The Auburn defense snapped a brutal streak in Saturday's 34-7 victory over Samford. For the first time since Oct. 4, the Tigers held their opponents to fewer than 30 points.
But the Tiger defense is still in need of some "polishing" according to linebacker Kris Frost, and containing Alabama playmakers Amari Cooper, TJ Yeldon and Derrick Henry will require a mature performance Saturday night.
"It's all about being disciplined," Frost said. "When you're playing a team as balanced as they are, you just do all you can to be disciplined. The most disciplined team will come out on top."
Defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson said the main issue has been the accumulation of penalty yards, a category in which Auburn ranks last in the SEC and 114th nationally.
"The biggest thing is these penalties," Johnson said. "It's not just on defense, but in particular on defense, things like lining up offside. I don't care if it's Samford or Green Bay, just line up onside."
While some of the issues have been obvious mental mistakes, others have left Johnson questioning officiating.
"Officials are doing a great job, but we're getting some interference calls and things that we can't uncoach our kids to play aggressively," Johnson said. "I think some of them are very questionable, but those are judgment calls."
The penalties have allowed opponents to extend drives and wear down the defense, according to Johnson. Even in a solid performance, such as against Samford, Johnson said it was an issue.
"There were three drives last night that were 40 yards or longer," Johnson said. "Each one of them was full of penalties. We've got to cut it out."
The Tigers were called on eight penalties for 76 yards against Samford, slightly above their seven penalty, 70 yard average.
Auburn may be out of the SEC Championship and College Football Playoff race, but Frost said nothing has changed about the Iron Bowl. For Auburn, it is simply "the most important game of the season."
"The Iron Bowl is the Iron Bowl," Frost said. "It doesn't matter what the records are of each team. We're still going to come out and prepare everyday like it's the most important game of the season, because it is."
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