Auburn football may have gotten back on the winning track Saturday against Samford, but offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee said ending a trend of slow starts will be critical if the Tigers want to upset No. 1 Alabama in the Iron Bowl.
"Right now, as long as we don't turn the ball over on the first play, it's a positive," offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee said. "The last couple times we did that it didn't go so well."
Lashlee said he believes the key to avoiding slow starts is generating explosive plays, referencing a 49-yard pass to wide receiver Sammie Coates after the Tigers' slow offensive start against Samford.
"We're obviously better when we can get some explosive plays," Lashlee said. "Those explosive plays lead to tempo and tempo leads to points."
Wide receiver Quan Bray said another factor in the slow starts has been penalties. The senior said untimely penalties put the offense behind schedule and out of sync.
"Once we get penalties and get behind the sticks, our offense doesn't move as well," Bray said. "When we get off to a good start, then our offense gets to clicking."
The Tigers' penalty issues are well documented. Auburn currently leads the SEC in penalty yards according to CFBStats.com, a trend that hasn't shown improvement throughout the season.
Auburn could also benefit from the return of several injured players Saturday. Wide receiver Ricardo Louis, who sat out against Samford as a precaution, is expected to play while the coaching staff is optimistic fellow receiver D'haquille Williams will return.
Additionally, Coates is "as healthy as he has been all year," according to Lashlee.
With a number of pieces returning to the field, Lashlee said it will be business as usual for the Tigers in preparation, even with a trip to No. 1 Alabama on the horizon.
"We've got to be ready to play," Lashlee said. "We're going to practice and prepare every week just the same."
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