3 Big Things: Halftime analysis of Auburn’s defensive battle with Tennessee
It is officially halftime of Auburn’s game against Tennessee in Neyland Stadium, and the Tigers are currently leading 7-3 in what has been an ugly offensive 30 minutes and a tough half for the defenses.
The highlight of the first half was the result of a unique sequence of events.
After Auburn gained its first first down of the game, Byrum Brown was stripped of the ball a couple of plays later and the Volunteers recovered. Then, Tennessee’s touchdown run a couple of plays after that was called back on an illegal blindslide block, and the Tigers forced a fumble on the next play, which was recovered by Xavier Atkins.
Auburn proceeded to punch the ball, and on the first play of the Volunteers’ next drive, Faizon Brandon threw an interception to Xavier Atkins, and a few downs later, Brown rolled right, broke a few tackles and ran the ball in for a touchdown from seven yards out.
That is how the score got to where it is, but here are three defining trends that have made the first half what it is in Knoxville.
Third down success, or lack thereof
Before the touchdown run by Brown, both teams were a combined 0-for-13 on third downs for the game, marking a trend with the defensive performances by both sides. Now at the end of the first half, they are 3-for-16. So while there has been success, there have been a lot of punts early.
The Tigers have faced an average of 7.4 yards to go on third downs, while Tennessee faced an average of 9.7 yards to go on the downs. As a result between the two teams, there have been nine punts, working the special teams units in a big way early.
Field position has been big time
Despite both offenses putting on an ugly showing, it is safe to say that the punting game has made a difference for the Volunteers defense and the Auburn offense. Tennessee punter Jackson Ross has pinned back Joel Gordon’s unit inside its own 20 multiple times.
The Tigers, as a result, punted on each of their first four drives of the day, giving Volunteers somewhat decent field position. However, Auburn’s defense stepped up and only allowed three points in the half, allowing Alex Golesh’s squad to limit Josh Heupel’s fast pace.
Big play late
As was described at the beginning of the piece, an interception by Xavier Atkins late in the second quarter allowed the Tigers to start a drive at the Tennessee 19-yard line, unarguably their best starting field position of the day.
Auburn eventually got it to third-and-goal was on the verge of stalling and having to kick a field goal, but a big run by Brown where he broke multiple tackles and continued to run towards the end zone put the Tigers up. That turnover proved fruitful, as the Tigers then stopped the Volunteers on a drive before the half, keeping their lead and getting the ball to start the second half of play.
Auburn Undercover is an independent Auburn sports media company covering Auburn athletics, recruiting and insider news.
