Looking Forward: Defense

The brick wall that Auburn needs to develop defensively in 2014

It's no secret that Auburn must improve defensively, to consistently remain atop the SEC in 2014. A second year against the Defensive Coordinators in this league usually means the offense will have a more difficult time against league defenses that will be better prepared. With that in mind, lets look at the Auburn defense, and how it can help keep Auburn in the games where the offense runs into difficulties.

 The Tigers defense of 2013 ranked 47th in scoring defense, 63rd in rushing defense, 102nd in passing defense, and 87th overall in total defense. The need for improvement is clear, when looking at those same numbers in conference standing, it's not much better.

Of the 6 SEC West teams, 5 were ranked above Auburn in the Total Defense category according to cfbstats.com and yet the Tigers were able to win the West and capture the conference title. Imagine how dominant Auburn could be if they could play defense ranked among the Top 25 teams on defense and keep that explosive offense. 

Auburn allowed 117 first downs via the run game and 151 by the passing game.

We will break this down in three parts, and try to dissect where the key improvements need to be made, and look at the personnel involved with each position. Since my philosophy is that every game is won or lost in the trenches, that's where we will start. Next time.

WAR EAGLE!