The Auburn Tigers defense has been no stranger to adversity in recent years.
Battling disciplinary issues, coaching changes and an ever growing list of injured players, the Tigers have looked back at the trials of the 2012 season for inspiration during the 2013 season.
"Everything we went through last year is showing its effect this year," senior defensive end Dee Ford said. "We look at each other like 'Our backs are against the wall, but we've been through worse.' That shows a lot of maturity and trust that we have on defense and offense."
Ford said there is a night and day difference in the defense's mentality compared to last season.
"We're the same players, but a different team from last year," Ford said. "It is a new day and we're not worried about last year. We expected this and we're going to keep moving from here."
A late injury to Joshua Holsey during Thursday's practice added another name to the long list of injured Tigers defenders and forced cornerback Ryan Smith to take over his position.
Combined with the offseason dismissal of safety Demetruce McNeal, defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson said the defense has been hampered by a lack of depth in the secondary.
"If we had them all healthy, I think you'd see a lot better things," Johnson said. "Even as proud as I am of them, when they get tired we don't have anybody to sub for them. In addition to that, some of these injuries are costing us some of our best special team players."
Despite the injuries, Johnson said the defense has rallied around each other and is finally settling into his defensive scheme.
"We're starting to find our personnel and what they do best," Johnson said. "We actually took a pretty simple game plan against Texas A&M and it actually helped because our players were able to play a little faster. I'm just really proud of how well the players have handled it."
Fatigue has been an issue for the Tigers against pacier offenses, but a tough offseason conditioning program has proven essential to the defense's longevity.
"It's what you train for in the summer," senior defensive back Ryan Smith said. "You don't think about being tired or needing a rest because you live for that moment and that's the spotlight you want to be in."
Auburn's 45-41 over then No. 7 Texas A&M has given the Tigers a renewed sense of confidence moving into the second half of the 2013 season.
"The sky is the limit," Ford said. "It's a great environment to play in when your team can trust in each other at pivotal times in the game. We're just trying to keep our composure and our focus so we can keep moving forward."
Ford said the Tigers have one goal in mind after their 6-1 start to the 2013 season.
"I think we can win it all," Ford said. "There's no reason to say that we can't. Why not win it all?"
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