College and Magnolia - Auburn Football 2016, Bye Week / Mid Season Review Story StreamAt the corner of Auburn and the Internethttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48507/collegeandmagnolia_Fav.png2016-10-17T01:09:56-05:00http://www.collegeandmagnolia.com/rss/stream/130685812016-10-17T01:09:56-05:002016-10-17T01:09:56-05:00Bye Week: Evaluating the Auburn Offense - 2004
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<p>With no game this past weekend, Jonny Dent decided to go back in history and evaluate the offense of one of Auburn's greatest teams. </p> <p>Since Auburn had a bye week, I thought I'd look some old film and look at what Auburn did offensively in the magical 2004 year. Join me in the nostalgia Tiger fans, or if you're a spring chicken that doesn't remember this season, then consider this part of your fan education.</p>
<p>What stood out about the 2004 team was the fact that it was maybe the best backfield in Auburn history. Jason Campbell had one of the best seasons ever as an Auburn quarterback in 2004 and the duo of Ronnie Brown & Cadillac Williams was an absolute embarrassment of riches in terms of talent and versatility. While all three had been on the Plains together for a while, it took the creative play calling of Al Borges to realize their full potential.</p>
<p>Famously, Borges had Williams and Brown on the field a great deal, a fact that gets recalled a lot when disgruntled Auburn message board posters feel the current coaching staff isn't utilizing offensive talent as well as they should. Time has a nasty habit of clouding and even changing memories though, so I thought I'd look at the tape and see what Borges did with the dynamic RB duo and why it worked as well as it did. (My apologies for the quality of the screen shots; sadly my 2004 film is not as high quality as the current stuff).</p>
<p>The first thing worth mentioning is that it wasn't an every play thing. Fullback Jake Slaughter didn't just take the season off; he still played plenty. Plays with both Williams and Brown on the field made up a little less than half of all plays. Second is the fact that however versatile you remember Ronnie Brown being, you're not exaggerating it in your mind; he was an outstanding all-around player. Third is the fact that Borges was far more creative in how he lined these two up and what he got them to do than I remember. So let's look at the various ways Borges lined them up:</p>
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<p><b><u>Regular or Offset I Formation</u></b></p>
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Brown played the role of fullback and I got a chuckle out of seeing him squatting with his hand in the dirt really embracing the role, but I shouldn't have, because his lead blocking was great. This look was pretty standard for Auburn on first down. Brown and the pulling guard made a more than effective spear head at the point of attack keeping Cadillac clean long enough for him to build up a good head of steam. Brown had the rare ability as a RB to take on SEC linebackers in blocking and win most of the time. They could run straight ahead with Brown as lead blocker no problem which was the important first step in having them both on the field. Example:</p>
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<p>The still image doesn't do it justice because Brown takes on a linebacker perfectly placed in the hole and gives him no chance to touch Cadillac. Brown's effectiveness as a lead blocker though made him a great means of misdirection:</p>
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<p>Right after the snap, Brown shows a run to the left B gap either as the FB dive or as lead blocker for Williams. Campbell however makes the quick pitch to Cadillac running the other way. Notice the DE looking in. With Cadillac's speed, he's already beat. Cadillac doesn't always have to get the ball when they're both on the field though:</p>
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<p>Here, Campbell shows play action to Cadillac, looks downfield for a moment, and then hits Brown who has snuck into the flat. Notice the two linemen and a WR at the top of the screen starting to form his convoy. This play would go for big yardage.</p>
<p><b><u>Brown in the Slot</u></b></p>
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<p>Brown lined up here a lot as well. It was great because it disguised his assignment. He's close enough in to lead block anywhere on the line, but teams knew about his great hands and had to respect him as a threat to run a route. On this play, he gets a great push on the outside linebacker who pushes up-field hard opening a giant hole for Williams:</p>
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<p>Brown doesn't have to block just for Cadillac though. If the defense shifted the linebackers towards Brown as seen below, he could just as easily block for the WR on the reverse:</p>
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<p>Or, as soon as defenses were tuned into Campbell as a passing threat only, Brown could block for the rare QB keep, which Campbell was more than capable of running:</p>
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<p>So, reverses? QB keeper wrinkles? I expected 2004 to look different from current day. Oh well.</p>
<p><b><u>RBs to Both Sides</u></b></p>
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<p>Auburn didn't show this look as often, but it was a nice passing down variant wherein both running backs could either go out or stay in and block. Defenses had to respect their routes or the threat of a RB screen enough that on this play they occupied enough defenders for Campbell to find an open receiver down the middle for a first down.</p>
<p><b><u>Cadillac in Motion</u></b></p>
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<p>While Brown was the superior blocker, Cadillac had to return the favor now and again. And while he couldn't quite take on linebackers like Brown, he could take a cornerback easily enough. Here we see him motion out of the tailback position and do just that. Now Cole Bennett just has to keep David Pollack inside and Brown has enough room to do his thing.</p>
<p>And I'll leave you with everyone's favorite example of Ronnie Brown's versatility:</p>
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<p>We all remember Brown's wheel route touchdown catch against Georgia to put the nail in the coffin. But what you may not remember is Cadillac's stellar cut block on a defensive end to give Campbell enough time to get Brown the ball:</p>
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<p>Go crazy, Cadillac.</p>
<p>Surprisingly, these players and the coaching by Borges were even better than I remember them. I still think this was a unique situation and there's a reason teams don't put two true RBs on the field at the same time. That said, Pettway does have the size and experience to be a good lead blocker. So if Rhett put this film on over the bye week and got inspired, that wouldn't be the worst thing in the world. I'm not saying, I'm just saying...</p>
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<p><b><u>Bonus</u></b></p>
<p><b><u></u></b>I was a senior for the 2004 season so I try to tell myself it wasn't that long ago even though I'm now in my 30's with a 9 to 5 job, a wife, a kid, a mortgage, and even the token Golden Retriever. But then something like this happens:</p>
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<p>Yup, I'm officially old. War Eagle anyway.</p>
https://www.collegeandmagnolia.com/2016/10/17/13302940/evaluating-the-auburn-offense-2004Jonny Dent2016-10-16T13:03:02-05:002016-10-16T13:03:02-05:00Auburn vs Bye Week: Viewing the SEC From the Couch
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<figcaption>Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Auburn played BYE this week and won! Let's talk about it. </p> <p>I can't not post something on Sunday morning, and I'm going to be away from the computer for most of the day, so I decided to write most of this last night examining today in the SEC. Let's go around the league...</p>
<p><b>Vandy vs UGA</b></p>
<p>LOL DWAGS. Still, this makes me a bit nervous because our luck with UGA over the last few seasons sets this up to be a big let down. We also get this same Vandy team in a few weeks in Jordan-Hare Stadium. I think Auburn's defense is a bit more stout and the Tigers' OL and QB are better.</p>
<p><b>Alabama at Tennessee</b></p>
<p>Alabama is good. It's not exactly certain that any team they've beaten is very good, though. Alabama's defense is making up for some tendencies on offense that a good defense could exploit. We may see that put into play this coming weekend with Texas A&M playing them off a bye week.</p>
<p><b>Missouri at Florida</b></p>
<p>This was a game that was played? I must have missed it.</p>
<p><b>Southern Miss at LSU</b></p>
<p>DACOACHOISTWOANDOH. The defense is just as salty as ever with shutting down a very good USM offense. Perhaps Auburn getting into the red zone (even if we didn't score TDs) is more impressive than we thought.</p>
<p><b>Ole Miss at Arkansas</b></p>
<p>As I saw someone on Twitter say, I'm not worried any more about Arkansas than I was, and I feel a bit better about Ole Miss. Austin Allen scares me a bit, but I think Auburn's defense is more physical than Ole Miss' right now, and Auburn's offense can't be turned into a one-dimensional one like Ole Miss' can.</p>
<p>Plus, we get the Piggies at home in a night game. They'll be without a key DB for a half who was ejected for targeting in last night's game against Ole Miss.</p>
<p><b>Looking Ahead</b></p>
<p>Auburn can beat every team remaining on its schedule. Yes, even Bama. I'm not saying they WILL, because it's going to take stellar play to beat Ole Miss and Alabama on the road. The most likely outcome is still an 8-4 regular season.</p>
<p>But there's definitely a chance that this Auburn team - if it continues building on the last few weeks' success - could end up doing some very special things.</p>
https://www.collegeandmagnolia.com/2016/10/16/13296762/auburn-vs-bye-week-viewing-the-sec-from-the-couchWalt Austin2016-10-16T09:03:03-05:002016-10-16T09:03:03-05:00Bye Week: Is Gus Still On The Hot Seat?
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<figcaption>Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>With the Tigers at 4-2 and projected to go 8-4, is Gus Malzahn's job secure? </p> <p>The season started out with Gus on the "hot seat" according to the national pundits. Those close to the program reported that was hardly the case and more of a media narrative. Someone told me he needed to go 8-4 and beat one of the Big Three (Alabama, Georgia, LSU) to save his job.</p>
<p>Well, the Tigers beat LSU in Week 4 of the season, and they're projected to finish the season 8-4. Should we still consider Gus Malzahn to be on the hot seat?</p>
<p>Sing it with me, folks...</p>
<p>Hell noooooooooooooooo.</p>
<p>I don't just say this because of the projected record and the LSU victory. We should also beat UGA, so that helps, too. No, I say it for one other big reason.</p>
<p>I love Auburn. I think Auburn is one of the greatest places in the world. I think Auburn Football is a place any coach can succeed even with Alabama across the state and doing what they're doing.</p>
<p>That being said, let's take a look around at some of the other coaching jobs that are or will likely come open this season...</p>
<p>LSU - This is a given unless DACOACHO wins out and has the interim tag removed.</p>
<p>Texas - Charlie Strong's seat is simmering and Texas' struggles mean that one of the biggest jobs (though with boosters more meddling than Bobby Lowder ever was) in college football could be open.</p>
<p>Notre Dame - The Irish are 2-5 and Brian Kelly has fired his defensive coordinator Brian Van Gorder (heh) and last night got into an argument with a Stanford strength coach.</p>
<p>Oregon - Mark Helfrich is likely gone, but I don't consider Oregon a more "prestigious" job than Auburn by a long shot.</p>
<p>USC - Could the Trojans fire Clay Helton after only one season? I doubt it, but it's possible.</p>
<p>UCLA - Jim Mora is 3-4 overall, 1-3 in conference. I haven't heard hot seat talk for him, but it's possible.</p>
<p>Again, I think Auburn is a prestigious job and coaches would love the chance to coach in the SEC at a school with a winning history and a ton of talent on the roster. However, I don't want to be competing with Notre Dame and Texas in particular for coaches on the market.</p>
<p>Malzahn has or will likely meet the goal I was told he needed to meet. Some writers have insisted there was never a bench mark and only a Chizikian collapse would end in his firing. That's not likely to happen when you see how well this team is playing, now. I think he's more than safe for the end of this season.</p>
<p>And, for those who say "but what good is he now that he's turned over play calling to Lashlee?" Well, how good does that make any head coach in football? That's a dumb argument.</p>
<p>So, too long; didn't read: Gus Malzahn's job is safe. He's only going to leave Auburn if he wants to, and remember no coach has left Auburn without retiring or being fired in almost 100 years.</p>
https://www.collegeandmagnolia.com/2016/10/16/13297678/auburn-football-2016-should-gus-malzahn-still-be-considered-on-theWalt Austin2016-10-15T08:07:02-05:002016-10-15T08:07:02-05:00Auburn Football Bye Week Open Thread
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<figcaption>Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Auburn isn't playing, but that doesn't mean we can't still talk football!</p> <p>If you're wondering what to watch this weekend while Auburn is off, don't forget that <a href="http://www.collegeandmagnolia.com/2016/10/13/13273782/2016-college-football-week-7-tv-schedule-times-channels-streaming-and">we've got a guide for you with every game there is and how to watch it!</a></p>
<p>How will some of the staff be handling the bye weekend? Let's find out!</p>
<h4>AU_Jonesy</h4>
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<span class="aBn"><span class="aQJ">9AM</span></span>: Everton-Manchester City. Come on you Blues!</div>
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<span class="aBn"><span class="aQJ">11AM</span></span>: Texas Tech vs WVU, Oklahoma vs KSU, and GT vs Georgia Southern. The first two are the some of only games with ranked teams in the window, and the last one is for my brother-in-law (sorry Walt, go Jackets).</div>
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<span class="aBn"><span class="aQJ">2:30PM</span></span>: FSU vs WFU. Come on Deacs. Do it for Krispy Kreme. Do it for BB&T. Do it for Sara Lee. Do it for Forsyth County.*</div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Early Evening Window: Arkansas vs Mississippi and Wisconsin vs Ohio State. Scouting for next week and the Game of the Week.</div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Late Evening Window: WSU vs UCLA and Boise State vs Colorado State. WSU is winning with defense and their running game. It's must-watch to see if it winds up giving the Dread Pirate Leach a stroke.</div>
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<h4>Jonny Dent</h4>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><span>The bye week works out pretty well for me as it falls the same week as our local craft beer festival. The Mrs. and I will drop the munchkin off at Grandma's before lunch and then drink as many different beers as we can. The folks running the operation understand that their target audience doesn't want to miss football so they have a pretty good setup with a number of projectors showing the day's biggest games. The local LSU fans and I will both be hoping the Vols can make it interesting against the red elephants, but if not, oh well let's try another beer.</span></div>
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<br>Ryan Sterritt</h4>
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<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><span>For me, I hit the road last night with my fiancé to come up to Huntsville for a wedding and to spend some time with the future in-laws. He's an Alabama grad, and I may end up having to watch Bama/UT with him. Wish me luck y'all. </span></div>
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<h4>Son of Crow</h4>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><span>Crazy past few days, which is why no History Repeating article this week. </span></div>
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<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">I was speaking at a retreat in Leysin, Switzerland, last weekend, so the wife and I decided to make a holiday of it and hit up Geneva, Chamonix, Annency, and Paris all since Sunday. Pretty part of the world, the Alps, almost as pretty as the Auburn Offense against the Miss State Bulldogs.</div>
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<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">Im spending <span class="aBn"><span class="aQJ">tomorrow</span></span> relaxing, watching replays of the games I missed, and saving money because let me tell you…if you’re planning on going to Switzerland, Geneedva-more money!</div>
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<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">It wouldn’t shock me to see the hogs beat the Rebs this weekend, by the way. Don’t know why, just have a feeling.</div>
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<h4>Emily Rios</h4>
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<div style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span>With no Auburn game, we're doing ALL of the things this weekend. A bye weekend fresh off of kicking Dan Mullen's ass is seriously the best.</span></div>
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<h4>Bobby Barkley</h4>
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<div style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span>(Gone fishin')</span></div>
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<h4>Walt</h4>
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<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">I'm going to try to watch Georgia Southern and Georgia Tech. After that, I don't know what I'll be watching. Then tomorrow morning I'm headed out on a little road trip.</div>
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https://www.collegeandmagnolia.com/2016/10/15/13291850/auburn-football-bye-week-open-threadWalt Austin2016-10-14T11:33:02-05:002016-10-14T11:33:02-05:00Mid-Season Review: MVPs and Surprises
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<p>Let's dig a little more into the first half of the Auburn Tigers football season.</p> <p>Over the last few days, we've examined and graded the offense and defense on their performances, so far. Now let's talk about some MVPs and surprises.</p>
<h3>MVPs</h3>
<h4><span>Offense</span></h4>
<p>Rhett Lashlee. Oh, you thought I was only talking about players? I could have said Sean White, either of the running backs or a bunch of others. However, I think Lashlee is the right call, here.</p>
<p>Where would we be if Gus hadn't turned over the play calling to his offensive coordinator? Lashlee has taken Auburn's tendencies and used those against other teams in ways Malzahn used to be known for. He's put life into an offense that struggled against Texas A&M and looked downright lost against Clemson.</p>
<p>Without Lashlee taking over and mixing things up while finding the best play calls to fit his quarterback, are we talking about a 4-2 team and thinking we could have a legitimate shot at most - if not all - of the rest of our games? Probably not.</p>
<h4>Defense</h4>
<p>Carl and Monty. I have to go Co-MVPs, here. They've been masterful together and both have been disruptive at the exact times we needed them to be. The LSU game was a great example of that. Lawson had two sacks - one at a very key moment on the final drive by LSU. Adams' destruction of the LSU center and stop of Fournette for a big loss early in the game set the tone for how physical Auburn was going to be, there.</p>
<p>Hopefully, the MSU game was just a harbinger of things to come for the rest of the season. If they can punish other SEC quarterbacks and offensive lines like that, then Auburn really does have a chance to win every game for the rest of the year.</p>
<h4>Special Teams</h4>
<p>Daniel Carlson and the punt coverage team. Carlson is obvious. He's absolute money on field goals, extra points, and kickoffs. He can even score touchdowns, too!</p>
<p>What's not talked about as much is how well the punt coverage team - and Kevin Phillips as the punter - have done. Auburn has not allowed a positive punt return yet, this season. That's special and deserves recognition for how it helps set the defense up for success.</p>
<h3>Surprises</h3>
<h4>Offense</h4>
<p>Tony Stevens has been the surprise, to me. After three years of hardly seeing the field, having issues with drops, and just generally not living up to what we expected he could be when he signed, he's become Auburn's biggest receiver. I suspected a senior wide receiver would step up, but I didn't expect it to be Stevens.</p>
<p>He's caught 89% of the catchable balls thrown his direction. He has a few touchdowns. He's not quite on pace to be Auburn's first 1,000-yard receiver in I don't know how long, but he's not far off that pace, either.</p>
<p>With his size and speed, he was always a threat to be a big weapon. Now, he is.</p>
<h4>Defense</h4>
<p>Deshaun Davis. Barely mentioned since his signing, he's become one of the Tigers' primary linebackers in a very young but very talented unit. I was looking for Tre and Darrell Williams to step up along with graduate transfer T.J. Neal, but I had almost forgotten about Deshaun Davis.</p>
<p>He got a lot of praise back in the spring and during fall camp, so it really shouldn't have been much of a surprise. When his name was mentioned ahead of others before the season started, we should have expected something. Sometimes, a younger and almost forgotten player gets mentioned in that situation because they're trying to light a fire under the veterans.</p>
<p>Sometimes, though, it's because that young player is a star in the making. This is that case.</p>
<h4>Special Teams</h4>
<p>Tyler Stovall for stepping up to the Mississippi State defensive lineman who hit Carlson last weekend. I just wanted to bring that up. Otherwise, there really haven't been any surprises on this team.</p>
https://www.collegeandmagnolia.com/2016/10/14/13275008/auburn-football-2016-mid-season-review-mvps-and-surprisesWalt Austin2016-10-13T11:37:02-05:002016-10-13T11:37:02-05:002016 Mid-Season Review: The Defense
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<figcaption>Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>We're at the halfway point of the 2016 season, so let's look at the defense so far!</p> <p>It's only been two weeks since I wrote about <a href="http://www.collegeandmagnolia.com/2016/9/28/13089620/2016-auburn-football-post-september-of-doom-report-card">Auburn coming out of the September of Doom</a>, and already the outlook has changed on how this season may end. Things are starting to look up on the Plains as the two games between then and now have shown new direction and life from the offense and continued (and, even, improved) excellence from the Defense.</p>
<p>I could talk about the whole team in this post, but it's the Bye Week, and I need to fill publishing space. So, you're getting one post about the offense and one post about the defense!</p>
<h3>Position Groups</h3>
<p>For the pre-season prediction pieces, <a href="http://www.collegeandmagnolia.com/2016/8/25/12642408/auburn-football-2016-position-previews" style="background-color: #ffffff;">check out the story stream from back before everything got started to see how we thought the various units would play out.</a></p>
<h4>Defensive Backs</h4>
<p>There have been some missed tackles, some blown coverages, etc, but overall the defensive backs have played very well. The Tigers are generating pass breakups and not allowing many big plays. The few that have been allowed usually turned to points for the opposing teams, though, so that's something we would like to see improved.</p>
<p>Carlton Davis had some hiccups early on but is back on track to becoming one of the best DBs Auburn has ever had. He's not being thrown at much, and when he is he wins more battles than he loses. Rudy Ford is right behind him for pass breakups, tallying 6 to Davis' 7. He's also leading the team in tackles for the 3rd straight season. He's a nightmare for opposing teams who want to run wide or throw a screen pass.</p>
<p>Josh Holsey has been a standout in his return from a second knee injury during his career. He's tied with Javaris Davis for 3rd on the team with 3 pass breakups. Javaris Davis has had a nice freshman campaign once he earned the starting job with Jamel Dean's injury.</p>
<p>The DBs have surely benefitted from the defensive line play, but they've also played very well in their own right. Surprisingly, the only player who has struggled with consistency issues has been Tray Matthews. When he's on, though, he's on. He's second on the team in tackles behind Rudy Ford. His play and Auburn's dime package has allowed Nick Ruffin and Stephen Roberts to show their talent, though, and prove that Auburn's secondary is deep and talented.</p>
<p>Grade: B+. This is just because of the big plays they've given up that led to points. Not all of those were on them, though. Sometimes it's been the linebackers in pass protection with them.</p>
<h4>Linebackers</h4>
<p>This is the unit that had the most question marks prior to the season. There was so little experience outside of graduate transfer T.J. Neal. Would they be a compliment to the Front Four or just a speed bump on the way to the defensive backs?</p>
<p>Six weeks later, and we're raving about the linebackers. T.J. Neal has hardly played. The combination of Deshaun Davis, Tre Williams, and Darrell Williams has been spectacular. Those three are ranked 3-5 on the team in the number of tackles.</p>
<p>They're filling gaps. They're flying to the ball. They're making tackles. They're playing so far above and beyond what the team has played like over the last few years. Perhaps it shouldn't have been a shock, though. The play of the linebackers in the Birmingham Bowl - coached by Travis Williams, then - showed us a glimpse of what was to come.</p>
<p>It hasn't just been those three, either. Montavious Atkinson has stepped up. Jeff Holland is getting even better (though he has to play more behind Lawson than in the linebacker mix). This is a relatively young unit with a bright future under its young coach.</p>
<p>Grade: A-. Some coverage issues at times, but for the most part this unit has been amazing.</p>
<h4>Defensive Line</h4>
<p>Should I just skip to the A+ grade?</p>
<p>What can you say about this line? They've dominated opposing teams. They're a large part of the reason why we lament the Clemson and Texas A&M games. The defense as a whole - and particularly the line - gave the team enough to win those two games.</p>
<p>Carl Lawson and Montravius Adams on the same line almost isn't fair. When you add in a true freshman like Marlon Davidson who is playing at the level Carl Lawson was last year, this becomes a unit that may be the best in the nation. The three of them combined for big plays last weekend against Mississippi State, including what may be my favorite play of the year in the scoop-and-score.</p>
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<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-video">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Montravius Adams is playing his best football right now, Gus Malzahn said this week. Um, yep. <a href="https://t.co/QLoVwvaWKZ">pic.twitter.com/QLoVwvaWKZ</a></p>
— Lauren Shute (@LShute13) <a href="https://twitter.com/LShute13/status/784807588680572928">October 8, 2016</a>
</blockquote>
<p>Grade: A+. Because duh.</p>
<h3>Overall</h3>
<p>I gave the defense an "A" back during the "post September of Doom" post, and that grade remains. If anything, it should probably be bumped up to an A+. They're generating turnovers, they're attacking the quarterback, they're stuffing the run game.</p>
<p>This is an Auburn defense that is 12th in the nation in scoring defense. They're creeping up to the Top 25 in total defense (currently 28th). It's been a decade or more since we've seen a unit this nasty in an Auburn uniform, and I'm loving every minute of it.</p>
<p>So much credit has to go to the coaches. Rodney Garner has built a monster of a defensive line. Travis Williams has lived up to our hopes of coaching a unit to play like he did. Wesley McGriff has the DBs playing the ball and not drawing many penalties in coverage. And Kevin Steele has melded it all into a force capable of keeping Auburn in any game they play. Auburn was laughed at for hiring Kevin Steele in the offseason and the move was questioned by so many.</p>
<p>Who's laughing now?</p>
https://www.collegeandmagnolia.com/2016/10/13/13260314/auburn-football-2016-mid-season-review-the-defenseWalt Austin2016-10-12T12:09:55-05:002016-10-12T12:09:55-05:002016 Mid-Season Review: The Offense
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/geAaXOPWNGapAoAoKo1hQuztepc=/0x63:4258x2902/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51320841/usa-today-9594960.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>We're at the halfway point, so let's examine the offense, so far. </p> <p>It's only been two weeks since I wrote about <a href="http://www.collegeandmagnolia.com/2016/9/28/13089620/2016-auburn-football-post-september-of-doom-report-card">Auburn coming out of the September of Doom</a>, and already the outlook has changed on how this season may end. Things are starting to look up on the Plains as the two games between then and now have shown new direction and life from the offense and continued (and, even, improved) excellence from the Defense.</p>
<p>I could talk about the whole team in this post, but it's the Bye Week, and I need to fill publishing space. So, you're getting one post about the offense and one post about the defense!</p>
<h3>The Position Groups</h3>
<p>Back before the season started, we had a bunch of previews of the various position groups. <a href="http://www.collegeandmagnolia.com/2016/8/25/12642408/auburn-football-2016-position-previews">You can go back and see those, here</a>. How have they all compared to those expectations?</p>
<h4>Wide Receivers</h4>
<p>Wow, have things changed. Before the season, I felt Marcus Davis and Jason Smith would be the first up and most reliable at the wide receiver position. Marcus Davis has slipped a bit and hasn't caught a pass since the Texas A&M game (and only been targeted once since that one) while Jason Smith has almost disappeared completely.</p>
<p>I was hopeful that Tony Stevens would turn a corner. He most definitely has. In fact, Stevens has been Auburn's most targeted wide receiver by a long. He has a few key errors - notably in the LSU game and the tipped pass that resulted in the interception against Mississippi State - but, other than that, he's really stepped up his game. He's catching 88.9% of the "catchable" balls thrown his way and has 408 total yards receiving.</p>
<p>The second most reliable wide receiver has been Ryan Davis. He may be the shortest of the bunch, but he's got good hands and he's dangerous once he gets the ball in those hands. His 212 yards receiving is second on the team, and his 22 targets are also 2nd.</p>
<p>If you'd told me before the season that Tony Stevens and Ryan Davis would be the top 2 receivers at this point, I would have been surprised. I would also have been hoping that it's because they're playing well (they are) rather than everyone else struggling.</p>
<p>Perhaps least surprising is that freshman Kyle Davis is right behind them. Davis has not dropped a catchable pass thrown his way and has made some spectacular plays to catch some that probably shouldn't have been catchable. Darius Slayton is right behind him, as well. Will Hastings put up great stats in the early part of the season, but that has tapered off as the Tigers have gotten into the more physical SEC schedule. Hastings' pass-catching and moves are unquestioned; I think the biggest issue has been blocking the SEC DBs, but that's just my opinion.</p>
<p>Of the wide receivers having a real contribution to the offense of late, Tony Stevens is the only upperclassman. That says a lot about the future potential of this group.</p>
<p>Grade: I'll give them an A-. There have been drops, but not many. There have been excellent plays, better blocking, and the unit as a whole is much improved from previous years. A lot of credit goes to Kodi Burns for that transformation.</p>
<h4>Offensive Line</h4>
<p>We went into this season thinking the line would be one of the biggest strengths. It's taken a few weeks (and possibly a lineup adjustment), but they're starting to get to where we hoped they would be. After some early struggles (that were also play calling related), they've done well enough overall that <a href="http://www.auburntigers.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/101216aaa.html">they were recognized for the midseason honor roll of the Joe Moore Award</a>, which is given to the best offensive line unit at the end of the season.*</p>
<p>I was concerned about Robert Leff a bit before the year, but Leff has overall done a good job. Dampeer was doing well at Center before his injury. I'm really curious what the line will look like when he's healthy. Darius James has played well the last two games, and it's going to be hard to take anyone out of the lineup.</p>
<p>How well are they doing? Even as the Tigers were hit with a ton of negative plays (many of those credited against the passing game, true), this line is still paving the way for the 2nd best rushing attack in the conference behind Texas A&M (and who thought THAT would be the case, this year).</p>
<p>Grade: B+. They're so close to bringing this up to an A, and I have faith in them to do it, soon.</p>
<h4>Tight end/H-Back</h4>
<p>Whew boy, what do we say here? Auburn hasn't thrown a pass to a tight end since CJ Uzomah in the Outback Bowl almost two years ago. We expected that to change with Landon Rice, but... yeah. Jalen Harris has seen a lot of playing time and his role increase, lately, and I have a feeling it's only a matter of time before he's targeted for passes, but we haven't seen that, yet.</p>
<p>As far as H-back goes, Chandler Cox has struggled a bit to pick up some of the blocks he needs to, but he's getting more involved with the offense as Rhett Lashlee takes over. He caught two passes against Mississippi State and came up just shy of a touchdown on one of them.</p>
<p>Auburn's offense really needs a tight end who is also a pass-catching threat. That's the one true missing piece I see, right now. I just don't know if that's going to develop this year, or not.</p>
<p>Grade: C+. Lack of targets more than anything, but zero receptions from the tight end position, only recently some for the H-back, and there been some blocking issues (though things are getting better).</p>
<h4>Running Backs</h4>
<p>Oh, silly Walt. At the beginning of the season, I noted that this may be the first season that Gus Malzahn doesn't have a 1000 yard rusher at Auburn. I didn't think it would be because of failure to run the football, though. Rather, I thought it would be because the carries would be so spread out.</p>
<p>It turns out that Auburn is on pace to have TWO backs with 1000 yards rushing. That's with both of them missing all or nearly all of a game during the first 6 games, too. Kamryn Pettway actually missed all or most of TWO games.</p>
<p>Therein lies an issue, though. Both of the two primary backs have missed time with injury. Kerryon Johnson's status for the Arkansas game is unknown, right now. Malik Miller is out for a few weeks at least. The depth has gotten to the point that Stanton Truitt is serving double-duty as a wide receiver and running back.</p>
<p>I've argued before that Gus Malzahn's offense is "plug-and-play" when it comes to running backs. We're seeing that play out, this season. That's not to take away from these backs, though. They've made things happen either through moves or through pure power (aided by the line up front) to gain the yards they need.</p>
<p>Grade: A-. They're grinders, but against SEC-level competition we haven't seen them be true home run threats, yet. I think the potential is there. Pettway is deceptively fast with his speed, and Johnson has the moves to make people miss. Kerryon was leading the SEC in broken tackles before his injury in the MSU game. He may still lead in that category for all I know.</p>
<p>They may not be the flashiest, but they're getting the job done.</p>
<h4>Quarterback</h4>
<p>I'll give individual grades for this one to the two primary signal callers.</p>
<p>For Sean White, it's absolutely an A+. He's leading the SEC in completion percentage by almost 4%. His yards per attempt are 2nd to Chad Kelly by only .2 yards. He's gaining confidence by the game, making better decisions, and doing exactly what this team and its offense need to be successful.</p>
<p>He's not perfect. He holds on to the ball a bit too long in the pocket, sometimes. He's not as much of a running threat as we would like. He doesn't have quite the touch on the deep ball to make it a home run threat every time he throws it.</p>
<p>It's coming together, though. He's really only just now played a full season's worth of games in his entire career. If he keeps getting better, he could be among the best quarterbacks to play at Auburn in a number of statistical categories.</p>
<p>For John Franklin III, I'll say B+. His running ability is unquestioned. His deep ball to Nate Craig-Myers was a thing of beauty, but there are still things that need to be polished in his passing game. Against Texas A&M we saw some great throws and some very questionable throws.</p>
<p>It's an interesting conundrum for the Tigers. If Franklin improves a bit with his passing, where does that put the QB situation? I think it's hard to even think of pulling Sean White with the threat his passing ability has given us, so far, but it's hard to keep someone with Franklin's speed and "take it to the house on any play" ability off the field, too.</p>
<h3>Overall</h3>
<p>Two weeks ago I gave this offense a C+. I'm bumping that up to a B+. I'd like to make it an A, but we're still feeling things out and it's not exactly like the Tigers have played two power-houses in the weeks since the LSU game.</p>
<p>Still, play calling has improved. The Tigers have only failed to score a touchdown in the red zone due to a stop on 4th down and a holding penalty bringing one touchdown back in the last two weeks. It's looking up and the second half of the season is suddenly much rosier than it was three weeks ago.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>*I have issues with the Joe Moore Award. They didn't have Georgia Southern even in the semifinalist Top 20 last year while the Eagles' offensive line was paving the way for the nation's #1 rushing attack for the second year in a row. It wasn't because of perimeter runs, either. A ton of the rushes were straight up the middle.</p>
https://www.collegeandmagnolia.com/2016/10/12/13257064/auburn-football-2016-mid-season-review-the-offenseWalt Austin