Thoughts and Numbers on AU's passing game

[StatTiger 3,188]

With Auburn’s previous history of being a run oriented offense, there should be no doubt several passing records should fall during Coach Tony Franklin’s first season as Auburn’s offensive coordinator. During his debut against Clemson in the Chick-fil-A Bowl, Tony Franklin’s passing game, attempted 43 passes. He has already stated there will be games Auburn attempts 50 passes and there will be games, Auburn rushes for 250 yards.

Last season, Tony Franklin’s offense at Troy attempted 517 passes, completing 314 for 3243 yards and 23 touchdown passes. With these types of numbers, Auburn should be attempting 35-45 passes per game in 2008, which should result in a few record book changes.

Numbers to watch for…

As a team, Auburn attempted a school record, 450 passes during the 1997 season, which was over a 13-game stretch. The 1995 Auburn offense completed 241 passes, also a school record. The 1997 Auburn offense also holds the school record for most passing yardage with 3541 yards in 13 games.

Stan White holds the individual record of 58 pass attempts in one game against Tennessee during the 1990 season.

Dameyune Craig holds the school record (individual) for most attempts and completions by an Auburn quarterback in one season. Craig attempted 403 passes, while completing 216 during the 1997 season.

Patrick Nix holds the school record of 34 completions in one game against Arkansas in 1995.

Ben Leard currently holds the school record of 416 yards passing in one game, established against the University of Georgia in 1999. Dameyune Craig passed for 3277 yards in one season during the 1997 campaign.

Troy Passing Records…

Last season, Troy attempted a season high of 52 passes against Florida and Georgia. Troy also completed 36 passes against Florida Atlantic and 388 yards passing against Oklahoma State. Despite attempting a school record of 517 passes, Troy managed to rush for at least 160 yards in 8 of 12 games, including 5 games of over 200 yards rushing. The numbers point to Coach Franklin’s objective of establishing a running game, despite spreading the field to open up his passing game.

Expectations…

During a recent interview with Inside the Auburn Tigers, Coach Franklin pointed out one of Auburn’s statistical goals in the passing game. He wants his starting quarterback to complete 65 percent of his passes. Thus far, through three scrimmages, Chris Todd has connected on 71 percent of his passes. Neil Caudle has completed 65 percent and Kodi Burns is currently at 56 percent. With Auburn looking at 35-45 pass attempts per game in 2008, here are some past numbers to consider. Looking back over the past 40 seasons, here are the totals from the top 12 games, Auburn attempted at least 35 passes and completed it’s highest percentage of passes.

328-486-12-3825yds-26 TD’s / 67 percent / 7.9 yards per attempt / 9-3 record

Taking the next 12 games:

276-472-17-3371yds-27 TD’s / 58 percent / 7.1 yards per attempt / 9-3 record

Games 25-36:

273-519-19-3155yds-14 TD’s / 53 percent / 6.1 yards per attempt / 2-9-1 record

Looking at the three groupings, games 13-24 would appear to be a realistic goal for 2008. The numbers compiled in the second group would set school records in completions, attempts and touchdown passes. Hopefully the interception count won’t be as high but it’s close to Troy’s numbers from 2007.

Franklin will obviously choose the quarterback that gives Auburn the best chance at scoring, which is why the race between Todd and Burns is so close. Thus far, Todd has proven to be the more accurate passer but Burn’s athletic ability makes Auburn a more dynamic offense.

Against Clemson, Auburn was limited in the running game when Brandon Cox was taking the snaps. The opposing defensive ends did not have to play Cox honestly, selling out to tackle Auburn’s running backs on designated run plays. When Burns was on the field, the ends had to slow up in the event Burns elected to keep the ball on the option read. Though Todd might be a tad more mobile than Cox, he is clearly not a true threat to carry the football, making it easier for opposing defenses.

At this juncture, Auburn’s coaching staff will have to make a difficult decision on which quarterback to play and the resulting sacrifice that will come based on whether Todd or Burns is taking the snaps. For now, Todd is the more polished passer but Burns is simply a playmaker waiting to happen. Neil Caudle’s habit of throwing the ball in the wrong spot has virtually taken him out of the hunt, making Todd and Burns a more reliable option. Which quarterback will step up in the fall remains to be seen and Franklin won’t hesitate to play both if neither quarterback separates himself from the other.

[lca408 380]

I would imagine that the completion percentage for all 3 QBs will improve at least slightly over the summer. Chris Todd's shoulder will get better, Neil will become more comfortable. Burns should improve the most however. His problems passing the ball are relatively easy fixes.

I was impressed with his 67% completion percentage at A Day since we've been hearing how badly he had been throwing the ball. To be honest, I think the talk about an injured Chris Todd taking his place really affected him, and it showed on Saturday. He stepped up and did just about as well as he could do at this point. He is remarkably better now than he was at any time during the season last year. Of course, that's not saying very much right now, but it shows he's a fast learner and a competitor.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Kodi's % to improve to at least a consistent 65% if not 70 - 75%. I think playing alot at QB in 2008 will also help improve him for the seasons to come. By 2009 and 2010, he should be one of the better QBs in the league, especially with his versitility.

Ryan

[AUBURNJAC 53]

Stat....You that man! You should contact the Auburn Athletic Department and get yourself a fine job down in God's country as a "statistical analysyst for the Auburn Football team. I'm sure they could put your talents to good use!

Also, I agree.....that Kodi Burns seems to have his head really focused, and I truly expect him to win the starting job in the fall. I wouldn't be surprised to see some rotation to mix things up, but with him at the helm (provided he bucks up and keeps getting better) our offense will be at a whole other level.

I'm VERY excited to see what we are capable of in 08'

WAR DAMN EAGLE!!!

[WarTim 3,524]

Well done Stuart...Thanks for posting!

WDE!

Tim

[Hoopie 6]

Kb has a bad habit of throwing short passes with his chest facing down field instead of turnig the shoulder and rotating it oonce the arm has beendrawn back and is progressing over the head. This problem sort of looks like dart throwing instead of passing. KB also clearly doesn't know wjere all of the receivers are on ech play and doesn't read defenses well.

If KB can correct the passing, He will get better reading defenses as the season goes on. IF CT is the starter w/ Kb coming in a specified points, we will do well. If KB overcomes the 2 issues mentioned above, our offense will be very special...... until KB gets hurt, then we will only have CT.

[WarTiger 4,014]

Kb has a bad habit of throwing short passes with his chest facing down field instead of turnig the shoulder and rotating it oonce the arm has beendrawn back and is progressing over the head. This problem sort of looks like dart throwing instead of passing. KB also clearly doesn't know wjere all of the receivers are on ech play and doesn't read defenses well.

If KB can correct the passing, He will get better reading defenses as the season goes on. IF CT is the starter w/ Kb coming in a specified points, we will do well. If KB overcomes the 2 issues mentioned above, our offense will be very special...... until KB gets hurt, then we will only have CT.

Why would you assume KB is going to get hurt? twisted thinking if you ask me.