Breaking Down the D-Line: Old vs. New

     Auburn's defensive line has seen real highs and lows this season. Against Arkansas State it seemed as though they couldn't lay a finger on the quarterback. Against Mississippi State, they were unstoppable. I've been a big fan of the younger defensive linemen and their ability to relentlessly get pressure in the backfield. I'm going to break down the defensive line, comparing the veterans to the rookies.

Upperclassmen

Antoine Carter
Senior, Defensive End
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 260

     Carter is one of the sure things on the line. He may have struggled early against Arkansas St., but with his size it's hard not to break through into the backfield. You can expect to see Carter get a lot of reps this season and help lead the defense to a big year.

Mike Blanc
Senior, Defensive Tackle
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 289

     Blanc has the size to be a wrecking ball for the defense, but lacks the speed to make a difference in the SEC. He's experienced and smart, but fails to make big plays when the defense needs it. He is a solid player, but not quite what Auburn needs in a starter.

Zach Clayton
Senior, Defensive Tackle
Height" 6'3"
Weight: 293

     Clayton finds himself in a similar situation as Blanc. Clayton also has the size and strength of a good lineman, however lacks the ability to be a difference maker against the offensive lines the Tigers face week in and week out. He also is best served as a rotation player.

Michael Goggans
Senior, Defensive End
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 261

   Goggans is a solid player with a good burst off the line. He's got the speed needed in the SEC, and is a versatile player. It may take him a little time to figure out an offense and exploit it, but is still an effective player.

Nick Fairley
Junior, Defensive Tackle
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 298

     This year is his breakout year. Fairley played decently well last year, but made a name for himself this year against Mississippi State...picking up the SEC Defensive Player of the Week award. Teams have had to block him with two men, which only opens lanes for the other guys. If not this year, look for Fairley to take home some hardware after his senior season.


Underclassmen

Corey Lemonier
Freshman, Defensive End
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 227

     A bit undersized, but has a natural ability to attack the ball. Lemonier has the quickest burst off the line of anybody on the team. I look for Lemonier's role to continue to increase as the year goes on...and expect him to be a real impact player in the years to come.

Jefferey Whitaker
Freshman, Defensive Tackle
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 308

     J Whit is one of those guys who looks and acts like he's 25 when he's really 18. The coaches praise him for his work ethic constantly. He looks like a man among boys next to the other freshmen and has the game to back it up. If he looks like this now, I'm afraid for SEC offensive linemen in 3 years.

Joel Bonomolo
Junior, Defensive End
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 245

     I know, he's a junior...but he's a JUCO transfer, so I'm going to group him with the new guys. Joel has the size and ability to put a great player in the SEC. However, coaches have given him extra time to adapt to the speed of the game and hone his skills...don't be surprised to see him come up next year.

Nosa Eguae
Freshman (RS), Defensive End
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 258

     Eguae was expected to play a role in the rotation last year, but was kept out due to injury and other issues. He has impressed coaches since he got to campus. He's seen significant playing time so far this season, and I think we can expect to see that continue. After playing tough competition in high school in Texas, the experience Eguae is gaining as a freshman will make him a very strong player in the years to come.

Dee Ford
Sophomore, Defensive End
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 240

     Ford was also expected to see the field last year, however played an extremely limited role. He is already starting to make his mark this season, seeing time late in the game in crucial situations. Ford fits well into the group of underclassmen, and will be an important part of the defensive line in years to come.


     I know I skipped over a few guys, but I just wanted to highlight the major players in the mix. I am really excited to see the underclassmen perform this year and show their stuff. The experience they are all getting this season is going to make them infinitely better in the future.

     During the Mississippi State game, I absolutely love the combination of Dee Ford, Corey Lemonier, Nick Fairley, and Jefferey Whitaker. That is a very scary group that I look forward to seeing wreak havoc in opponents backfield in the near future.

Dynamic Duo: Chizik & Roof

     While Auburn's defense has been questionable in the first half, you've got to love the way they've been able to make halftime adjustments. Unlike Tuberville's defensive coordinators, Ted Roof has done a great job of recognizing what offenses are trying to do and adjust to that in the second half...effectively shutting them down. In the second half, Auburn held Mississippi St. to 136 total yards and a touchdown while keeping Clemson to 160 total yards and a touchdown.

     The reason? Chizik and Roof. Let's break it down. Chizik: former Auburn DC during the 2004 13-0 run. Hired away to Texas as DC where they won the 2005 National Championship. Chizik was then hired as the head coach at Iowa St. (a job he had to take if he ever wanted to land the big one). He remained there for the 2007 and 2008 seasons before coming to Auburn. Roof: had a strong coaching career within the Duke program, specializing in linebackers. Served as Duke's head coach for 4 and a half years, and decided he was best as a DC. Almost left for Louisville, but instead headed to Minnesota as the DC. In just one year there, Roof improved one of the worst defenses in the country, to top-50 in the country. Roof was then hired to Auburn.

     With these two men collaborating at halftime, it's fun to see the result in the second half. In every game this year, the defense has come out in the second half with a better awareness and much more speed...flying to the ball. The defensive line has been able to get much more penetration while the linebackers are breaking up plays in the backfield. Savage and Ethridge seem to work together much better, eliminating any threat of the deep ball.

     This is all good news for Auburn, who's needed the defense to come up big in the second half to cover the offenses' struggles. But let's be honest, it'd be nice to see them play to their ability for four quarters.

Where is the Offense?

     In the first two tough games this season, Auburn's offense has been nonexistent. A combined 772 yards and 5 touchdowns against Mississippi St. and Clemson. By Malzahn's standards and the expectations the fans have, those numbers are unacceptable. Don't get me wrong, a win is a win (especially with an SEC schedule), but you can't help but be worried about the offense producing against real SEC competition later in the season.

     I feel very confident in Malzahn's ability to draw up plays that defenses have never seen before. What worries me is his play calling ability. Auburn seems to find itself in tough third down situations time and time again. This can be largely attributed to the constant penalties committed by our "experienced" offensive line, but I still have to question some of Malzahn's decisions. Regardless of what the coaches say, the play calling indicates a distrust in Newton...particularly in his throwing ability. Cam has a cannon. He's constantly praised for it and shows it off whenever given the chance, which turns out to be not very often. Cam describes himself as a pass-first quarterback, but when given the opportunity to run it, he can and will. In Malzahn's offense, the plan is to open the pass by establishing the run. Auburn is going to have to learn how to establish the run, or Newton is going to struggle to find open receivers all season.

     I was pleasantly surprised to see Dyer starting at tailback this week against Clemson. He didn't produce big numbers, gaining 69 yards on 16 carries, but showed signs of hope. Once again, this is in large part due to the offensive line as well as some questionable blocking by receivers. I am still looking for Dyer to have a big season...hopefully with a breakout game next week against his counterpart, South Carolina's freshman RB Marcus Lattimore. Onterio led the team in rushing, picking up 81 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries. As the season goes on, we'll see how his added weight will help his durability. Mario Fanin did not play. It's speculated that it was due to his hurt shoulder from the week before, but I think his ball security issues play a large part in it as well...hence my opinion of putting him back in the H-back / slot receiver role. Newton, once again, led the team in carries with 17. That is going to have to change if he's going to make it through the season without injury, even at 6'6" 250.

     Given little opportunities this week (7 completions), the receivers played pretty well. Darvin Adams continues to be the indisputable number one, making 5 catches for 118 yards and a touchdown. Zachery made his one catch count...taking it 78 yards to the house. Auburn's going to have to throw the ball around a little more, giving Newton more attempts and the talented and deep receiving corps more attention. They can only block defensive backs for so long before getting tired and bored...Clemson game, case and point.

     I'm looking for some serious changes in the offense going into next week's matchup with South Carolina. Spurrier has an efficient offense and the number one rushing defense in the SEC. Auburn will find much more success if they give Cam more liberties at the line of scrimmage, allowing him to make basic audibles and sling the ball around. Auburn can't afford to have another first half like they had against Clemson...if they do, South Carolina will put the game away before halftime.

Fact or Fiction? Blue Uniforms

     I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but unconfirmed reports point towards Auburn wearing the regular uniforms (and helmets) this Saturday. After a photo leaked from the Auburn Athletic Department of a navy blue football helmet, the internet has been buzzing with rumors of a real "blue out."

     Obviously, that helmet exists...however, apparently it's a one of a kind. The entire football staff met earlier today to try and determine where the picture came from and who released it.

     I will appeal to everyone's hopes, as well as mine, and say that I have also heard of players seeing the picture and responding silently...with a simple grin. And let's be honest, if they have that "prototype" navy blue helmet, chances are they're considering the idea. What better chance to pull it out than on Saturday night when Auburn will be in the national spotlight? I'm still holding out.

Huge Recruiting Weekend

Trooper Taylor, Gus Malzahn, Curtis Luper

     Whenever there's a big SEC vs. ACC game on the schedule, it usually draws a solid group of high school seniors and juniors on both official and unofficial visits. Auburn vs. Clemson has been on ESPN's schedule in the night slot since the beginning of August...there's high expectations to live up to.
     The true sign of a big game is the recruits. Auburn has a very impressive list of recruits expected to be on campus this weekend. Here's the list, thanks to AuburnSports.com.

OL Thomas O'Reilly (AU Commit)
CB Jonathan Rose (AU Commit)
WR Jaylon Denson (AU Commit)
WR Sammie Coates (AU Commit)
QB Kiehl Frazier (AU Commit)

                      LB Justin Garrett (AU Commit)

RB Demetrius Hart

LB Chris Landrum (AU Commit)

DB Anthony Swain (AU Commit)

DL JaBrian Niles (AU Commit)

DE Keymiya Harrell (AU Commit)

ATH Izauea Lanier (AU Commit)
LB Chris Landrum (AU Commit)

                 OL Greg Robinson
                 RB Demetrius Hart
                 DB Erique Florence
                 DL Gabriel Wright
                ATH Quan Bray
                DL/LB Devaunte Sigler
               LB Terrence Smith
               RB Andrew Buie
               DB Ahmad Christian
              DL Gavin Rocker
              DB Bruce Dukes
                                                                      OL Alec Spencer

     OL Michael Flint (2012)

DE Ray Drew

     DB Trae Elston (2012)
     LB Tre’ Banks (2012)
     LB Kwon Alexander (2012)
    LB Reggie Ragland (2012)
   DB Geno Smith (2012)
    DL Justin Shanks (2012)
   ATH Justin Thomas (2012)
   ATH Mario Lanier (2012)

 

     Four-star DE Ray Drew (left) is undecided as to whether he'll visit in-state Georgia this weekend or Auburn. Many believe where he visits this weekend is the new leader to land his signature in February. We'll hope to see him on the plains this weekend.

BLUE OUT: Chizik Speaks To Students

     Yup...I would expect to see Auburn donning the navy blue helmets this coming Saturday against Clemson (the other orange tigers).

     In an attempt to get the student body jacked for the game, Chizik called for a pep-rally like gathering so he could speak to the students this Wednesday night. His message? “This is going to be a special Saturday, guys… I need you guys all in.” Chizik yelled to the students and encouraged them all to make Jordan-Hare the "craziest, wildest, loudest stadium in the country!" Needless to say, the students are ready to live up to that hype.

     As for the blue out, it's going to be fun to watch. Players may warm up in traditional jerseys and enter the field in the navy blue "blue out" uniforms, but either way...expect a surprise.

Yes We Cam

     This is what Auburn has been missing. It's been a long time since Auburn had a quarterback who fans rallied around and truly loved. Cameron Newton has quickly gone from JUCO transfer to Heisman hopeful after two games. Auburn fans have truly embraced Cam and are expecting big things from him. Luckily, Newton came to Auburn to do just that. "I'm looking to go to the national championship..." he said. "...I was looking for the team that would put me in the best situation to play for the national championship." This is exactly what fans and coaches want to hear. Newton came to Auburn strictly on business. And business...is football.


     With a frame of 6'6" and 250 pounds, it's hard to argue. If Cameron Newton continues to improve and perform in Malzahn's offense, Auburn will have another Heisman Trophy candidate. If not this year, then the next.

Dyer To See Increased Role

     Thank God. All signs point towards Mike Dyer (he's recently requested to go by "Mike") seeing a significant increase in playing time this weekend against Clemson.

     Dyer was put in the game and given the ball several times late in last weeks win over Mississippi State. Many think that is a good sign that Dyer will slowly be transitioned into the starting back. When asked whether Dyer would see more playing time and more touches this week, Chizik responded by saying “I think circumstances in the game will determine that. We certainly feel confident enough for that to happen.” Since Chizik is known for keeping details of his program fairly quiet, I will translate that as a 'Yes, Dyer will see a significant increase in playing time as the season progresses.'


     As a huge fan of Mario Fanin, I can only say that I see him better suited as an H-Back / slot receiver type guy...similar to his role last year. Simply put, I do not see Fanin being a successful every-down back.

     To top it off, the timing of this comes just one week before Dyer will face off against South Carolina and Marcus Lattimore. Lattimore and Dyer were the undisputed top two running backs in last years recruting class and continue to be friends. Although he is from South Carolina, many expected to see Lattimore sign with Auburn last spring...joining Dyer in what would have been the scariest two-back system since Cadillac and Ronnie. Lattimore instead chose in-state USC, surprising even Dyer. "(Did you think he was going to come here?) To be honest, yea I did."

     All of this means you can expect to see Dyer on the field much more against Clemson, as well as a very exciting freshmen duel between the two highly-touted backs next week.

College Gameday Crew in Auburn

ESPN's College Gameday live from Auburn in 2008 for LSU vs. Auburn

ESPN's College Gameday will be live from Auburn this Saturday. And yes, they will (of course) be bringing the always lovely and talented Erin Andrews with them. After being in Tuscaloosa last weekend, it's uncommon for the set to broadcast from two schools so close to each other...especially such hated rivals. No, the bus didn't break down on its way out of town. No. 16 Auburn is facing rarely played rival Clemson. If you'll recall, the most recent matchup with Clemson was a Chick-fil-a Bowl overtime victory by Auburn following the 2007 season. Coverage for College Gameday starts at 8 AM CST on ESPNU and at 9 AM CST on ESPN. Look for the Auburn fans to be wearing blue this weekend in an attempt to counter Clemson's orange...and purple.