Ball security, effort and tackling was the focus as offensive and defensive coordinators Rhett Lashlee and Ellis Johnson, met with the media on Sunday night to review the Arkansas State game.
Offensively Auburn had a good night, rushing for 302 yards and throwing for 167 yards resulting in a total of almost 500 yards of offense.
"I saw guys play hard and there were definitely some areas that I think we got better in," Lashlee said.
A main focus for the offense on Sunday was ball security. Auburn had three fumbles against Arkansas State. Even though only one of the fumbles was recovered by the Arkansas State defense the coaches still addressed it on Sunday.
"We preach it from day one over and over again that the football is the important thing we've got, and we can't put our defense in bad situations," Lashlee said. "At some point it's got to become a habit and it's got to become important to everybody."
Defensively Auburn did not give up any touchdowns on Saturday, but Arkansas State did move the ball well against the Auburn defense.
"We were really pleased with the effort," Johnson said. "The effort is really what kept us from giving up points because we really had some trash plays all over the field that could have created some problems for us."
Tackling has been a major issue for Auburn defenses the past few years. Ellis Johnson has seen tackling improving, but it is still inconsistent.
"Tackling was probably an A minus," Johnson said. "It was good at times and it was physical. It was more physical than it has been, but we had some that looked a little ugly. Space tackles we've got to start making, those are critical because it gives up a lot of extra yardage. Guys, I think, are taking a little too aggressive shot. Sometimes you just need to make the sure tackle."
Injured defensive players Dee Ford and Justin Garrett are still considered day-to-day, and Johnson is still not sure if they will play against Mississippi State.
Players will be off on Monday and then return to the practice field on Tuesday to begin preparing for Mississippi State.
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