Auburn Football Review: Clemson

Kerryon Johnson proud of Auburn's fight against Clemson

Gus Malzahn speaks to the media following hard fought loss to Clemson

Auburn Defense + What Was That?

Jordan Hare Stadium 1 hour prior to kickoff. photo by Marsha Willis

The Sun came up on Sunday morning just like nothing had ever happened.

Auburn fielded an extremely efficient defense last night against one of the more powerful offenses in the country from a year ago. Heisman candidate DeShaun Watson, and  Clemson were held well below their averages in Scoring, and Total Offense from a year ago.

Deshaun Watson

was 19 of 34

for 248 yards

with 1 TD and

1 Int.

Better yet, the Auburn defense held Watson to just 21 rushing yards on 11 attempts.

As for Auburn's offense against Clemson last night, I keep asking myself one question: What was that!?

Honestly, I can not accurately describe what I witnessed. The only sure thing, was if a QB got a hot hand, he was sure to be replaced. 

It wasn't a matter of if a QB was going to be substituted into the game. Guessing which QB would be next, was. 

Looking at the stats from the game several things stand out to me. 

NINE PENALTIES! That's right 9 penalties for 60 yards. That's nearly one complete offensive possession for an opponent.

Zero sacks. The D-line was awesome versus the run, and Watson was contained as well as I thought he had to be. Auburn never got to Watson to bring him down in a passing situation.

87 Yards Rushing.  This was one of my keys to Auburn winning the game. There were times when Auburn ran the ball well. There just wasn't enough times to make an effective difference. 

All in all Auburn had a chance to win the game at the end. There is something positive to be said for this. The defense played outstanding, and many Auburn faithful are pleased to see it. 

Clearly, Auburn has a long way to go in terms of offense and the production of that unit. They have exactly one week to figure things out. Arkansas State is loaded with former SEC players, and they will be head hunting.

Until next time,

WAR EAGLE!

Auburn Football: Every Day: Episode 1

The moment of truth for Auburn Football has arrived

I was in Auburn on Friday to see a few friends and enjoy the atmosphere in Auburn on a Friday before a game. Here are a few photos that I took as I moved around the Auburn campus. The Clemson fans that I did encounter did not have much to say about the game on Saturday night. Of course, we did talk about the 2010 game that Auburn won 27-24 in overtime. I was at that game and you could hear the contact in the stands that night. That was probably the most physical football game that I have witnessed.

Auburn does lead the series with Clemson 34-13-2 and Auburn has not lost at home against Clemson since 1950. I do expect to see a good game tonight and I think that this game will be the turning point for the Gus Malzahn era.

By the way, I urge you to go watch the Auburn girls soccer team play when you are in Auburn. They played Iowa State on Friday night and it was good to see the stadium full. If you are still in Auburn on Sunday, the Auburn girls will play the USC Trojans at 6 p.m.

Wad Eagle!

Keys to Tonight's Matchup vs Clemson

 

The BIG Screen at Jordan-Hare. photo by: AuburnTigers.com

By now you've all heard the pundits claim Auburn hasn't a chance tonight in Jordan-Hare Stadium. Don't listen to their drivel.

Two key factors will determine Auburn's fate.

1. Auburn must run the ball well. Period.

  Utilizing the strength of a massive offensive line against an inexperienced defensive front for the Tigers by the Lake. Auburn doesn't need to throw the ball for 300 yards, or to have Sean White carry as many times as Nick Marshall did in 2013. Kerryon Johnson and company need to hang onto the rock, and move the chains.

2. Auburn must be able to harass DeShaun Watson with the defensive line. 

 If Auburn can keep Watson somewhat contained, it will be a long night for Clemson. 

 Will they keep Clemson from scoring? Highly doubtful. But if Watson has time to run around, the Auburn DB's will have a difficult time covering the Clemson wide outs.

In conclusion I'll say it this way. If Auburn can hold onto the ball, run the ball effectively, and keep Watson from extending plays, they can win this game. 

All that's left is the kickoff. Protect this house!

War Eagle!

Two Trees, One Tradition

Auburn Tiger Walk Video

Will Hastings: Unlikely Choice at WR

Expert opinions are worth every bit of the paper they are wrote on. Since 95% of all the college football predictions aren't written on paper anymore, the predictions aren't worth much. Mine included. Probably more so, since my predictions very seldom pan out. 

Auburn signed what is arguably the number one Wide Out group in the country last February. Many, including myself, were predicting that one or more of the true Freshmen would start the first game. Those predictions were based on the lack of game experience the Tigers have at this position.

Not so much.

Case in point? Yeah, Will Hastings. Hastings is listed at 5' 10" and 172 pounds. Yes, he did kick off in a game last season. Against LSU.

Here are his high school highlights: 

Saturday night in Jordan-Hare Stadium, young Mr. Hastings will get the start against Clemson. "Based on what they did in fall camp" says Auburn's offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee. 

War Eagle!