For Auburn fans, the 2012 season was one to forget. Players who were recruited to play in a spread offense never meshed with first-year offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler's traditional power running scheme.
Everything that could go wrong for the Tigers did. What a difference a year can make.
A large portion of the credit for the reversal should go to the often overlooked offensive line. Anchored by junior Reese Dismukes at center and sophomore Greg Robinson at left tackle, Auburn's offensive front has emerged statistically as one of the best front five in the SEC.
"I think we've got five guys that are 100 percent bought in and committed to do the right thing all the time," Dismukes said. "We're really starting to gel here."
Dismukes, a three-year starter, is the undeniable leader of the group. "He's a real smart player," Robinson said. "Coach [Dismukes] has high expectations for him, and if he gets everything right for us, because it really starts with him -- he's the first one to touch the ball -- if he communicates with us, everything should fall in line from there."
At 6-foot-5, 320 pounds, Robinson is a prototypical left tackle -- the kind NFL general managers salivate over.
"(Robinson's) an extremely strong young man, and the more experience he gets, you can see he gets more comfortable in our blocking schemes," Malzahn said.
Auburn is averaging 300 rushing yards per game -- more than double last year's average, and freshman guard Alex Kozan is the only member of the group who didn't get significant playing time in 2012.\0x2028
So why is this year's line so much more productive than the last?\0x2028
"I look at it as we're just maturing," Robinson said. "Last year we gave up sacks, but things are different [now]. I think the offense has a big toll on that and who's in the backfield, also."
With more than 30 years of experience, offensive line coach J.B. Grimes preaches fundamentals and flawless technique, which could factor into the Tigers' success.
"There's never a dull moment," Dismukes said. "He's an old-school guy, and I like that."
Offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee, who coached with Grimes at Arkansas State, said he thinks Grimes is as good a fundamental coach as there is.
"We have leaned on (the offensive line) since day one," Lashlee said. "Coach Grimes has done an excellent job."
No matter the explanation for the Auburn offensive line's jump from worst to first, the improved front five has proven vital in returning the Tigers to national prominence.
"None of us are (worried) about awards and all that stuff," Dismukes said. "We're hogs and that's what we do."
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