 of possessions: [30.0%] fail 05) Keep 3 and out series under 33%: [30.0%] pass 06) Average 8.0 yards per pass attempt: [5.63 yds] fail 07) Score at least 75% inside red zone: [66.7%] fail 08) TD red zone above 60%: [0.0%] fail 09) Avg at least 30-yards per possession: [30.4 yds] pass 10) 40% of offensive snaps part of scoring drives: [28.8%] fail 11) TD / Turnover ratio above 1.6: [0/2] fail 12) TD ratio of at least 1 every 17 snaps: [59.0] fail 13) At least 8 impact plays: (7) fail 14) At least 2 big plays: (2) pass 15) Pass rating of at least 126.3: [97.3] fail 16) Yards to Point Ratio of 14.0 or under: [33.8] fail Score: 3 of 16 (18.7%) Fail Defensive Report Card: 01) Avg under 6-yards per play on 1st down: [8.36] fail 02) Convert below 35% of 3rd downs: [41.2%] fail 03) Avg at least 4.0 yards per rush or less: [6.12] fail 04) Score 1/3 of possessions or below: [41.7%] fail 05) Keep 3 and out series above 33%: [16.7%] fail 06) Average below 7.5 yards per pass attempt: [4.06 yds] pass 07) Score below 75% inside red zone: [75.0%] fail 08) TD red zone below 60%: [25.0%] pass 09) Avg under 30-yards per possession: [34.8 yds] fail 10) 40% or less of offensive snaps part of scoring drives: [55.4%] fail 11) TD / Turnover ratio below 1.6: [2/1] fail 12) TD ratio of at least 1 every 30 snaps: [37.0] pass 13) Less than 8 impact plays: (7) pass 14) No more than 2 big plays allowed: (1) pass 15) Pass rating below 125.0: [75.3] pass 16) Yards to point ratio of 18.0 or higher: [18.2] pass Score: 7 of 16 (43.7%) Fail Special Teams Report Card: 1) Punt Average (Above 41.3): [47.0] pass 2) Punt Return Defense (Below 7.8 YPR): [0.0] pass 3) Punt Return Offense (Above 9.8 YPR): [4.0] fail 4) Kick-Return Defense (Below 21.2 YPR): [N/A] 5) Kick-Return Offense (Above 22.3 YPR): [18.0] fail 6) PAT’s (100%): [N/A] 7) FG Pct (75% or above): [75.0%] pass Score: 3 of 5 (60.0%) Pass * 50% is a passing score.

I do believe they are trying to adjust the offense based on the current circumstances but only time will tell if the adjustments are positive. Those that believe there have not been adjustments are not truly watching the games. Again, I am not saying the adjustments are the correct "fix" but it's not business as usual. IMO, there is only so much you will profit from throwing within 5-yards of the LOS 55-65 percent of the time and rarely targeting the intermediate routes. Against good defenses you will end up with games where the pass offense is 15 of 22 passes for 130-140 yards. Add the recent 100-130 yards rushing and you have 230-270 yards of offense by the end of the game. How many points can we hope for with that kind of yardage production? Even if you don't turn the ball over, you likely have 10-20 points max.

They are trying. More passes on 1st down than ever under Malzahn and more pass selections than runs during the first half. Southern Miss game marked the first time the offense had more pass attempts during the first-half then run plays. Ryan Davis has been the most targeted receiver every game until the USM game. Four players were targeted more than Davis yesterday.

During the last three games the Auburn offense has converted 2 of 10 third-downs during the first quarter and 1 of 8 during the final quarter. If the slow starts and weak finishes continue, there is likely four more losses on the horizon. It brings into question the initial game plan and the inability to adjust during game time. Auburn's average distance on third down against USM was 9.56 yards. Penalties and poor production on first down consistently put the offense in the hole. The constant penalties and occasional rash of turnovers is a sign of a lack of discipline. During the last four games, the Auburn defense has held the opponent to less than 5-yards per play, 72.1 percent of the time. 67.7 percent of the Golden Eagles offensive snaps netted 2-yards or less, a season-high for the Auburn defense. Except for the occasional big play surrendered, the Auburn defense has been very consistent this season. During their four FBS games this season, the Auburn offense has been held to 3-yards or less on first down, 48.3 percent of the time. Winning on first down allows the offense to play "downhill", something Auburn has been unable to do. Last season only 12.2 percent of Auburn's possession began on the opponent's side of the field. This season it has increased to 23.2 percent. This is huge when you consider Auburn scores 28 percent of the time, starting a possession on their side of the field and 56 percent, beginning a drive on the opponent's side of the field. As poorly as the offense has performed this season, the Tigers need all the help they can get. Field position will play a make factor the remainder of the season in terms of wins and losses. Special teams and defensive turnovers create short fields. Field position will be essential for Auburn moving forward. Auburn's opponent has scored only seven times from 47 possessions (14.9%) beginning at least 75-yards away from the Auburn end zone. Of those seven scoring drives, only one resulted in a touchdown. Defense, special teams and any big plays generated by the offense will be the formula for winning the remainder of the season. 69 percent of Jarrett Stidham's pass attempts the past two games have been within 5-yards of the line of scrimmage. The high percentage of short passes makes the offense predictable and easier to defend. After JaTarvious Whitlow injured his shoulder during the second quarter, Kam Martin had 24 carries and Auburn's remaining running backs combined for one attempt. Shaun Shivers, Asa Martin, and Malik Miller were on the field but the coaching staff elected to ride Kam Martin the remainder of the game. There is no reasonable logic for not playing other backs under this circumstance. ·During the last three games, the Auburn offense has a statistical grade of 33.3 percent, while the defense is 70.8 percent and special teams are 70.0 percent. One of the major issues is a running game that has gained 163-yards during the first half on 60 attempts or 2.7 yards per attempt. After going 6 of 12 in short-yardage situations (2-yards or less) against Arkansas and LSU, Auburn was 5 of 6 against Southern Miss. Facing way too many third and long situations, the offense MUST take advantage of the short yardage situations. Last three games Auburn has attempted 36 first down passes for 5.8 yards per attempt. During Auburn's last seven FBS games, the offense has averaged 4.88 yards per play on first down with the goal being six yards per play. Sustaining drives the past four games has become a significant issue for the Auburn offense. The Tigers have attempted 23 passes on third down the last four games and have converted only 6 of those plays for an average of 4.5 yards per pass attempt. Overall, Auburn is 15 of 51 in third downs the last four games. The combination of poor performance on 1st and 3rd downs is the essential reason the offense has sputtered this season. Since 1995, Auburn is now 68-4 in games they do not lose the tackles for loss battle, the turnover margin and first down battle. Can Auburn reach that goal in 5 of their last seven regular season games? Through 5 games, the Auburn offense is averaging 376.2 yards per game, scoring 18 offensive TD's. The 2011 Auburn offense averaged 370.6 yards and scored 16 TD's and the 2015 offense averaged 343.0 yards and scored 14 TD's. It has been bad this season but it has been worse in the past. The 2003 offense averaged 372.4 yards and scored 16 TD's. The 2008 Auburn offense averaged 329.4 yards per games and scored only 8 TD's during the first 5 games. The 2012 Auburn offense averaged 302.4 yards per games, scoring just 7 TD's. Since taking over the defense, Kevin Steele's defense has held the opponent to 23 points or less during 24 of 32 games, meaning his defense has put his team in position to win 75 percent of the time. Auburn is 20-4 during those 24 games the opponent was held to 23 points or less. How many of Auburn's remaining regular-season opponents will the defense hold to 23 points or less? War Eagle!

Game #5 Statistical Evaluation (Southern Miss Game) Offensive Report Card 01) Avg 6-yards per play on 1st down: [4.90] fail 02) Convert at least 40% of 3rd downs: [31.2%] fail 03) Avg at least 4.5 yards per rush: [2.67] fail 04) Score on at least 1/3 of possessions: [28.6%] fail 05) Keep 3 and out series under 33%: [28.6%] pass 06) Average 8.0 yards per pass attempt: [7.42 yds] fail 07) Score at least 75% inside red zone: [100.0%] pass 08) TD red zone above 60%: [66.7%] pass 09) Avg at least 30-yards per possession: [24.3 yds] fail 10) 40% of offensive snaps part of scoring drives: [34.8%] fail 11) TD / Turnover ratio above 1.6: [3/1] pass 12) TD ratio of at least 1 every 17 snaps: [23.0] fail 13) At least 8 impact plays: (8) pass 14) At least 2 big plays: (3) pass 15) Pass rating of at least 126.3: [139.9] pass 16) Yards to Point Ratio of 14.0 or under: [14.2] fail Score: 7 of 16 (43.7%) Fail Defensive Report Card: 01) Avg under 6-yards per play on 1st down: [3.78] pass 02) Convert below 35% of 3rd downs: [15.4%] pass 03) Avg at least 4.0 yards per rush or less: [2.14] pass 04) Score 1/3 of possessions or below: [21.4%] pass 05) Keep 3 and out series above 33%: [57.1%] pass 06) Average below 7.5 yards per pass attempt: [4.89 yds] pass 07) Score below 75% inside red zone: [100.0%] fail 08) TD red zone below 60%: [50.0%] pass 09) Avg under 30-yards per possession: [18.6 yds] pass 10) 40% or less of offensive snaps part of scoring drives: [33.8%] pass 11) TD / Turnover ratio below 1.6: [1/3] pass 12) TD ratio of at least 1 every 30 snaps: [65.0] pass 13) Less than 8 impact plays: (9) fail 14) No more than 2 big plays allowed: (0) pass 15) Pass rating below 125.0: [107.6] pass 16) Yards to point ratio of 18.0 or higher: [16.5] fail Score: 13 of 16 (81.2%) Pass Special Teams Report Card: 1) Punt Average (Above 41.3): [44.1] pass 2) Punt Return Defense (Below 7.8 YPR): [11.0] fail 3) Punt Return Offense (Above 9.8 YPR): [1.5] fail 4) Kick-Return Defense (Below 21.2 YPR): [16.0] pass 5) Kick-Return Offense (Above 22.3 YPR): [N/A] 6) PAT’s (100%): [3 / 3] pass 7) FG Pct (75% or above): [50.0%] fail Score: 3 of 6 (50.0%) Pass * 50% is a passing score. For the first time during the Malzahn offensive era at Auburn, the Tigers were held under 100-yards rushing during two consecutive games. It is the primary reason why Auburn finished with a failing grade on offense for the second week in a row. Jarrett Stidham and the Auburn passing game performed better than the Arkansas game, but it is evident Auburn continues to struggle up front, and the loss of JaTarvious Whitlow will likely magnify the issue. Kam Martin played tough in relief (90-yard on 24 carries) but it was disappointing Asa Martin did not register one carry. His lone offensive touch came on the most predictable pass play, where Auburn motions a RB into the flat just before the snap and is tackled the moment he catches the pass. To his credit, he did gain three yards compared to Shivers 3-yard loss against Arkansas. Auburn came into the game with only three plays of 30-yards or more and registered three against the Golden Eagles. During Auburn's last seven FBS games, the Tigers have averaged just 119-yards rushing per game on 3.0 yards per carry. Southern Miss completed 30 of 44 passes and the 215-yards surrendered was the fewest passing yards surrendered by an Auburn defense with 30 completions or more. The record was set because Auburn tackled well and did not yield a play longer than 28-yards. Auburn's defense came up with 12 tackles for loss, and DeShaun Davis led the Tigers in tackles with ten stops. Auburn's top-2 tacklers during the game were linebackers, which was rare considering they faced a pass-heavy offense. Davis and Darrell Williams accounted for 4.5 of Auburn's tackles for loss. The Tigers secondary played well with four pass breakups and two interceptions. Despite how poorly the Auburn offense has performed the past two weeks, the Tigers have recorded back-to-back double-digit victories. It is a testament to how well the defense and special teams have performed. Auburn will continue to work on their running game, but after five games, there isn't much to indicate there will be much improvement against conference opposition. If this is the case, Jarrett Stidham will have to carry the bulk of the offense, and the Auburn coaches will need to scheme to give him and his receivers the best chance for success. The defense is good enough to keep Auburn in every game up to the Georgia game, but Auburn can't afford to survive with the high number of penalties or turnovers. Through five games, Auburn fans can only hope this Auburn team takes on the personality of the 2006 Auburn Tigers that won 11 of 13 games primarily with defense and special teams. It was the ugliest 11-win team Auburn has fielded and the 2018 Auburn Tigers offense no doubt, have the ugly part down. War Eagle!

Saturday night's 31-point victory is the second largest margin of victory by the Auburn Tigers since 1960, with the fewest yards gained on offense. The 1973 Auburn Tigers defeated UTC by 31-points with 193 total yards gained. The third quarter continues to be Auburn's least productive quarter when it comes to converting third downs. For the season, Auburn has converted only 16.7 percent during the third quarter. Through four games, Auburn has converted 43 percent during the first half and only 28 percent during the second half. After converting 3 of their first 5 third-down situations, the Razorbacks went 0 for 11 the remainder of the game. Through four games the Auburn defense has placed the opposition in third and ten or longer 26 times. The opponent converted only one the first 13 times (7.6%) and five during the last 13 attempts (38.5%). The Auburn offense has faced third and eight or longer 17 times this season, converting just two times (11.8%). As well as the defense has performed, they continued to be vulnerable to the big play, allowing three plays of 30-yards or more to the Razorbacks. The Tigers are currently allowing 315.7 yards per game, and 101.5 yards of it is the result of big plays allowed. Minus the ten plays of 30-yards allowed this season; Auburn is allowing 214.2 yards per game. Speaking of big plays, the Auburn offense has been putrid when it comes to generating the explosive play. Auburn averaged a play of at least 30-yards every 25 snaps last season, which has dropped to one every 93 snaps this season. With 58 offensive snaps, Auburn managed just 14 plays of 5-yards or more (24.1%), a season-low for the Tiger offense. Since allowing Washington to generate 5-yards or more on 44.6 percent of their snaps, Auburn has allowed only 28.4 percent during their last three games. 58.7 percent of the snaps defended by the Auburn defense has been held to 2-yards or less this season. Last season the Auburn defense held their opponent to 2-yards or less on 50.3 percent of their snaps. After only allowing one negative play on 99 first down snaps through three games, the Auburn offense allowed five tackles for loss against the Razorbacks on first down. Through 4 games, Anthony Schwartz and JaTarvious Whitlow, are tied for the most impact plays with five each. Darius Slayton and Seth Williams are tied with four each. Kam Martin and Shaun Shivers round out the top-5 with three plays each. The Auburn defense has taken to the field 53 times through four games with the opponent beginning their possession on their side of the field. The Tigers have surrendered only two touchdown drives (3.8 percent). Through four games, 73.2 percent of Jarrett Stidham's pass attempts have been within 10-yards of the line of scrimmage. During his first 12 games at Auburn, he completed 156 passes within 5-yards of the line of scrimmage. It resulted in 7.9 yards per attempt for seven touchdowns. During his last six games, he has completed 88 such passes for only 5.5 yards per attempt and one touchdown pass. Auburn rushed for 429-yards against Alabama State and 368-yards against their three combined Power-5 opponents. Last season the Auburn run-offense converted 79.2 percent of their situations of 2-yards or less to convert in conference play. This season it is a dismal 40.0 percent after two conference games. During their three Power-5 games, Auburn has run the ball 61.9 percent during the first half and 53.9 percent during the second-half. Auburn is making an effort to throw the football more frequently on first down and overall, but the issue is where the Tigers are targeting the football. Auburn is 3-5 under Jarrett Stidham when he averages less than 7-yards per pass attempt on first down and 10-0 when he is above 7-yards per attempt. The opposition has caught up with Auburn's "screen" game on first down. During their last six FBS games, Auburn has averaged 4.8 yards per play on first down, and the opponent has averaged 6.5 yards. Under Malzahn's offense, Auburn is 14-15 in Power-5 games when the Tigers average less than 5-yards per first-down play. The Tigers scored an average of 22.8 PPG during those 29 games. Jarrett Stidham has completed only 38.5 percent of his third-down passes the last three games for 2.5 yards per attempt, converting only 3 of 13 situations. Under Gus Malzahn's offense, Auburn is 12-22 in games the Tigers are held to under 20 first downs, scoring an average of 20 points per game. This includes a 9-19 record in conference play. During the three seasons before Kevin Steele arrived at Auburn, the Tigers recovered only 28 percent of the fumbles forced. Since Steele has arrived, Auburn has recovered 45 percent and 57 percent since the 2016 season. Based on a rating formula factoring yards gained, yards per play, points scored, impact plays, 3rd down efficiency and 1st down efficiency, Auburn's performance against Arkansas last night was the 42nd worst performance in conference play from 1992-2018. Auburn had worst offensive performances during SEC wins over LSU in 1994, 2007 Arkansas, 2006 LSU, 2008 Tennessee, 2008 Miss State, 1993 Ole Miss, 1993 Vanderbilt, 2000 Alabama and 1992 LSU. Regardless of their scoring percentage inside the red zone, Auburn is 28-5 under Gus Malzahn when the Tigers have at least five red zone possessions. Though run defense has improved under Kevin Steele since he arrived at Auburn, it is important to evaluate the success of run defense on the level of competition. During the three seasons before Steele took over the Auburn defense, the Tigers held only 26 of their 40 opponents under their rushing average. Steele's defense has held 29 of 31 opponents under their rushing average. Through four games this season, Auburn has held their opponent to 29.9 percent below their rushing average. This is a slight drop from 33.2 percent during 2017. Auburn's four opponents have averaged only 149.5 yards rushing per game, and the Tigers have yet to face a good run-offense this season. Before last night's game, Auburn under Gus Malzahn was 4-13 in games against Power-5 competition when the Tigers lost the tackle for loss and first down production battle. It reveals how important special teams were against the Razorbacks. A slow start for a Malzahn offense is rarely successful. Combining their first 4 possessions during their last 2 games, Auburn has averaged only 16-yards per possession on 3.7 yards per play. The Tigers scored on only 2 of the 8 possessions and both scoring possession began inside scoring territory. War Eagle!

Game #4 Statistical Evaluation (Arkansas Game) Offensive Report Card 01) Avg 6-yards per play on 1st down: [3.79] fail 02) Convert at least 40% of 3rd downs: [30.8%] fail 03) Avg at least 4.5 yards per rush: [2.5] fail 04) Score on at least 1/3 of possessions: [35.7%] pass 05) Keep 3 and out series under 33%: [42.9%] fail 06) Average 8.0 yards per pass attempt: [6.1 yds] fail 07) Score at least 75% inside red zone: [83.3%] pass 08) TD red zone above 60%: [50.0%] fail 09) Avg at least 30-yards per possession: [17.3 yds] fail 10) 40% of offensive snaps part of scoring drives: [43.1%] pass 11) TD / Turnover ratio above 1.6: [3/0] pass 12) TD ratio of at least 1 every 17 snaps: [19.3] fail 13) At least 8 impact plays: (3) fail 14) At least 2 big plays: (1) fail 15) Pass rating of at least 126.3: [119.3] fail 16) Yards to Point Ratio of 14.0 or under: [6.6] pass Score: 5 of 16 (31.2%) Fail Defensive Report Card: 01) Avg under 6-yards per play on 1st down: [4.00] pass 02) Convert below 35% of 3rd downs: [17.6%] pass 03) Avg at least 4.0 yards per rush or less: [3.9] pass 04) Score 1/3 of possessions or below: [7.1%] pass 05) Keep 3 and out series above 33%: [50.0%] pass 06) Average below 7.5 yards per pass attempt: [4.4 yds] pass 07) Score below 75% inside red zone: [50.0%] pass 08) TD red zone below 60%: [0.0%] pass 09) Avg under 30-yards per possession: [20.7 yds] pass 10) 40% or less of offensive snaps part of scoring drives: [12.8%] pass 11) TD / Turnover ratio below 1.6: [0/2] pass 12) TD ratio of at least 1 every 30 snaps: [70.0] pass 13) Less than 8 impact plays: (6) pass 14) No more than 2 big plays allowed: (3) fail 15) Pass rating below 125.0: [71.4] pass 16) Yards to point ratio of 18.0 or higher: [96.7] pass Score: 15 of 16 (93.7%) Pass Special Teams Report Card: 1) Punt Average (Above 41.3): [47.2] pass 2) Punt Return Defense (Below 7.8 YPR): [13.0] fail 3) Punt Return Offense (Above 9.8 YPR): [31.7] pass 4) Kick-Return Defense (Below 21.2 YPR): [20.0] pass 5) Kick-Return Offense (Above 22.3 YPR): [96.0] pass 6) PAT’s (100%): [3 / 3] pass 7) FG Pct (75% or above): [50.0%] fail *Bonus point for blocked punt and kick return for TD Score: 6 of 7 (85.7%) Pass * 50% is a passing score. If not for a gritty performance by the Auburn defense and an explosive outing by special teams, this game would have been much closer than the score reflected. The offensive line continued to struggle, and the pass offense was pedestrian at best. During his last six games, Jarrett Stidham has an overall pass rating of 125.5, averaging only 6.9 yards per pass attempt. During Auburn's last six FBS games, the Tigers have averaged just 123 yards rushing per game. Take away the 42-yard screen pass to Anthony Schwartz, Jarrett Stidham finished 14 of 21 passing for only 92-yards. Of his 22 pass attempts, 18 were within 5-yards of the line of scrimmage, showing a lack of imagination in the passing game against a secondary that has struggled this season. Chip Lindsey did set Stidham up for two deep balls that should have been touchdowns, but he threw poorly on both deep balls. Except for the two missed field goals, Auburn's special teams played very well tonight and were critical in setting up a short field for the offense. The long returns in the punting and kick game were needed on a night the Auburn offense could only generate 225-yards on 58 plays. If not for an extremely weak block in the back call, Auburn's defense would have joined in the non-offensive scoring. Auburn finished with 248-yards in the return game, which is why the Tigers were able to dominate on the scoreboard. The offense allowed a season-high, nine tackles for loss, while the defense generated seven negative plays against the Razorbacks. During their three FBS games, nearly 58 percent of Jarrett Stidham's pass attempts have come within 5-yards of the line of scrimmage. With only 122-yards rushing per game against FBS competition, the 2018 offense has become easy to defend. The offensive line continues to be a thorn in the side of the offense, but it isn't the only reason why the offense has struggled. When 82 percent of your passes are within 5-yards of the line of scrimmage, you're automatically conceding the vertical passing game, making it even more challenging to run the football. Except for the two deep balls, there was no imagination to the play-calling. Of the 22 pass attempts, only three went towards someone outside the wide receiver corps. Moving forward, if Auburn cannot address their inability to run the football, they will lose to every quality team remaining on their schedule. Under the Malzahn era of offense, Auburn has won only 31 percent of their games when held to under 130-yards rushing, scoring an average of 19 points per game. That stretch of games includes a 3-10 record in conference play. War Eagle!

* During the past two games, Auburn is 1 of 4 on third downs during the first quarter and 0 of 6 during the fourth quarter. One of 10 is not a good way to start and finish a game. * Allowing big plays have been an issue with Kevin Steele's defense. During 2014, Auburn allowed a play of 30-yards or more every 65.4 snaps. It dropped to 1 every 44.2 plays in 2016 and to 1 every 36.8 plays during 2017. This season, the current ratio is one every 29.4 plays, the second-worst rate by an Auburn defense the past 30 years. * Three times against LSU, Auburn forced the visiting Tigers to begin possessions more than 75-yards away from the Auburn end zone. On all three occasions, LSU was able to drive the ball into scoring territory, gaining 175-yards on 32 plays. Auburn's inability to get the LSU offense off the field resulted in an average starting field position at their own 25-yard line and not one single short field for the Auburn offense to take advantage of yesterday. In a 1-point loss, it is easy to point the finger and many things that could be described as being the difference in the game. IMO, this was a huge factor in the game. * Last season Auburn averaged 7.2 yards per pass attempt, throwing within 5-yards of the line of scrimmage. This season the average has dropped down to 5.6 yards per attempt. Opposing teams have dialed into Auburn's short game since the Alabama game in 2017. During the last five games, Auburn has attempted 70 passes within 5-yards of the line of scrimmage for 5.0 yards per attempt. The screen game has been neutralized but I do credit to Chip Lindsey for getting away from it early in the game. * Auburn is now 12-0 when Jarrett Stidham has a pass rating of 130 or better and 0-5 when he does not. During his tenure at Auburn, Stidham has completed only 35.8 percent of his passes thrown beyond 20-yards of the line of scrimmage. With Auburn needing the return of the big play, Stidham needs to leave his comfort zone and be more aggressive throwing the deeper routes. * Regarding vertical passing beyond 20-yards of the line of scrimmage: Newton (2010): 44.4% for 39.9 yards per completion Marshall (2013): 28.3% for 505.5 yards per completion Marshall (2014): 39.7% for 42.2 yards per completion Marshall (2014 / last 6 games of season): 55.6% for 45.9 yards per completion White (2015): 34.5% for 38.5 yards per completion Johnson (2015): 35.0% for 44.0 yards per completion White (2016): 51.6% for 34.8 yards per completion Stidham (2017): 34.5% for 42.0 yards per completion Stidham (2018): 41.6% for 33.0 yards per completion * The running back rotation is beginning to take shape as Kam Martin saw limited against LSU. For the season, 61.3 percent of Kam Martin's rush attempts have gone for 3-yards or less. JaTarvious Whitlow is at 36.4 percent, and Shaun Shivers is at 42.9 percent. Whitlow leads the running backs with 54.5 percent of his carries resulting in at least 5-yards. Shivers is next at 42.9 percent, and Martin is at 25.8 percent. If not Kam Martin, Auburn needs for Asa Martin to be the #2 primary runner behind Whitlow with Shivers sprinkled in as a change up. * During their last five FBS games, Auburn's offense has averaged just 129.8 yards rushing per game on 3.1 yards per attempt. The offense has generated only three plays of 30-yards or more from 375 offensive snaps. Auburn has completed just 7 of 20 passes beyond 20-yards of the line of scrimmage for a mere 27.5 yards per completion. Auburn's inability to run the ball and generate big plays has resulted in 20.4 points per game. If this doesn't change, there are easily 3-4 more losses on the horizon unless the defense can hold the quality opponents to under 14-17 points. * Auburn was 2 of 5, running the ball with 2-yards or less needed to convert against LSU. * A clear sign Auburn is struggling running the football is the 35 runs, and 30 pass plays during the second half of their two Power-5 games this season. * Auburn is 2 of 8 passing on third down during the last two games for 13-yards. * During Auburn's last five games against FBS competition, Auburn has averaged 5.0 yards per play on first down while allowing 6.9 yards to the opponent. This includes 3.69 yards per rush on first down. It should be noted Auburn threw the football over 40 percent on first down against Washington and LSU combined. * It should be emphasized Auburn's last five FBS games were against ranked opponents, and all five opponents were ranked No. 12 or higher. During those five games, Auburn scored 102 points, while allowing 114 points. * Under Gus Malzahn, Auburn is 7-12 during games the offense is held to under 20 first downs made during a game. During the 19 games, Auburn averaged 20.1 points per game. With this kind of production, the lack of "big play" offense will continue to hinder the 2018 Auburn Tigers. * Linebacker Deshaun Davis has led Auburn in tackles 11 times from 2016-2018, more than any other Auburn defender. * Auburn under Gus Malzahn is now 11-16 during games against FBS competition when the opponent has a better average per play on first down. The Tigers are 8-12 against the same level of competition when Auburn loses the "turnover battle." * During Auburn's last eight games, six of their opponents were ranked. You would have to go back to 1983 and 1984 to duplicate that level of competition. * Gus Malzahn as head coach at Auburn has faced a ranked opponent 45.7 percent of the time. Gene Chizik met the same level of competition 38.5 percent, and Tommy Tuberville checked in at 37.6 percent. Terry Bowden was 25.7 percent, and Pat Dye was 33.8 percent. War Eagle!

Game #3 Statistical Evaluation (LSU Game) Offensive Report Card 01) Avg 6-yards per play on 1st down: [5.7.2] fail 02) Convert at least 40% of 3rd downs: [33.3%] fail 03) Avg at least 4.5 yards per rush: [3.4] fail 04) Score on at least 1/3 of possessions: [23.1%] fail 05) Keep 3 and out series under 33%: [30.8%] pass 06) Average 8.0 yards per pass attempt: [7.1 yds] fail 07) Score at least 75% inside red zone: [75.%] pass 08) TD red zone above 60%: [75.0%] pass 09) Avg at least 30-yards per possession: [35.0 yds] pass 10) 40% of offensive snaps part of scoring drives: [39.4%] fail 11) TD / Turnover ratio above 1.6: [3/2] fail 12) TD ratio of at least 1 every 17 snaps: [22.0] fail 13) At least 8 impact plays: (6) fail 14) At least 2 big plays: [1] fail 15) Pass rating of at least 126.3: [114.0] fail 16) Yards to Point Ratio of 14.0 or under: [15.6] fail Score: 4 of 16 (25.0%) fail Defensive Report Card: 01) Avg under 6-yards per play on 1st down: [6,81] fail 02) Convert below 35% of 3rd downs: [36.8%] fail 03) Avg at least 4.0 yards per rush or less: [2.9] pass 04) Score 1/3 of possessions or below: [38.5%] fail 05) Keep 3 and out series above 33%: [30.8%] fail 06) Average below 7.5 yards per pass attempt: [7.1 yds] pass 07) Score below 75% inside red zone: [100.0%] fail 08) TD red zone below 60%: [33.3%] pass 09) Avg under 30-yards per possession: [36.2 yds] fail 10) 40% or less of offensive snaps part of scoring drives: [53.2%] fail 11) TD / Turnover ratio below 1.6: [2/0] fail 12) TD ratio of at least 1 every 30 snaps: [38.5] pass 13) Less than 8 impact plays: (5) pass 14) No more than 2 big plays allowed: (3) fail 15) Pass rating below 125.0: [112.0] pass 16) Yards to point ratio of 18.0 or higher: [16.8] fail Score: 6 of 16 (37.5%) Fail Special Teams Report Card: 1) Punt Average (Above 41.3): [47.0] pass 2) Punt Return Defense (Below 7.8 YPR): [4.0] pass 3) Punt Return Offense (Above 9.8 YPR): [8.0] fail 4) Kick-Return Defense (Below 21.2 YPR): [0.0] pass 5) Kick-Return Offense (Above 22.3 YPR): [36.0] pass 6) PAT’s (100%): [3 / 3] pass 7) FG Pct (75% or above): [0.0%] fail Score: 5 of 7 (71.4%) Pass * 50% is a passing score. It was a sloppy beginning and a sloppy ending that was too much for the Auburn Tigers to overcome. Auburn's inability to consistently run the football hindered a Gus Malzahn offense reliant upon establishing the run. The primary difference in the game was turnovers and third down. Auburn's inability to generate the big play will continue to haunt the Tigers unless the coaching staff finds a way of making such plays. Through three games, Auburn has produced only one play over 40-yards. In a physical matchup, Auburn needed to reclaim its offensive identity; the Tigers failed miserably. Auburn has yet to establish their running game against an FBS opponent, which is essential for setting up the deep throws over the top. LSU won the line of scrimmage when it came to pass protection and Auburn is not as dominant up front as portrayed by the media this season. Much like the Washington game, Auburn could not establish a consistent pass-rush unless they blitzed, something Kevin Steele would rather not depend upon. The defense remained on the field and could not end drives when it was needed the most. Once again, turnovers and penalties plagued the Auburn football team and they are not good enough to overcome these issues against a worthy opponent. Auburn did manage to overcome a 10-0 deficit to build a 21-10 third-quarter lead. Auburn attempted to remain aggressive in their play-calling, but it was likely more of a necessity due to the lack of a consistent running game. Auburn overcame a heart-breaking loss last season to LSU to win the west, so there is plenty to play for this early in the season. This loss, however, is different from last season because Auburn did not become conservative after building a 20-0 lead. The concern moving forward is a weak offensive line, the lack of a running game and a defense that allows more big plays than they generate. Hopefully, there will be enough leadership on this team to focus on improving because "finger pointing" will only compound Auburn's current issues. If Auburn is going to improve, it will need to begin up front and on both sides of the line of scrimmage. War Eagle!

Upon Further Review ... Of the Hornet's 15 third-down situations, the average distance needed to convert was 10.6 yards. On the topic of third downs, Auburn is 1 of 6 during the third quarter. Last season Auburn converted 48.0% of their third-down situations during the third quarter. Auburn allowed 103-yards on 36 snaps during the first half and 102-yards on 28 plays defended during the second-half. 64.1 percent of the offensive snaps by Alabama State netted 2-yards or less against the Auburn defense. Two of their 64 offensive plays combined for 80-yards. The remaining 62 snaps totaled only 125-yards of total offense. Auburn's 63 points snapped a four-game skid the Tigers failed to score at least 30 points. This was the longest such streak since 2012. Excluding snaps to expire the clock, Auburn has 70 offensive snaps on first down this season, and only one has resulted in a loss. Of Auburn's 25 impact plays on offense through two games, 13 have been made by a freshman. JaTarvious Whitlow, Shaun Shivers, and Anthony Schwartz combined for 33 offensive snaps, 356-yards, and three touchdowns. This included nine of Auburn's 15 impact plays on offense. During the first half, the Auburn offense ran the ball 28 times and threw the football 12 times. During the second half, it was 31 runs and only two pass attempts. During Auburn's last eight games against Non-Power-5 competition, the Tigers have fumbled 23 times, losing possession of 15. Last night marked the 23rd time Auburn has rushed for over 400-yards during a game over the past sixty years. Gus Malzahn's offense is responsible for 10 of the games. It was the 32nd time Auburn has rushed for over 300-yards during a game under Gus Malzahn. The Auburn defense recorded nine tackles for loss, equaling their total from the season opener. With back-to-back games of at least 9 TFL's or more, it was the first time an Auburn defense has accomplished this since the 2005 season. Last season the Auburn offense had an eight-game run where the Tigers produced 34 plays of 30-yards or more from 571 snaps. Since that run, Auburn has produced only two such plays during their last five games from 382 snaps. Auburn begins conference play this Saturday, and big-play ability on offense will be essential. Auburn's 40 point lead over Alabama State at halftime was the largest halftime lead by the Tigers since 2003 when the Tigers held a 45-0 lead against Louisiana Monroe. From 1996-2018, Auburn is 67-4 during games the Tigers do not lose the tackle for loss battle, turnover battle and yards per play on first down. Last season Jarrett Stidham completed 72 passes of 15-yards or more, the second most by an Auburn quarterback. Stidham's ratio for impact pass-plays was one every 5.1 attempts. Through two games into the 2018 season, Stidham's current rate has improved to 1 every 4.3. From 2013-2015, Auburn had a pass-rating of at least 140 during 20 of 40 games (50 percent). From 2016-2018, Auburn has reached that level of performance during 19 of 29 games (65 percent). From 2013-2015, Auburn held 15 of 40 opponents to 20 points or less (37 percent). From 2016-2018, Auburn has increased it to 20 of 29 games (69 percent). From 2013-2015, Auburn averaged 262-yards rushing per game on 5.4 yards per attempt. From 2016-2018, Auburn has averaged 247-yards rushing per game on 5.1 yards per attempt. War Eagle!

Game #2 Statistical Evaluation (Alabama State Game) Offensive Report Card 01) Avg 7-yards per play on 1st down: [10.1] pass 02) Convert at least 50% of 3rd downs: [20.0%] fail 03) Avg at least 6.0 yards per rush: [7.3] pass 04) Score on at least 1/2 of possessions: [43.7%] fail 05) Keep 3 and out series under 25.0%: [18.8%] pass 06) Average 9.5 yards per pass attempt: [9.9] pass 07) Score at least 80% inside red zone: [83.3%] pass 08) TD red zone above 75%: [83.3%] pass 09) Avg at least 40-yards per possession: [37.8] fail 10) 50% of offensive snaps part of scoring drives: [54.8%] pass 11) TD / Turnover ratio above 3.0: [2.3] fail 12) TD ratio of at least 1 every 13 snaps: [10.4] pass 13) At least 10 impact plays: [15] pass 14) At least 3 big plays: [1] fail 15) Pass rating of at least 145.0: [163.5] pass 16) Yards to Point Ratio of 12.0 or under: [9.0] pass Score: 11 of 16 (68.7%) Pass Defensive Report Card: 01) Avg under 5-yards per play on 1st down: [3.3] pass 02) Convert below 30% of 3rd downs: [13.3%] pass 03) Avg at least 3.0 yards per rush or less: [1.3] pass 04) Score 1/4 of possessions or below: [5.9%] pass 05) Keep 3 and out series above 40.0%: [58.8%] pass 06) Average below 6.5 yards per pass attempt: [5.4] pass 07) Score below 65% inside red zone: [100.0%] fail 08) TD red zone below 50.0%: [100.0%] fail 09) Avg under 20-yards per possession: [12.0] pass 10) 30.0% or less of offensive snaps part of scoring drives: [4.7%] pass 11) TD / Turnover ratio below 1.0: [.33] pass 12) TD ratio of at least 1 every 35 snaps: [64.0] pass 13) Less than 6 impact plays: [4] pass 14) No more than 1 big plays allowed: [1] pass 15) Pass rating below 115.0: [81.3] pass 16) Yards to Point Ratio of 25.0 or higher: [22.8] fail Score: 13 of 16 (81.2%) Pass Special Teams Report Card: 1) Punt Average (Above 43.0): [38.0] fail 2) Punt Return Defense (Below 7.0 YPR): [0.0] pass 3) Punt Return Offense (Above 11.0 YPR): [13.5] pass 4) Kick-Return Defense (Below 20.0 YPR): [18.5] pass 5) Kick-Return Offense (Above 25.0 YPR): [20.5] fail 6) PAT’s (100%): [9/9] pass 7) FG Pct (75% or above): [N/A] Score: 4 of 6 (66.7%) Pass * 50% is a passing score. I changed the criteria for the statistical report card to reflect the level of competition. More was expected from the team to obtain a passing grade as Auburn faced an FCS opponent in Alabama State. The Auburn defense graded out higher than the offense as the offense struggled with three turnovers during the game. Despite the adjustment in the criteria for a passing grade, all three phases had a passing grade for the night. The four fumbles lost against Alabama State was the most disappointing aspect of the game as three of the fumbles were committed by three different freshman players. Auburn was able to clear their bench as the lopsided victory allowed Auburn coaches to field a wide variety of personnel. Of Auburn's 59 rush attempts, 14 different Auburn Tigers had at least one rush attempt. The Auburn defense was robbed of a shutout as the offense allowed a safety just before the first half expired. Later in the second half, Auburn's special teams fumbled a punt, setting the defense up at the Auburn 16-yard line. Auburn's reserve defense allowed a 29-yard touchdown pass on third down, which was the only points the Auburn defense surrendered during the game. The Hornets were held to just 90 yards on 27 first down snaps, and 51 of those yards came on one play. Only a ridiculous personal foul on Marlon Davison prevented the Tigers from having 11 "three and out" series, defending 17 possessions. Kevin Steele's defense substituted early in the game, allowing younger players to obtain valuable playing time against the Hornets. Backup players made five of Auburn's nine tackles for loss. Outside of the turnovers, the most disappointing facet of the game was the use of the backup quarterbacks. Of the 39 snaps taken by the backup quarterbacks, only three pass attempts were made, and all three were within 10-yards of the line of scrimmage. Cord Sandberg saw his first action as a collegiate player and was able to rush for 35-yards on three carries. He attempted only one pass, which was a pass in the flat for a 22-yard gain. Malik Willis and Sandberg combined for three pass attempts for two completions and 25-yards. Though the priority on offense this week was to work on the ground game, Auburn failed in obtaining valuable snaps for the backup quarterbacks. As long as Jarrett Stidham remains healthy, it won't become an issue. Shoulder he suffer an injury, Auburn could be in significant trouble without a confident backup in the waiting. The defense was the bright spot of the game as Auburn lost little intensity and consistency once the bench was cleared for the backup players. Perhaps the most exciting aspect of the game was the performance of JaTarvious Whitlow and Shaun Shivers. The two freshman running backs combined for 27 rushes for 239-yards. They both proved they would be able to contribute significantly as the season progresses. Of Auburn's 567-yards on 73 plays, 435-yards was gained by freshman personnel on 42 touches. The downside was three turnovers committed by the freshman. The turnovers will likely hurt some of the freshman's contributions moving forward, but there is plenty of offensive potential among the younger players. War Eagle!

Upon Further Review - Washington Game Despite scoring only 21 points against the Huskies, the offense did gain 420-yards and registered 27 first downs yesterday. The offense played well more often than not but struggled inside the red zone. In the past, red zone scoring has been an issue, but it is a good sign this offense could work its way into the red zone against a quality opponent. Of their 12 possessions, the Auburn offense worked it's way into scoring territory seven times. Though Ryan Davis has returned punts in the past, he looked more natural and explosive against Washington. One of the reasons I contribute to his new look is all the screen packages he makes the majority of his receptions. Davis has grown accustomed to catching passes and running through traffic as a wide receiver on screen plays. His vision and his athletic abilities are now showing up as a punt returner. Like the screen passes, he has adjusted to making one move laterally and then jetting up the field as soon as possible. Of the 31 combined carries by Martin, Whitlow and Shivers, only one attempt was held to a loss. The offensive line had some issues against Washington but the number of tackles for loss were limited. Auburn's defense registered 9 tackles for loss compared to Washington's three tackles for loss. After rushing for 103-yards on 28 attempts during the first half, Auburn was held to only 44-yards rushing on 17 attempts during the final two quarters. The Big-10 officials made sure to make their presence known during the game. There was a combined 22 penalties assessed for 209-yards. During Auburn's last 7 games, the Tigers have attempted more passes on 3rd down than 1st down only one time. Prior to the last seven games, Auburn attempted more passes on 3rd down than 1st down during 14 of 22 games. Placing Jarrett Stidham in better passing situations will be a good trend to continue for the Auburn offense. The Huskies averaged 8.5 yards per play on 33 first down snaps. On their remaining 32 snaps, Washington averaged only 3.6 yards per play. This and red zone defense was a primary key to Auburn's victory over No. 6 Washington. Auburn under Gus Malzahn is now 36-9 in games the pass-offense has a pass-rating of 140 or better on first down. Auburn threw the football over 45 percent of the time on first down against Washington. It was the third most percentage of pass attempts on first down against a Power-5 opponent since Malzahn took over has head coach. From 2013-2018, Auburn's leading passer and rusher have combined for at least 350-yards during a game on 23 occasions. From 2013-2015, Auburn was 10-5 in those games. Since Kevin Steele took over on defense, the Tigers are 7-1 in those games. Auburn is now 39-5 under Gus Malzahn when the Tigers have more rushing yardage and attempts than their opponent. Auburn is also 24-2 when they don't lose the turnover and tackle for loss battle during the same game. From 1986-2018, there have been 75 games Auburn faced a ranked opponent and was held to under 150-yards rushing. Jarrett Stidham's performance against No. 6 Washington was the ninth best efficient performance by an Auburn quarterback. From 2009-2015, Auburn faced 38 ranked opponents, allowing 31.5 PPG, while holding only eight opponents to under 20 points (21.0 percent). Since Kevin Steele arrived on campus, Auburn has held their 13 ranked opponents to 20.2 PPG and eight were held to under 20 points (61.5 percent). **Looking back to last year, Auburn's speed-sweeps were not efficient late in the season. Eli Stove ran it 10 times during the last 4 games of the season, netting 55-yards, failing to register a run play of 15-yards or more. I believe Chip Lindsey knew Washington had all summer to prepare for the speed-sweep and it took it out of the game plan. (He later commented after the game, UW's wide alignment at DE made running the speed-sweeps less effective.) He substituted swing passes and flat passes to a motioning back or receiver instead. Auburn connected on 10 such passes against the Huskies for 82 yards of which two netted more than 15-yards. War Eagle!

More Defense Please: Kevin Steele doesn't often blitz with the intent of forcing the opponent to work for every yard. During the 2017 season, the Auburn defense allowed a play of 30-yards or more every 36.8 snaps, 18th best among Auburn defenses from 1992-2017. Of the 4477 yards allowed on defense, 24 percent came from plays of 30-yards or more, which was only 2.7 percent of the plays defended. The Auburn defense was No. 44 nationally in big-play ratio allowed. From 2009-2015, the Auburn defense had a passing grade during 48.9 percent of their games. Under Kevin Steele, the defense has a passing grade in 70.3 percent of their games. Auburn finished No. 14 in total defense and No. 11 in scoring defense. The Tigers were 19th in 3rd down defense, 35th in run-defense and 19th in pass-efficiency defense. These are solid numbers, but Auburn was 43rd in red zone TD percentage, 61st in tackles for loss (ratio) and 85th in forced turnovers (ratio). These numbers must improve to become a more dominating defense. The defense has performed more consistently under the leadership of Kevin Steele, but they have not been dominant, except for a few occasions. Beginning up front, the opposition has rushed for at least 150-yards during 11 of 27 games, with Auburn posting a 4-7 record. The need to become dominant is not a necessity, but it would certainly help to make a championship run. For now, Steele has brought stability to the defense, holding the opposition to 20 points or less during 66.7 percent of their games. From 2013-2015, it happened only 37.5 percent of the time. Impact on Offense: Auburn slightly increased their impact-play production from 2016, averaging 8.1 per game to the 7.7 from last year. Of the 113 plays of 15-yards or more, 67.3 percent came from the pass-offense. The Auburn run-offense generated a 15+ play every 17.4 attempts, 18th best among Auburn offenses from 1992-2017. The 2016 Auburn offense generated a 15+ run-play every 11.7 attempts, 6th best since 1992. Auburn's 29.6 yards per impact play was the highest average by an Auburn offense from 1992-2017. Auburn lacked speed when it came to the running game. During the past two seasons, Kamryn Pettway and Kerryon Johnson provided power to the Auburn running game but lacked the speed to make the Auburn running game explosive. The Auburn coaching staff will have to make a strong evaluation of the running back position going into 2018 to decide a "pecking order." Hopefully there will be a more fluid rotation of the top-two running backs. Big Play Offense: The 2017 Auburn offense generated 41 plays of 30-yards or more this season with one every 25 snaps. The big play ratio was 5th best among Auburn offenses from 1987-2017. Auburn was No. 22 nationally in generating run plays of 30-yards or more with one every 40 attempts. Auburn's ratio was good, but 11 of their 16 big run plays came from Malik Willis, Eli Stove, and Kam Martin. Kerryon Johnson had only four runs of 30-yards or more in 2017. Though Kerryon Johnson was No. 15 nationally in yards per game, he was No. 81 in producing run plays of 20+ yards among the top-100 rushers this season. The Auburn pass-offense was good in 2017 but not consistent enough to carry the offense when the running game struggled. Auburn finished No. 13 in pass-efficiency, with Jarrett Stidham having the best season by an Auburn quarterback as a sophomore. The majority of Auburn's 2017 pass-offense was within 5-yards of the line of scrimmage and beyond 20-yards of the line of scrimmage. Only 30.9 percent of Auburn's passing yardage came within the 6-19 yards range. Utilizing big body receivers like Nate Craig-Myers and Marquis McClain in the intermediate range would be valuable. Players like Ryan Davis and Will Hastings could cause havoc on crossing routes. During the past five seasons, Auburn's receivers have accounted for 79 percent of the receptions, and the running backs have accounted for 18 percent. During the previous five seasons (2008-2012), the wide receivers caught 63 percent of the passes, and the running backs caught 25 percent. The tight ends caught 12 percent from 2008-2012. The Auburn pass-offense has lived off the perimeter passing game with the occasional deep ball. Some want the tight end more involved in the passing game, but the most critical element for improvement is attacking the "entire" field. The influx of more speed to the 2018 Auburn offense could be huge. Players like Noah Igbinoghene, Asa Martin, Shaun Shivers and Anthony Schwartz could be a significant boost to the overall team speed of the Auburn offense. Five of Auburn's top-6 play makers from 2017 return in 2018. The Tigers should have plenty of valuable skill players, but the offensive line will be a significant question mark going into next season. Despite having four senior starters on the offensive line in 2017, Auburn was way too inconsistent up front. Auburn cannot afford to work through 2-3 games into the season to settle on their best five up front. Herb Hand's offensive line has struggled early on during the past eight seasons. This is a trend that must stop, especially with the Tigers opening up against Washington away from Jordan-Hare. Not So Special Teams: Auburn was 130th in kick-return defense, 109th in punt-return defense and 51st in punt-return offense. Auburn was 115th in net-punting and 102nd in punting average. Daniel Carlson is perhaps Auburn's best place-kicker, but he finished 63rd in field goal percentage this season. From 2009-2016, Auburn's special teams had a passing grade during 81.9 percent of their games. During the 2017 season, special teams had a passing grade in 64.2 percent of their games. After going 5-1 in games decided by 7-points or less during the 2013 season, Auburn is 8-7 in close games from 2014-2017. Auburn is 2-4 the last two years, which makes special teams even more vital in close games. During Auburn's ten victories, the Tigers generated a short field, 15.4 percent of the time. During the four losses, the Tigers made a short field just 3.9 percent of the time. Defense and special teams create short fields for the offense. Auburn's lack of forcing turnovers and flipping the field with the kicking game has hurt Auburn in the close games. Rather than being 45-22 under Gus Malzahn, Auburn would be 53-14 had they won the games Auburn lost by 7-points or less. War Eagle!