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.