Here's Why Auburn Will Run Over Louisville

[tgr4lfe 220]

I don't know that L'ville has the horses top to bottom of their defensive depth chart to keep up.

Neither do we. Our starting 11 I feel good about. The depth concerns me.

I'm actually not so concerned about depth, to be honest. That's primarily because I feel so good about the 2 deep on the defensive line...and if Justin Garrett's new shoes prove to keep him off the injured list, then that extends to the linebackers as well. No matter what, though, having those premier big men up front, particularly multiple pass rushing threats, makes the defense as a whole so much better.

I know I'm in the minority, but I still believe if Lawson hadn't been injured last year and offensive lines had to deal with both him and Adams while Lambert was getting up to speed, Ellis Johnson would be seen in a polar opposite light amongst Auburn people. I like Muschamp's defense better because there is even more flexibility (not to mention more ways to screw with blocking assignments while maintaining a formidable pass defense), but I honestly don't think we would be in position to have the defense I believe we will this year without Johnson laying the fundamental foundations that had become lackluster during the Chizik years.

After thinking about it I actually agree with you on this. Our first few games last year the defense was clicking and doing really well...even in the Ms St and Alabama games we had multiple interceptions and had enough chances in the red zone to win those games. We seemed to be completely off in the Texas A & M and Georgia games. I am wondering if the whole Whitehead situation caused Johnson to lose control/respect of the players on defense. Something happened towards the middle where the defense just looked lost. That could be due to a lack of improving week to week or maybe the effort wasn't there in practice.

We have more depth this year than we have had in years. Depth should be a strength for us this year.

Where exactly do we have proven depth? Serious question.

OL, WR, LB

Beyond the starters at OL? No wrong. No proven WRs beyond the starters... And LB? As in the position that Muschamp as openly said he's not happy about?

Danzey, Dampeer, and Diamond are 3 other OL who all have experience outside of the starters.

Stevens, Burton, and Ray all have experience after the starters.

At LB there is Frost, McKinzey, Williams, Garrett, Mitchell, and Ruffin

Argue all you want about "proven" depth, but those backups from the two deep aren't terrible and are talented. CWM may not be happy with him, but they are what we have and I'm sure CWM is making them better.

Geez, guys/gals we know this team isn't perfect but damn y'all acting like our #2s aren't worth a crap is crazy. I'm not saying they are all world or all SEC, but they have out in their time and work and will give it their all. I don't expect AU to win them all, I hope, but I know that is tough to do nowadays in the SEC. I think AU has all the ingredients, if they come together just right, for this 2015 team to be pretty good, but I know AU is thin in the secondary, but other positions there is talent and a pretty good two deep. I don't get sunshine pampers nor do I get the complete opposites who don't believe we have s***.

[McLoofus 35,182]

I don't get sunshine pampers nor do I get the complete opposites who don't believe we have s***.

There's a vast difference between "unproven" and "not sh**". Jeez.

[japantiger 4,051]

We should win because we spend a multiple of what they do on their program and we have one of the highest paid coaching staffs in football. Everything else is kind of minutia...

[bikeriderga 134]

I think our passing will be much better than last year but even thougn I agree this may be the most talent at RB, it will be interesting to see if we get the same production. A lot of the reason we ran so well the past two years was Nick Marshall. Not to say that JJ can't run but I doubt he is as much of a treat as NM. Other teams Def. had to hold a second longer to make sure NM didn't keep it which made things a little easier for the RB's. It remains to be seen how much that changes our running game even though we might have better talent.

JJ does not need to run very often. Just enough to keep the defense honest and an ability to make defensive blitzes ineffective.

With the backfield we have this year, our QB can concentrate on the game plan, passing, and misdirection.

[bikeriderga 134]

I see us struggling with the run game in all honesty. They will sell out on stopping the running backs and not worry about Johnson running the ball. I believe we will pass the ball well. This will look like the first half of last years Arky game. As stated this game (season) comes down to the defense being able to get a couple of stops each half. If that can happen then we will by 14 to 21.

If they sell out on stopping our RBs, JJ, Duke, Louis, Davis, and Ray will put up monster numbers.

[ShocksMyBrain 9,366]

I see us struggling with the run game in all honesty. They will sell out on stopping the running backs and not worry about Johnson running the ball. I believe we will pass the ball well. This will look like the first half of last years Arky game. As stated this game (season) comes down to the defense being able to get a couple of stops each half. If that can happen then we will by 14 to 21.

If they sell out on stopping our RBs, JJ, Duke, Louis, Davis, and Ray will put up monster numbers.

Many have tried selling out to stop the run. More often than not, they can't. Gus has had sweeping success with RBs, our rushing attack is the least of my worries.

[VipersStrike1 230]

<p>

Our Offense is light years better than any Auburn offense Petrino has ever seen.

Was that seriously just put into words?

<img src="http://i2.photobucke...mvNelson2.jpg">

<img src="http://i2.photobucke...pernewton.jpg">

Light years is wrong but our second best player from that offense ended up getting kicked off the team after two years and the third was Darvin Adams

My logic on Dyer doesn't mean much but we heavily outtalent that 2010 offense. Just has to click

And that's the key. The 2015 offense has to click. And if they want to be better than the 2010 offense, they've got Mt. Everest to climb.

Having Cam operate the running game with Dyer (an overrated 5-star) and McCalebb (a 4-star scat back) was like having Tommy Frazier, Darren McFadden and Percy Harvin operate a running game.

Dyer was not overrated. Dyer was a great player he just lacked the maturity and attitude needed to remain at Auburn.

Because of Cam, defenses found it near-impossible to guess the ball carrier.

Reference McCalebb's 8.5 YPC in 2010, the best in Auburn history (50 carries minimum), which dropped to 5.7 in 2011.

That wasn't just because of Cam Newton. You seem to be totally overlooking the fact that we lost most of the offensive line after the 2010 season. That offensive line was among the best units in the country, if not they best.

That is a direct result of losing the greatest running threat at QB in the history of the game. Multiple defenders guarded Cam and McCalebb reaped the air space. The LSU game-winning speed sweep a perfect example.

see comment above. The offensive line in 2010 was a HUGE factor into our success.

Dyer had bigger gaps too. Altho not as significant, his YPC dropped from 6.0 in 2010 to 5.1 in 2011. That's losing Cam too.

Maybe. but also losing the offensive line.

The 2015 backfield may have 5-star talent, but right now, it's all unproven. Bottom line, they don't have a Cam.

As for the 2015 WR group, sure, there's talent. But as a starting four, I'd easily take Adams, Zachery, Blake and Burns. It's not even close. They were as sure-handed as it gets.

It's easy to look back and say this unit or that unit was better, largely because they've already done it. But seems like you are already dismissing the unit we will put on the field this year before they even get on the field.

2015 is another Gus offense. There will be yardage and points again. That's a given. But no Gus offense will ever top 2010.

There's no way you could possibly know that. You can ASSUME that based on the amount of production we had that year, but to make it an absolute statement is way over the top. In fact, 2013 came incredibly close to out producing the 2010 group in terms of TD's and Points. Take a look

2010 75 touchdowns 577 Points

2013 73 touchdowns 553 Points.

Of course the 2010 O-Line was part of it. We all knew going into that season that OL was the strength of the team. That's a big part of why 2010 is the best offense we've ever had.

The 2013 O-Line was equally as good, if not better, esp with Robinson & Dismukes.

My entire point is we (nor anyone else) will have a Cam again. He was easily the best College Football QB to ever play. When you had 9 defenders set for him, he handed it off or accurately hit WRs that were money.

And when it was 3rd & 3 or less, he was money up the middle nearly every single time. How many offenses in the history of football can say that?

Impossible to scheme against.

Even if a Gus offense surpasses 2010 in a stat (2013 had 29 more total yards), I still take 2010 every single time because of Cam being indefensible.

Here's the thing, though. We never know who is coming down the pipe so to speak. To totally write off anything in the future is just asinine. Sure Cam Newton was a once in a lifetime player, but that doesn't mean he was the greatest QB ever. He wasn't. He played ONE year at Auburn. Had he played multiple years and consistently put up those numbers, then sure. But based on one season. NO.

He made average RBs like Dyer & McCalebb look like studs. And that's because there were less than typical numbers of defenders set for them.

And yes, Dyer was an average RB. Best he ever did was 1242 rushing yards. Terrible blocker, which is why Fannin relieved him on 3rd & longs. Wasn't a receiving threat. Amongst a stable of other average RBs, started 5 games in his 2-year stint at Louisville.

I just disagree. Dyer was a terrific rb. Lot's of rb struggle blocking when called upon. That's not exclusive to Dyer. Did you know Bo only caught 26 passes in 4 years? Not exactly a receiving threat either. I guess you have forgotten that he broke Bo Jackson's freshman season record? Of all the running backs Auburn has had, HE was the one that broke Bo's record. First freshman Running back at Auburn to eclipse 1,000 yards. 2300 yards in two years is NOT average especially when you consider that the QB on one of those teams had over 1400 yards rushing himself. He averaged 5.5 yards per carry in his two years at Auburn. His attitude problem cost him at Auburn, Arkansas State (where he never played a down) and Louisville which limited his carries. Had he remained at Auburn ( and cleaned up his attitude) he was on pace to break Bo's career rushing mark at Auburn. That is NOT an average rb, sorry.

You have your opinion, and I have mine. We'll just have to agree to disagree on this one.

YES. Cam was EASILY the best College QB I've ever seen play. The 2nd best isn't even in the same galaxy.

I love the "he did it for one season" statements, so it wasn't consistent.

NO. He won TWO National Championships in College at TWO different levels. And carried BOTH teams.

Sure, there may be a host of great players to come down the pipeline to all play at the same time that will stand above the 2010 offense. But again, that's a Mt. Everest task.

The 2010 offense could convert 1st Downs given ANY down & distance, running or passing. Defenses had to be concerned with any type of play-call. Even 4th Downs in their own territory were easy in Tuscaloser.

The 2013 offense, as great as it was running, wasn't as reliable on 3rd & long as 2010. Marshall wasn't as accurate and the WRs didn't have the hands that 2010 did. And he certainly wasn't a threat to scramble up the middle and bowl over a defender for that crucial 1st Down or TD like Cam did time after time.

So in order for a Gus offense to come along and stand above the 2010 offense, it won't necessarily have to have a Heisman winner, but it will have to go undefeated, win the SEC & National Titles and be extra ultra dynamic & efficient in all phases. 3rd Downs, no matter the distance, will have to be better than 53% converting.

Oh and...2010's defense gave up 24 PPG (ranked #53) and it still went undefeated.

I know what Dyer did. I watched every single play of his at Auburn. I cheered as loud for him as any other player. And as an objective fan, after watching 2011 (and before he was suspended for the Bowl game), I was firm in my prediction that he would never be drafted. Couldn't block. Wasn't a receiving threat (caught 3 passes in 2 years...FAR from 26 in 4 years). And usually went down after the first defender hit him. A lane runner with good speed.

Bo had 127 carries to Dyer's 182 their Freshman seasons. Bo carried it in the Wishbone, where EVERYONE knew they were running it. Dyer carried it in the Spread with FAR less-populated boxes, and AGAIN, with the greatest QB in the history of the College game as the main threat to keep or pass it. MUCH larger lanes for Dyer to run through as a result vs. what Bo had, which was a clogged lane nearly every single carry of his Auburn career. And despite those clogged lanes, Bo had a 6.5 YPC his Freshman season vs. Dyer's 6.0.

Bo would have had a McCalebb-like YPC (8.5) had he been in the 2010 offense. He would have been in New York vying with Cam for the Heisman with 182 carries at 8.5 a pop.

Of course Dyer was on pace to break Bo's career rushing yards. In fact, I predicted it before he ever took his first snap at Auburn. One, because he was going to receive a significant amount more carries than Bo because of the sheer number of plays Gus runs, two, because of more total games (including Bowl games that Bo was not credited for + the games in 1984 Bo missed due to injury), three, because of not having a better RB on the 2010 team or in his recruiting class, and four, because Gus' offense is spread out (unlike the Wishbone), with fewer defenders in the box.

And finally...the proof is in the pudding. Dyer went undrafted and is on the chopping block with the Raiders, even after cleaning up his problems.

Bo was selected #1 and was headed to the NFL Hall Of Fame playing for the Raiders.

Dyer broke Bo's Freshman rushing record, but it wasn't because he was a stud 5-star that was living up to his hype. Average RB. Always will be.

[VipersStrike1 230]

My opinion cam was the best qb and Dyer was a great hb. He wasn't a terrible blocker either

Then why was Fannin ALWAYS sent in on 3rd Downs, even after he was benched for the fumble in the ARK game?

[WFE12 9,191]

man how in the word is gus going to distribute pt between all these playmakers? Now i learned that kerryon will play against louisville at rb as well, only thought he would be a returner for this season..good problem to have, sure would hate to be louisville's defensive coordinator though...

[JFDTiger80 790]

man how in the word is gus going to distribute pt between all these playmakers? Now i learned that kerryon will play against louisville at rb as well, only thought he would be a returner for this season..good problem to have, sure would hate to be louisville's defensive coordinator though...

I do not think Kerryon will be a returner for us. The kick return guys (I think) are: Ford and Lewis.

[cole256 17,084]

My opinion cam was the best qb and Dyer was a great hb. He wasn't a terrible blocker either

Then why was Fannin ALWAYS sent in on 3rd Downs, even after he was benched for the fumble in the ARK game?

Because he was a receiving threat....think. Also Dyer was a freshman. Toughest thing for freshmen hb's to learn to do? Block

[AURex 2,002]

The biggest challenge for Auburn playing Louisville, which no other Louisville opponent will face, is uncertainty about the Louisville offense. Auburn has played against Grantham's defense before. CWM is *very* familiar with Grantham's defensive schemes. Auburn will know how to attack Louisville offensively.

But the Auburn defense really doesn't know which offense to prepare for. Reggie Bonnafon is the most experienced Louisville QB, being the starter much of last year, but he's a dual-threat guy, a better runner than passer. He doesn't really fit Latrino's preferred offensive style. And he didn't do all that great last year trying. Other of the QBs are better passers, but are less experienced.

We already know that CWM is trying to prepare our defense for two very different styles if offense. My concern is that Louisville will start one guy. Then at halftime, CWM will make adjustments based on what Louisville has been doing, and then in the second half, Louisville will come out with a different QB with a different offensive emphasis.

Crazy? Well, look what Auburn did to Arkansas last season. Latrino may settle on one guy, but he could see an advantage in keeping Auburn off balance.

[WFE12 9,191]

man how in the word is gus going to distribute pt between all these playmakers? Now i learned that kerryon will play against louisville at rb as well, only thought he would be a returner for this season..good problem to have, sure would hate to be louisville's defensive coordinator though...

I do not think Kerryon will be a returner for us. The kick return guys (I think) are: Ford and Lewis.

yeah but i could've sworn they had him as no. 3 on both return teams, glad he's going to be utilized in some way,guy's too talented to not be

[WFE12 9,191]

[VipersStrike1 230]

My opinion cam was the best qb and Dyer was a great hb. He wasn't a terrible blocker either

Then why was Fannin ALWAYS sent in on 3rd Downs, even after he was benched for the fumble in the ARK game?

Because he was a receiving threat....think. Also Dyer was a freshman. Toughest thing for freshmen hb's to learn to do? Block

Fannin rarely went on a receiving route on 3rd Down to be Cam's last check-down option. It happened once that season...in the Oregon game. He stayed in to block. Why? Think. Because he was good at it and Dyer wasn't.

https://youtu.be/8kgJzcULdAc?t=6m23s

[cole256 17,084]

If you really think I'm going to believe that you've bumped your head lol! An hb only went out for a pass the entire year?? LMAO. And even if that was true (it's not) who really cares that a fifth year senior was a better blocker than a true freshman? It doesn't mean that dyer was a horrible blocker now. I don't think he'd be on an NFL roster if he sucked and couldn't block....Dude go take a nap

[WarTim 3,456]

My opinion cam was the best qb and Dyer was a great hb. He wasn't a terrible blocker either

Then why was Fannin ALWAYS sent in on 3rd Downs, even after he was benched for the fumble in the ARK game?

Because he was a receiving threat....think. Also Dyer was a freshman. Toughest thing for freshmen hb's to learn to do? Block

Fannin rarely went on a receiving route on 3rd Down to be Cam's last check-down option. It happened once that season...in the Oregon game. He stayed in to block. Why? Think. Because he was good at it and Dyer wasn't.

https://youtu.be/8kgJzcULdAc?t=6m23s

Agree. Dyer was not even an average blocker. Perhaps he has improved. If not, he will not have a NFL career.

[cole256 17,084]

Of course you do lol

[McLoofus 35,182]

YES. Cam was EASILY the best College QB I've ever seen play. The 2nd best isn't even in the same galaxy.

I love the "he did it for one season" statements, so it wasn't consistent.

NO. He won TWO National Championships in College at TWO different levels. And carried BOTH teams.

Sure, there may be a host of great players to come down the pipeline to all play at the same time that will stand above the 2010 offense. But again, that's a Mt. Everest task.

The 2010 offense could convert 1st Downs given ANY down & distance, running or passing. Defenses had to be concerned with any type of play-call. Even 4th Downs in their own territory were easy in Tuscaloser.

The 2013 offense, as great as it was running, wasn't as reliable on 3rd & long as 2010. Marshall wasn't as accurate and the WRs didn't have the hands that 2010 did. And he certainly wasn't a threat to scramble up the middle and bowl over a defender for that crucial 1st Down or TD like Cam did time after time.

So in order for a Gus offense to come along and stand above the 2010 offense, it won't necessarily have to have a Heisman winner, but it will have to go undefeated, win the SEC & National Titles and be extra ultra dynamic & efficient in all phases. 3rd Downs, no matter the distance, will have to be better than 53% converting.

Oh and...2010's defense gave up 24 PPG (ranked #53) and it still went undefeated.

I know what Dyer did. I watched every single play of his at Auburn. I cheered as loud for him as any other player. And as an objective fan, after watching 2011 (and before he was suspended for the Bowl game), I was firm in my prediction that he would never be drafted. Couldn't block. Wasn't a receiving threat (caught 3 passes in 2 years...FAR from 26 in 4 years). And usually went down after the first defender hit him. A lane runner with good speed.

Bo had 127 carries to Dyer's 182 their Freshman seasons. Bo carried it in the Wishbone, where EVERYONE knew they were running it. Dyer carried it in the Spread with FAR less-populated boxes, and AGAIN, with the greatest QB in the history of the College game as the main threat to keep or pass it. MUCH larger lanes for Dyer to run through as a result vs. what Bo had, which was a clogged lane nearly every single carry of his Auburn career. And despite those clogged lanes, Bo had a 6.5 YPC his Freshman season vs. Dyer's 6.0.

Bo would have had a McCalebb-like YPC (8.5) had he been in the 2010 offense. He would have been in New York vying with Cam for the Heisman with 182 carries at 8.5 a pop.

Of course Dyer was on pace to break Bo's career rushing yards. In fact, I predicted it before he ever took his first snap at Auburn. One, because he was going to receive a significant amount more carries than Bo because of the sheer number of plays Gus runs, two, because of more total games (including Bowl games that Bo was not credited for + the games in 1984 Bo missed due to injury), three, because of not having a better RB on the 2010 team or in his recruiting class, and four, because Gus' offense is spread out (unlike the Wishbone), with fewer defenders in the box.

And finally...the proof is in the pudding. Dyer went undrafted and is on the chopping block with the Raiders, even after cleaning up his problems.

Bo was selected #1 and was headed to the NFL Hall Of Fame playing for the Raiders.

Dyer broke Bo's Freshman rushing record, but it wasn't because he was a stud 5-star that was living up to his hype. Average RB. Always will be.

Some tips:

-If you want to make an argument for how average a player is, maybe don't compare him- over and over again in a vacuum, since nobody else brought it up- to the greatest player of all time at that position? Maybe compare him to some very good RBs in the same system, like Tre Mason (5.7 YPC in 2013, 3rd round pick) and Cameron Artis-Payne (5.3 YPC, 5th round pick)? It was a long time ago, so my memory might be fuzzy, but I could've sworn they played with a veteran line, a QB who offered a significant running threat, a couple of NFL WRs and in an offense that carried a defense far worse than 2010's.

-If you want to make an argument for how much a player carried a team, maybe don't talk up how good his teammates were? Did Cam have good receivers or not? I mean, if his receivers were as good as you keep saying, then he necessarily had a lot of help making that offense hum.

-If you want to be taken seriously, maybe don't make comments that are patently false like Dyer "usually went down after the first defender hit him"? Seriously, by saying that you debase every other point you make. That's where I kinda had to laugh and chime in. Good gravy, it was practically the dude's calling card.

PS: It's looking like Dyer is ahead of Trent Richardson on Oakland's roster. Of course the dude wasn't drafted. Had little to do with his talent.

[WarTim 3,456]

Of course you do lol

Let it go

[McLoofus 35,182]

And finally...the proof is in the pudding. Dyer went undrafted and is on the chopping block with the Raiders, even after cleaning up his problems.

PS: It's looking like Dyer is ahead of Trent Richardson on Oakland's roster. Of course the dude wasn't drafted. Had little to do with his talent.

Whoops.

[cole256 17,084]

And finally...the proof is in the pudding. Dyer went undrafted and is on the chopping block with the Raiders, even after cleaning up his problems.

PS: It's looking like Dyer is ahead of Trent Richardson on Oakland's roster. Of course the dude wasn't drafted. Had little to do with his talent.

Whoops.

You noticed those undrafted guys beating out high draft picks too huh? Just think what he'd be able to achieve if he wasn't such an awful blocker....

[WarTim 3,456]

That "high draft pick" T. Richardson has been CUT from the Raiders........

[ClaytonAU 4,606]

That "high draft pick" T. Richardson has been CUT from the Raiders........ :jossun:/>

I hope that you're not happy about that. Disappointing if you are.

[autigeremt 6,638]

Auburn will house UL early if Aubie rides a Harley across midfield before the game.

LOL!