It has been three years since the Auburn Tigers won their SEC opener. In 2022, Auburn needed a missed chip shot field goal from a future NFL kicker, overtime, and finally a goal line fumble by Missouri running back Nathaniel Peat to squeak out a win against the Missouri Tigers 17-14. Florida visits Jordan-Hare Stadium on Saturday, where the Tigers will try and end that three-year SEC opening loss streak. Defensive coordinator DJ Durkin feels the Gators will try and mix things up on the offensive side of the ball.
Durkin said, his defense was “going to be truly tested this coming week with the amount of formations and shifts and movements unique things that they do. We are really going to have to communicate well and be on the same page. Make sure we have our leverage right.”
Durkin praised the play of sophomore linebacker Elijah Melendez. After posting a team leading 12 tackles against Baylor, Melendez racked up six tackles to lead the Tigers against Southern Miss as well. Durkin feels Melendez’s versatility is a direct result of that.
“He’s all over the field. It doesn’t matter what spot he’s in. He’s in coverage or we’re blitzing him. He’s fitting the run and he shows up…He’s our vocal leader. He’s out there getting everyone lined up. He’s a big communication piece for us on the sidelines. He’s really embraced that role.”
After giving up 333 passing yards to Baylor, the Auburn secondary bounced back nicely against Southern Miss. They held the Golden Eagles to 171 passing yards and Andre Jordan, Jr. intercepted two passes, taking one back for a touchdown on the opening play of the game. Auburn Undercover asked Durkin about his corners being able to step up against a Florida receiver group that head coach Alex Golesh says the Gators love to throw one-on-one balls to.
“We are going to mix up our coverages, what we do and how we do it. Our guys are confident in our ability to play. It all goes hand-in-hand. It’s not just coverage or DB. How was the rush? How did the rush affect the quarterback? How much time did he have? Where’s he throwing it? It’s team defense. Our job as coaches is to put a plan together where those things compliment one another,” Durkin said.
Auburn has beaten Florida 26 times when the two teams have played on the Plains. Florida has only come into Jordan-Hare stadium and won eight times with the last victory coming in 1999. The Tigers and Gators renew their old rivalry Saturday night at 6 p.m.
Auburn Undercover is an independent Auburn sports media company covering Auburn athletics, recruiting and insider news.
