Questions or comments? E-mail me Barrett Sallee
The Auburn Tigers did a 180 in the off-season, switching from the smashmouth-style Auburn has been known for, into the upbeat, high-tempo spread offense of Tony Franklin. After three games, the transition has been far from smooth, culminating with a 3-2 win last week vs. Mississippi State that saw the offense convert 3-16 3rd downs and fumble three times, including two in the final five minutes while trying to ice the game away. Couple that with a miserable passing attack shown in the first game of the season vs. ULM which saw the Tigers throw for just 85 yards, and the question has to be asked, what’s wrong?
This might come as a shock, but Tony Franklin’s spread is a “work in progress” at Auburn. But, even though there has been a TON of criticism placed on Franklin over the last few days, there shouldn’t be too much pressure on him. Tiger fans aren’t asking for this offense to be great. As a matter of fact, with the way Auburn’s defense is playing – tied for 3rd in FBS with USC in scoring defense – the offense might only have to be “average” in order for the Tigers to compete for the SEC title. With that being said, here are three things that could help this offense get rolling, or, at the very least, become a little more consistent.
Abandon the shotgun pitch play
The pitch out of the standard shotgun formation is a horrible idea…always. Simply put, it’s easier for the RB to catch the pitch when it’s coming directly at him, like it is when the QB is under center. It's also easier for the RB to see where the defense is going with his peripheral vision while taking the standard pitch. Two things that are vital to the success of a RB.
With the shotgun pitch, the RB is running away from where the ball is coming from, and not keeping one eye on the defense. That’s not a good recipe for success. Example…with 2:35 to go in the fourth quarter vs. Mississippi State, while trying to run out the clock, Tristan Davis bobbled the pitch from Chris Todd inside Auburn territory, giving the Bulldogs yet another shot at the win.
Utilize Kodi Burns in the red zone
A lot’s been made about the QB situation in Auburn, and that has permeated through two-a-days, and into the season. Chris Todd was named the starter prior to the second game of the season, relegating sophomore Kodi Burns to a diminished, and in Saturday’s case zero, role on the team. Burns is too talented not to be on the field. I’ve said since August that, ideally, Todd should be taking the snaps between the 20’s and Burns should take the snaps in the red zone and when Auburn’s pinned deep. This is nothing new. That’s essentially what Florida did during their national championship year of 2006 with Tim Tebow and Chris Leak. However, that hasn’t happened at Auburn. As a matter of fact, it doesn’t even seem to have been considered. Burns brings another element to the table inside the red zone, and will force the defense to account for him, which will open up more passing lanes. In addition, it gives the defense something to think about when running the zone read, whereas when Todd runs that play, there’s little doubt that he will hand off.
Don’t forget the past
Aside from Miami, Auburn has earned them moniker of “Running Back U.” They earned that name based on smashmouth, run-it-down-your-throat football. While the spread may not incorporate that style, there’s still a time and a place for everything. That time and place for Auburn is on the goal line and in 3rd and short situations. Why line up four yards behind the line of scrimmage when you only need two feet? That simply doesn’t make sense. Line up in the I-formation, get the two feet you need, and then go back to the shotgun and spread it around to kingdom come. Ben Tate is a load, Brad Lester is the hardest-hitting 180 pound RB that I’ve ever seen, and Tristan Davis goes from 0-60 in 0.2 seconds. Any one of them can get the one yard necessary.
These are just a few things that Auburn needs to do in order to right the ship. There is still hope for this offense. There is tons of talent on the Auburn roster. Right now, it may seem like the coaching staff is trying to fit a round peg into a square hole; and there may be some truth to that. But, that doesn’t mean that it can’t be successful, especially with what the defense has done through three games. Whatever needs to be done, it needs to be done NOW, since the defending National Champion LSU Tigers are coming to town this weekend.
Story Archive:
Fixing Auburn’s Offense – September 15, 2008
Wells or Not, USC’s Defense Will Dominate – September 10, 2008
No Need To Panic, Auburn Fans – September 2, 2008
SEC and ESPN Reach Mega Deal – August 25, 2008
What Will Happen In The SEC – August 18, 2008
Bama Is Not Back – August 5, 2008
SEC Under-The-Radar Games – July 26, 2008
Enough With The Buckeyes – July 16, 2008
SEC Coaches: How Many Is Too Many? - July 8, 2008
New Coordinators No Problem For Auburn - July 1, 2008
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