Auburn Defense 1986-1990

[StatTiger 3,188]

  Coach Wayne Hall was a defensive line coach for the Auburn Tigers from 1981-1985. He was promoted to defensive coordinator in 1986, holding that title from 1986-1995.

From 1981-1983 (3 seasons), Auburn allowed 30 or more points to the opposition on one occasion. From 1984-1985 (2 seasons), the opposition scored at least 30 points on five occasions. During the 25 games from 1984-1985, Auburn surrendered at least 180 yards rushing eight times, with five resulting in a loss. It was this lack of quality defense that prompted Coach Pat Dye to make a change on defense.

The Golden Years of Defense (1986-1990):

During the first five years under Wayne Hall as defensive coordinator, the defense became a model of consistency and excellence. Here are some highlights from the first five years.

· During 60 games, Auburn allowed 11.5 points and 267.2 yards per game.
· Auburn gave up only 68 touchdowns during the 60 games while forcing 162 turnovers.
· The defense allowed only 108.8 yards rushing per game on 2.9 yards per attempt.
· The pass defense allowed just 25 TD passes and intercepted 88 passes.
· 45 times, the opposition was held under 140-yards rushing (75 percent).
· 42 times, the opposition was held under 300-yards of total offense (70 percent).
· 49 times, the opponent was held under 20 points (81.6 percent).
· The defense forced at least one turnover during 55 of 60 games and at least two during 42 games.
· The opposition was held to two TD’s or less during 56 of 60 games.
· Auburn produced the 5th best win percentage in the country from 1986-1990, but it included 13 games the Tigers were not victorious despite the outstanding play of the defense.
· During those 13 games, Auburn allowed 21 PPG and held the opponent to 20 points or less, nine times.
· Twelve different defensive players made All-SEC from 1986-1990, and six were All-Americans.

Comparing Hall’s first five years as DC to the previous five years (1981-1985) reveals just how much of a difference his defenses made.

· Rushing yardage allowed was reduced by 22 percent.
· Passing yardage was reduced by 10 percent.
· Scoring was reduced by 31 percent.
· Touchdowns allowed were reduced by 43 percent.
· Total yardage was reduced by 15 percent.

The consistency level of his defenses from 1986-1990 was simply amazing.

[81spacetiger 157]

Ah yes, defensive teams to dream for again.

Offensive production was still our Achilles heel in that stretch;  a few more points in a few games and we might have had a chance to play for 1 or 2 NC.

The consistency on D got us love in the poles.

Good article

[Shadow Tiger 1,291]

Too bad the offenses were not as good as the defenses during that era. The 87 and 89 teams would've definitely had better records, and the 88 team would've won a national championship, or at least a share with Notre Dame. That LSU game was so frustrating in 88.

[WarEagle1982 449]

13 hours ago, Shadow Tiger said:

Too bad the offenses were not as good as the defenses during that era. The 87 and 89 teams would've definitely had better records, and the 88 team would've won a national championship, or at least a share with Notre Dame. That LSU game was so frustrating in 88.

Think about the 86 team.  They lost 2 games.  A one point loss at Florida and a 4 point loss at home to UGA in a game where Brent Fullwood was whistled dead on what should have been a TD run.  
 

I believe if the 88 team had won the LSU game they probably would have matched them and ND up in the Sugar Bowl for the title.

 

 The offensive woes during that time are still a head scratcher.  They had some great weapons to work with, and just were stagnant a lot of times in the big games.

[stoic-one 1,552]

Great post Stat, great to see you around, sir.

 

[Shadow Tiger 1,291]

4 hours ago, WarEagle1982 said:

Think about the 86 team.  They lost 2 games.  A one point loss at Florida and a 4 point loss at home to UGA in a game where Brent Fullwood was whistled dead on what should have been a TD run.  
 

I believe if the 88 team had won the LSU game they probably would have matched them and ND up in the Sugar Bowl for the title.

 

 The offensive woes during that time are still a head scratcher.  They had some great weapons to work with, and just were stagnant a lot of times in the big games.

Not sure how the bowl assignments would have worked out with Notre Dame because of West Virginia being undefeated. I just know Auburn scored a whopping 13 points between the LSU and FSU games 🤮