77: While this is not a pure game stat, its importance puts it at the top of this list. So far this season, Auburn’s offense has only forwarded 77 points, ranking them fourth to last in the league, ahead of only South Alabama, Florida Atlantic and Tulane. The total is the worst in the SEC and is 63 points behind the next worst scoring offense: Arkansas. \0x17The offense is averaging 15.4 points per game and has managed only 11 points per game in its four losses.
5: Auburn had \0x93five turnovers during the game. While turnovers are expected from most teams occasionally, Auburn’s quantity of turnovers in critical situations has to alarm the coaching staff. Clint Moseley started the second half in relief of ineffectual starter Kiehl Frazier. While Moseley did seem more decisive than Frazier and gave the team more scoring opportunities, he squandered those chances by throwing two interceptions in the end zone to finish the game.
8: Arkansas sacked Auburn’s quarterbacks eight times Saturday. Auburn has allowed 17 sacks in five games for a total loss of 127 yards. Against Arkansas, Frazier was slow to make his reads and nearly every attempt to evade pressure resulted in him being on the grass. Two sacks were especially costly as Frazier was sacked far enough behind the line of scrimmage on third down to push the team out of \0x93field goal range and force a punt. \0x17The team lost 80 yards from sacks in the Arkansas game alone.
20: Auburn’s three-headed monster of running backs Mike Blakely, Tre Mason and Onterio McCalebb had a total of only 20 carries during the game. On those 20 carries, the trio gained 94 rushing yards with Mason and Blakely each averaging more than 5 yards per carry. In comparison, the quarterback tandem of Frazier and Moseley attempted 35 passes. When a team’s passing game has been stymied by every defense this year, the common belief would be to put the ball in the hands of the players that have had the most success. \0x17The running game has been the only offensive weapon, and yet offensive coordinator Scot Loe\0x9Cffler continues to give the quarterbacks chances to throw picks.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
