The word around the Auburn football team this week is effort. Head coach Alex Golesh says he was pleased with that aspect of the game against Baylor. Senior defensive tackle Dallas Walker told the media their effort made up for some gaffes defensively. He spoke about how they were able to hold Baylor to an average of 2.3 yards per rush.
“I feel like as long as we just keep bringing that effort piece and then come in every day, listen in meetings and attack the little things that we need to clean up, I feel like we'll be okay.”
Walker added going against Auburn’s tempo during camp prepared them to defend Baylor’s 99 plays. He says that helped them get in shape and get ready for opponents who like to speed the game up.
“I think we also just need to lock in on all the small details. So when we know everything, we can play faster. And I think everything is just about attacking it with effort and just letting our effort make up for any minor mistakes that we make.”
Auburn sophomore linebacker Elijah Melendez led the Tigers in tackles Saturday. His partner, preseason all-American Xavier Atkins added five tackles and a sack. Walker spoke about how the defensive line and that two headed linebacking monster compliment each other during games.
“So say like if I'm getting a double team, then he might be free to come make a play. And then if I'm getting a single block and someone's on him, I'm able to come off and make a play. So we really just complement each other well. And I feel like the effort we all bring to the table, it's contagious.”
Walker finished Saturday with four tackles including one for a loss. The Auburn defense, specifically, the defensive line will look to add more sacks to their stat columns on Saturday. Southern Miss visits the Plains for a 6:45 kickoff. The Golden Eagles enter the matchup 1-0 after a 49-3 win over FCS opponent Alcorn State.
Auburn Undercover is an independent Auburn sports media company covering Auburn athletics, recruiting and insider news.
