In Auburn’s two games against Power Four opponents, quarterback Byrum Brown had more rushing attempts then all the other Tiger players, combined.
One of the main reasons for that is the Tigers’ run game, as a whole, was not effective against either Baylor or Florida. Jeremiah Cobb, Auburn’s top running back and only offensive returning starter, has averaged 4.04 yards per carry on a paltry 21 carries in those two games.
“We got a lot we need to clean up right there,” said senior center Cole Best. “Haven't gotten these backs open the way that we need to. And as an offensive line, that's on us. So we just keep going into our detail, into our craft, and just keep straining to get better.”
The Tigers also gave up a season-high seven sacks to Florida. After watching the film from Saturday, Best gave his overall assessment for the struggles in pass protection.
“It’s really just one-on-ones, guys losing,” Best said. “I didn't think it was necessarily a communication thing, and guys didn't know what was going on. It was more one-on-one matchups. And you go back and watch them, like, man, every guy on this team, on this line, is capable of winning those one-on-ones. It just comes down to detail and technique.”
Another familiar theme for the Auburn offense against Power Four competition has been struggling to get the offense going in the beginning moments of a game.
The Tigers will have another opportunity to change this trend against Vanderbilt on Saturday. Best gave some of his keys to getting off to a fast start.
“You go out there, you gotta get that first down,” Best said “You gotta get rolling, and then the gates kinda open up. And I feel like we showed that when we did come out fast later on in the game. Man, you show that how this thing can just roll and roll and roll and go, and you're down in the end zone. But I'd say the emphasis that the staff has put on that is huge.”
The Commodores come to the Plains for Auburn’s 2026 Homecoming game. Vanderbilt has won the last two meetings against the Tigers and lead the overall series 23-22-1.
Auburn will look to earn its first SEC win at home since Texas A&M in 2024. Kickoff from Jordan-Hare Stadium is Saturday at 3:15 p.m. CST.
Auburn Undercover is an independent Auburn sports media company covering Auburn athletics, recruiting and insider news.
