Against Arkansas, on six first half drives, the Auburn Tigers only managed 12 rushing yards. During that stretch, the Razorbacks looked like the more physical team and were controlling both lines of scrimmage. Auburn then found their groove at the end of the second quarter, kicking a field goal just before halftime. Being more physical early in games will be a point of emphasis this week from the coaches.
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“There’s nothing you can make up about being physical. It starts with how you prepare and how you practice and the mindset you walk into the game with. That’s what we’re trying to create in this program,” offensive coordinator Joel Gordon said.
“I don’t think it’s a lack of trying to be physical. I think it’s a lack of truly executing with physicality, with the right technique, with the right hat placement. The guys are playing hard. It’s finding truly the combination of physicality, technique, scheme,” head coach Alex Golesh added.
The Tigers flipped the switch in the second half and amped up their physicality, finishing the game rushing for 182 yards. A lot of those yards again came from quarterback Byrum Brown. Gordon said it came down to eliminating little mistakes.
“We got to the fourth quarter and were running the football as well as we had in a long time. We were more consistent on first and second down. We were much better and played cleaner,” Gordon said
For the fourth time this year, Auburn debuted a new offensive line combination. It included the reinsertion of Cole Skinner at guard. Golesh felt this team had their best performance of the year in pass blocking, only giving up two sacks.
“I thought we hung in there in terms of picking up the pressures. Picking up the twist game. I thought did some really good things keeping us balanced in terms of run, pass,” Golesh said.
“We knew if something was going to go down, he (Skinner) was going to be the next guy in. He’s a physical player. He’s an attitude and effort kind of guy. He gave you a little bit of a shot in the arm. You can feel his energy when he’s on the field and we needed that,” Gordon said.
Saturday was the first time since 2022 Auburn has won multiple SEC games at home. The Tigers now head back out on the road with the opportunity to become bowl eligible. Jeff Lebby’s Mississippi State team stands in their way. Auburn lost their last meeting in Starkville in overtime 39-33, under interim coach, and Auburn legend, Carnell Williams. Kickoff between the Tigers and Bulldogs is set for 11 a.m.
Auburn Undercover is an independent Auburn sports media company covering Auburn athletics, recruiting and insider news.
