Concern about the running game

[gr82b4au 5,583]

We have not heard much about the running game this fall. I know that the running game was the focal point in this last scrimmage and we improved. I still have not heard ANYTHING about Fannin or Dyer from the scrimmage. Everyone talked about Reed and the wildcat.

Fannin is playing a role that he has not played in over a year. Dyer is new. I am just a little concerned.

Article: even Chizik says we need to get the running game going:

http://wareagleextra.blogspot.com/2010/08/camp-winding-down-for-auburn-which.html

On what he saw from the tape from Saturday's scrimmage: "I saw a little more consistency in what we were trying to do. Again, I saw some good things on offense, some good things on defense. I thought we tackled a little bit better defensively. Offensively, I think we had a few more explosive plays, certainly in the running game that we really, really need to shore up and get the running game going. But overall I think it was a consistency issue."

[AuburnTgr05 0]

I'm quite concerned with the running game.  In addition to a new QB we have a new starter at RB.

[aurules16 0]

I think we will be fine. Newton brings an extra dynamic to our run game, and we could have the best O-Line in the SEC.

When theres a Luper, theres a way!

[gr82b4au 5,583]

I think we will see a LOT more of the QB sneak and wildcat this year and less of the traditional RB run up the middle. They may use Newton like a Tebow at times. I think they will do this for 3 reasons:

1) Talent at QB

2) Superior O line

3) Less experience at RB

[AuburnTgr05 0]

I think we will see a LOT more of the QB sneak and wildcat this year and less of the traditional RB run up the middle. They may use Newton like a Tebow at times. I think they will do this for 3 reasons:

1) Talent at QB

2) Superior O line

3) Less experience at RB

The experience at QB is also pretty thin.

[The SandMntTiger 9]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

[Ed_ 3]

I think we will see a LOT more of the QB sneak and wildcat this year and less of the traditional RB run up the middle. They may use Newton like a Tebow at times. I think they will do this for 3 reasons:

1) Talent at QB

2) Superior O line

3) Less experience at RB

The experience at QB is also pretty thin.

Thank you for pointing this out...  I've seen a lot of AU fans this preseason talking about how much "experience" we have at RB, QB, LB etc.  But people seem to be forgetting that there is a major difference between experience and talent.  

I will agree we have a lot of talent at QB and RB but right now we have two RB's who's experience only extends to a year or so each as second stringers to the position and a QB who's played one or two games as a backup in the SEC.

Don't get me wrong, any of these guys could turn out to be machines for us but until we see it on the field we need to stop acting like delusional homers who tell everyone who will listen how their team is going to be the greatest thing since sliced bread this season.

----rant over-----

[Bunn1 0]

Honestly my concern is with QB, We have seen Mario Fannin as a RB, and Frankly, he's pretty darn good. Newton on the other hand is a complete unknown commodity. We have seen highlights of him "Trucking a Vol" but other than that, he is a complete blank slate. I hope he turns into the freak that everyone thinks he is going to be. So, worry about the RB's if you want, but we know what they can do.

[bootskii 268]

What's with all the pessimistic talk? You guys need to have a little bit more faith in our coaches and players.

[wellsheit 0]

Nice rant.  I think Mario will do fine.  Cam doesn't have to be the 2nd coming of Jesus Christ.  There is alot of talent around him.  I don't know why everyone gets off trying to throw weight at him.  He doesn't have to be a superstar.

I think dyer needs a few games to get rolling.  Its going to be very new against a veryyyyy tough defensive league.  With that being said, he has all the intangibles to contribute early.  If we can keep Mario, Omac, and Dyer healthy, they will all get carries and I think be productive.  

[The SandMntTiger 9]

I think we will see a LOT more of the QB sneak and wildcat this year and less of the traditional RB run up the middle. They may use Newton like a Tebow at times. I think they will do this for 3 reasons:

1) Talent at QB

2) Superior O line

3) Less experience at RB

The experience at QB is also pretty thin.

Thank you for pointing this out...  I've seen a lot of AU fans this preseason talking about how much "experience" we have at RB, QB, LB etc.  But people seem to be forgetting that there is a major difference between experience and talent.  

I will agree we have a lot of talent at QB and RB but right now we have two RB's who's experience only extends to a year or so each as second stringers to the position and a QB who's played one or two games as a backup in the SEC.

Don't get me wrong, any of these guys could turn out to be machines for us but until we see it on the field we need to stop acting like delusional homers who tell everyone who will listen how their team is going to be the greatest thing since sliced bread this season.

----rant over-----

Sorry for having a little faith in the guys that suit up in the orangs and blue pal. However, I have a beef with folks who..

believe Brandon Cox doesn't even compare to Ginger McElroy.

believe that Auburn's Qbs and Rbs are likely to struggle this year.

like to point out that Auburn has no right to accuse uat of cheating becasue they are the 3rd most penalized team in the NCAA (never mind the fact that uat has been on probation for 15 years straight and Auburn once in the last 50 years).

[DunderMifflin 60]

The running game will surprise some people this season, IMO.  But only if we can keep other teams from bringing eight and nine guys within ten yards of the LOS.  The way to do that is to make plays downfield and/or spread them out sideline to sideline.  I believe that is why they are taking the approach they are taking in fall camp so far.  That, and the fact that they know what they have on the O-line and at TB.  They don't know everything Dyer can do, but they are also not going to have to rely on him unless there are injuries (should be able to work him in at a comfortable pace).

We have to be good at pitching and catching or the offense will stall.  CONSISTENCY in the passing game, and the ability to make the occasional big play down field (enough so the threat is always there) will determine the success of the running game and, ultimately, the offense.

[walker77 0]

I think we will see a LOT more of the QB sneak and wildcat this year and less of the traditional RB run up the middle. They may use Newton like a Tebow at times. I think they will do this for 3 reasons:

1) Talent at QB

2) Superior O line

3) Less experience at RB

The experience at QB is also pretty thin.

Who/what college football program ever has experienced quality depth @ QB (unless you have a past starter returning from an injury)??????

Some what of an oxymoron...

[Ed_ 3]

What's with all the pessimistic talk? You guys need to have a little bit more faith in our coaches and players.

It's not pessimism. Its reality.  I am not going to act like a homer and claim that we are going to be the best team AU has seen in decades simply because I'm excited about the talent coming in.  I've seen this song and dance too many times over the years with other players that were supposed to be the greatest thing since Bo.

Heck just look at how much Burns was hyped up as a QB and even the current staff felt that he was better at WR.

Blind faith in a staff may get you through the night but I prefer to have results on the field before getting worked up.

[Ed_ 3]

I think we will see a LOT more of the QB sneak and wildcat this year and less of the traditional RB run up the middle. They may use Newton like a Tebow at times. I think they will do this for 3 reasons:

1) Talent at QB

2) Superior O line

3) Less experience at RB

The experience at QB is also pretty thin.

Thank you for pointing this out...  I've seen a lot of AU fans this preseason talking about how much "experience" we have at RB, QB, LB etc.  But people seem to be forgetting that there is a major difference between experience and talent.  

I will agree we have a lot of talent at QB and RB but right now we have two RB's who's experience only extends to a year or so each as second stringers to the position and a QB who's played one or two games as a backup in the SEC.

Don't get me wrong, any of these guys could turn out to be machines for us but until we see it on the field we need to stop acting like delusional homers who tell everyone who will listen how their team is going to be the greatest thing since sliced bread this season.

----rant over-----

Sorry for having a little faith in the guys that suit up in the orangs and blue pal. However, I have a beef with folks who..

believe Brandon Cox doesn't even compare to Ginger McElroy.

believe that Auburn's Qbs and Rbs are likely to struggle this year.

like to point out that Auburn has no right to accuse uat of cheating becasue they are the 3rd most penalized team in the NCAA (never mind the fact that uat has been on probation for 15 years straight and Auburn once in the last 50 years).

Nothing wrong with a little faith that our guys will step up but when you read all of these posts with people being incredulous about anyone picking us to do anything but win the west or talk about how much "experience" we have, it just irritates me. 

I hate making this analogy but when AU fans say how we're going to win the west this year and maybe the SEC because of how much experience we have an how great our staff is, it is no different than all of the Bama homers who kept saying UAT would be back at the top "because they were Alabama".  In the end neither one has any more support from facts than the other assertion.  Just the hopes of the fans.  So to all the AU fans out there, have hope, have faith, but don't be delusional about it. Leave that to the Bama sidewalk fans.

[bootskii 268]

What's with all the pessimistic talk? You guys need to have a little bit more faith in our coaches and players.

It's not pessimism. Its reality.  I am not going to act like a homer and claim that we are going to be the best team AU has seen in decades simply because I'm excited about the talent coming in.  I've seen this song and dance too many times over the years with other players that were supposed to be the greatest thing since Bo.

Heck just look at how much Burns was hyped up as a QB and even the current staff felt that he was better at WR.

Blind faith in a staff may get you through the night but I prefer to have results on the field before getting worked up.

Neither am I but geez you guys are talking about how bad our team is even before these guys take the field. You have no clue what is going to happen. Mario is a beast at RB. That guy has skills even if most don't see it. Cam won a JC NC and was a back up for Tebow. That must account for something right? Malzahn is a mad scientist that makes plays according to the strengths of his players. All I am saying is have a little faith.

[The SandMntTiger 9]

What's with all the pessimistic talk? You guys need to have a little bit more faith in our coaches and players.

It's not pessimism. Its reality.  I am not going to act like a homer and claim that we are going to be the best team AU has seen in decades simply because I'm excited about the talent coming in.  I've seen this song and dance too many times over the years with other players that were supposed to be the greatest thing since Bo.

Heck just look at how much Burns was hyped up as a QB and even the current staff felt that he was better at WR.

Blind faith in a staff may get you through the night but I prefer to have results on the field before getting worked up.

Be a "realist" all you want my friend. Everyone is certainly entitled to an opinion. However, I really don't enjoy the fact that there is a group of people on here who like to place doubts about Auburn's 6'6" 250lb, 5* QB who led his team to the juco NC last year and was the air apperant to Tim Tebow while at UF, along with the 6'1" 230 lb running back who almost beat thUGA single handedly his junior year. And to top it off they go out of their way to defend uat every chance they get. Not necessarily refering to you but there is a group of those here. JMO.

[Ed_ 3]

What's with all the pessimistic talk? You guys need to have a little bit more faith in our coaches and players.

It's not pessimism. Its reality.  I am not going to act like a homer and claim that we are going to be the best team AU has seen in decades simply because I'm excited about the talent coming in.  I've seen this song and dance too many times over the years with other players that were supposed to be the greatest thing since Bo.

Heck just look at how much Burns was hyped up as a QB and even the current staff felt that he was better at WR.

Blind faith in a staff may get you through the night but I prefer to have results on the field before getting worked up.

Neither am I but geez you guys are talking about how bad our team is even before these guys take the field. You have no clue what is going to happen. Mario is a beast at RB. That guy has skills even if most don't see it. Cam won a JC NC and was a back up for Tebow. That must account for something right? Malzahn is a mad scientist that makes plays according to the strengths of his players. All I am saying is have a little faith.

I'm not meaning this as argumentative but where did I say that we were going to be bad?  I've actually got money on us being at least a 10 win team this year with a bowl win but I'm a realist and know that we could have a couple of injuries that knock out one or two of our actually experienced players and could be looking at as bad as a 7 win season.  Now I would be going on a borderline Ricky's Rant if that happened but I know that there are too many unanswered questions to know for certain that it wouldn't.  

The only reason for my previous posts was to point out that we are not as loaded as some like to think and this is going to be a tough season for us to get 10 wins or more.  Is it possible?  Most definitely, but it is by no means a given which a lot of posters on this board seem to disagree with.

[auburn4ever 1,266]

We will have some new guys to deal with, but I'm not all that concerned. Now if we have a bunch of guys going down then I'll be freakin out for sure.

[Ed_ 3]

What's with all the pessimistic talk? You guys need to have a little bit more faith in our coaches and players.

It's not pessimism. Its reality.  I am not going to act like a homer and claim that we are going to be the best team AU has seen in decades simply because I'm excited about the talent coming in.  I've seen this song and dance too many times over the years with other players that were supposed to be the greatest thing since Bo.

Heck just look at how much Burns was hyped up as a QB and even the current staff felt that he was better at WR.

Blind faith in a staff may get you through the night but I prefer to have results on the field before getting worked up.

Be a "realist" all you want my friend. Everyone is certainly entitled to an opinion. However, I really don't enjoy the fact that there is a group of people on here who like to place doubts about Auburn's 6'6" 250lb, 5* QB who led his team to the juco NC last year and was the air apperant to Tim Tebow while at UF, along with the 6'1" 230 lb running back who almost beat thUGA single handedly his junior year. And to top it off they go out of their way to defend uat every chance they get. Not necessarily refering to you but there is a group of those here. JMO.

Why shouldn't they be allowed to have doubts instead of drinking the cool aid?  The staff didn't showcase him in the spring game and we've certainly seen our share of QB's come through AU that were supposed to be first or second year Heisman candidates and turned out to be busts at the position.

I'm sorry but all Cam has proven on the field so far is that he can dominate at the JUCO level and can truck over a freshman UT defender.  Does that show he has a lot of talent?  Most definitely but not that he's going to dominate in the SEC as a first year starter.

Oh and on a related note, I'm sure there were a lot of Oakland fans that felt the same way about the NC winning QB JaMarcus Russell before he played a few games for them.  Just trying to show that perception is not always reality.

[AuburnTgr05 0]

Right, so if we aren't drinking the Orange & Blue kool aid we're pessimists and doubters?  I hope we knock the bottom out of the SEC this year but you can't deny that we have:

1) Little to no experience at RB

 Mario was a helluva H-Back but that's different than starting RB and Dyer's a true freshman

2) Little to no experience at QB

 Cam got some garbage time @ UF and won a JUCO NC but comparing those to being the starting guy under center in the SEC is borderline ridiculous.  Being a backup to Tebow means next to nothing.

[wde1968 262]

I think we will see a LOT more of the QB sneak and wildcat this year and less of the traditional RB run up the middle. They may use Newton like a Tebow at times. I think they will do this for 3 reasons:

1) Talent at QB

2) Superior O line

3) Less experience at RB

The experience at QB is also pretty thin.

Thank you for pointing this out...  I've seen a lot of AU fans this preseason talking about how much "experience" we have at RB, QB, LB etc.  But people seem to be forgetting that there is a major difference between experience and talent.  

I will agree we have a lot of talent at QB and RB but right now we have two RB's who's experience only extends to a year or so each as second stringers to the position and a QB who's played one or two games as a backup in the SEC.

Don't get me wrong, any of these guys could turn out to be machines for us but until we see it on the field we need to stop acting like delusional homers who tell everyone who will listen how their team is going to be the greatest thing since sliced bread this season.

----rant over-----

As I have said before if Chris Todd can set the record for td passes in a season at Auburn then Cameron Newton will shatter it. Todd had ZERO threat of running and a weak arm (heart as big as his body) with Newton at the helm opposing Ds as the old saying goes will not know whether to sh## or go blind. I am the most excited going in to a season as I have been in a loooooong time. Have faith and get on the Gus Bus or get out of the way.

[bootskii 268]

What's with all the pessimistic talk? You guys need to have a little bit more faith in our coaches and players.

It's not pessimism. Its reality.  I am not going to act like a homer and claim that we are going to be the best team AU has seen in decades simply because I'm excited about the talent coming in.  I've seen this song and dance too many times over the years with other players that were supposed to be the greatest thing since Bo.

Heck just look at how much Burns was hyped up as a QB and even the current staff felt that he was better at WR.

Blind faith in a staff may get you through the night but I prefer to have results on the field before getting worked up.

Be a "realist" all you want my friend. Everyone is certainly entitled to an opinion. However, I really don't enjoy the fact that there is a group of people on here who like to place doubts about Auburn's 6'6" 250lb, 5* QB who led his team to the juco NC last year and was the air apperant to Tim Tebow while at UF, along with the 6'1" 230 lb running back who almost beat thUGA single handedly his junior year. And to top it off they go out of their way to defend uat every chance they get. Not necessarily refering to you but there is a group of those here. JMO.

Why shouldn't they be allowed to have doubts instead of drinking the cool aid?  The staff didn't showcase him in the spring game and we've certainly seen our share of QB's come through AU that were supposed to be first or second year Heisman candidates and turned out to be busts at the position.

I'm sorry but all Cam has proven on the field so far is that he can dominate at the JUCO level and can truck over a freshman UT defender.  Does that show he has a lot of talent?  Most definitely but not that he's going to dominate in the SEC as a first year starter.

Oh and on a related note, I'm sure there were a lot of Oakland fans that felt the same way about the NC winning QB JaMarcus Russell before he played a few games for them.  Just trying to show that perception is not always reality.

I also remember everyone was getting on Campbell's back before 2004 and look what he went out and did his senior season.

[The SandMntTiger 9]

Right, so if we aren't drinking the Orange & Blue kool aid we're pessimists and doubters?  I hope we knock the bottom out of the SEC this year but you can't deny that we have:

1) Little to no experience at RB

 Mario was a helluva H-Back but that's different than starting RB and Dyer's a true freshman

2) Little to no experience at QB

 Cam got some garbage time @ UF and won a JUCO NC but comparing those to being the starting guy under center in the SEC is borderline ridiculous.  Being a backup to Tebow means next to nothing.

No. But the fact that you refuse to drink the orange and blue kool aid, yet don't care to slurp up all the red kool aid you can find makes me wonder.

[The SandMntTiger 9]

J. Russel didn't win the NC as lswhoo. That was Matt Flynn and Matt Maulk.