With spread failing, defense continues to carry load for Auburn

By Lee Roberts  |   Thursday, October 02, 2008  |  Comments( 1 )

 Auburn Tigers
For most of Tommy Tuberville’s reign, Auburn has won in spite of its offense. This offseason, Tuberville attempted to change that by bringing Tony Franklin and the spread offense to The Plains. It hasn’t worked. This year, more than ever, Auburn is leaning on its defense to carry it through the season. Earlier in the season, the argument could...
What's the buzz about?

Log In above and share your thoughts on this topic with other fans!

CommentsComments: 1
 No.1
WakkaWakkaMAN		 01:50 PM
10/02/2008
You forgot to mention a few things, Lee. First off, in your "quarterback pillowfight" (which was ended when Todd was named starter after game 2) Burns has had very little showcase time. He was injured in late in the opener, just as he was bringing some rythem to the the offense; had three snaps against So. Miss; didn't play for two weeks; and played a limited role in bringing a spark to the offense against Tenn. It seems like the only quarterback not getting the job done is Todd, unless you're referring to the fact that Burns hasn't had the job to do in the first place.

Second, you failed to mention (while talking about Tenn) that Burns actually did move the ball. In Todd's nonexistant performance during the second half, the only Auburn QB to move the ball was Kodi Burns; and I reitterate the fact that he played a limited role in the offense. The only true signes of life were when he was passing to Robert Dunn or Mario Fannin.

Third, you neglected to mention the struggles on the offensive line. Auburn has had 36 penalties this season averaging 54.2 ypg due to those penalties. The grand majority of those has fallen on the O-line with false starts and holding calls. The line, alone, had 10 penalties for over 80 yards against Miss St. Last Saturday thay had 5 against Tenn.

And while we're on the subject of mistakes, why not bring up turnovers. Auburn has had 11 in five games(6 on fumbles and 5 interceptions). Yes let's hand it to the defense for hanging in there against such odds. But if you're going to pick apart the offense to tell its story, tell the WHOLE story. It's one of misques and mistakes and a quarterback who probably has seen less playing time than he should have.
Comments that include profanity, or personal attacks, or antisocial behavior such as "spamming" or "trolling," or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. We will take steps to block users who violate any of our terms of use. You are fully responsible for the content that you post.