With kickoff to the 2013 football season less than a week away, Auburn defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson said he wants his defense prepared, not only for Washington State's potent passing attack, but also its developing run game.
"You can't just take a pass defense approach and forget about the run," Johnson said. "They did not run the ball well last year, but they've got an offensive line that is greatly improved with some new faces."
The Cougars, now in their second year under coach Mike Leach, finished last nationally in rushing yards per game last season.
"The run is the biggest thing they've been wanting to work on this offseason," said senior defensive end Craig Sanders. "I know they're going to be passing, but I'm pretty sure they're going to be wanting to run it."
The Cougars' averaged 29 yards per game, 10 yards less than Tulane, which finished just above the Cougars in that category.
"They've been really talking positive about the running backs," Johnson said. "They're good players. I think their running game is going to be more effective this year, but it is something that you can't ignore."
Johnson said stifling the run game will also help to contain the Cougars' passing attack, a category Leach's team finished 9th nationally in 2012.
"There's no question about it, (Leach) loves to throw the football," Johnson said. "His running game can become a problem though. If you allow him to establish the running back, you're going to have a long day."
Auburn's team conditioning will likely receive a test Saturday, Aug. 31, going up against Leach's pass-heavy spread offense.
"They had a 105-play scrimmage recently, and they ran the ball five times," Sanders said. "That's a lot of pass rushing, so we have to be in shape for that."
Johnson also expressed concerns that a lack of depth on the perimeter could create issues against the air raid offense.
"You get one dinged up or one has to come out of the game, you cannot have a huge drop off to that next guy against a team like this because they're going to throw it out there and keep pressuring you," Johnson said.
Though both coach Gus Malzahn and Leach are renowned for their versions of the spread offense, the differences in play styles have made scout team practice difficult for Johnson and his defense.
"The spread to me is three or four wide receivers on the field at one time and tempo," Johnson said. "There are all different flavors. What we've prepared for with our offense in some aspects will have prepared us very well for what we are going to see, but some of it is very different."
With many players potentially getting their first starts, Saturday will be a chance for Auburn's defense to showcase their offseason improvement.
"I will be able to jump ten feet in the air," Sanders said. "It's going to be awesome, I'm ready."
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