Auburn football is trying to keep its head above water in this 10-game SEC schedule. A loss to Ole Miss on Saturday would drop the Tigers below .500 for the first time since early in the 2016 season, which would be symbolic of the sinking trajectory of the Tigers’ season. With a win, Auburn could generate the momentum necessary to get the season under control and stabilize the Gus Malzahn tenure.
Games against Ole Miss, LSU, Mississippi State and Tennessee provide a picture of a certainly winnable schedule for the Tigers. Including Saturday, the next four teams have a combined record of 5-10. Which direction will Auburn football go: up or down? Here are the steps Auburn needs to take on Saturday to begin the turnaround.
1. Run the football.
Uncharacteristically, Auburn has more passing than rushing attempts. Even with the lack of volume, starting running back Tank Bigsby places fifth in the SEC in rushing yards (303) and third in yards per cary (6.06). Whether self-imposed or not, Bo Nix is feeling pressure, and an effective running game can be a remedy for a struggling quarterback. Ole Miss is giving up 265 rushing yards per game and 6.16 yards per rush. It’s time to exploit the running game.
2. Calm down Bo Nix.
As evidenced by Auburn’s loss to South Carolina and Ole Miss’ defeat to Arkansas, interceptions can lose you football games. Nix went from being one of the most stingy quarterbacks in the country to giving out interceptions like candy last week. Ole Miss quarterback Matt Corral has been worse, throwing seven interceptions on the year. In a game where both defenses enter with their fair share of struggles as well, protecting the football will be a must to win this game. As stated in the first point, the running game can play a key role in steadying the offense. In the passing game, Auburn can simplify the attack. Get Nix some easy completions through the first few drives, and once confidence is built and pass protection permits, open up the attack.
3. Tackle in space.
Auburn has not yet found a replacement for defensive backs Jeremiah Dinson, Javaris Davis, Noah Igbinoghene, and Daniel Thomas. We haven’t seen a substantial drop in pass coverage, but Auburn is sorely lacking defenders that can tackle in space. What could be moderate or small gains have turned into large gains for opposing offenses. While Auburn isn’t giving up an exorbitant amount of yards on defense (390 yards per game), the product isn’t as refined as what Tiger fans are accustomed to in the Kevin Steele era. Ole Miss is 10th in the nation in yards per play. Auburn can’t afford to give up big gains on Saturday.
