It's no secret that this season has been a relative disappointment for most Auburn fans, but most of the issues faced by the tigers have been self-inflicted. Compared to last year, Auburn has been inconsistent, undisciplined, and at times, lifeless. Don't get me wrong; I give Auburn more than a legitimate shot at beating in state rival Alabama this Saturday, but things will need to improve if the tigers want to remain relevant come the 4th quarter.
Control the things you can control
The most glaring difference between this year and last has to be the penalties. Auburn has already committed more penalties and for far more yards this season (76 penalties for 766 yards) than all of last season (70 for 569 yards). The difference in yardage speaks directly to the number of personal fouls committed by the tigers. In order to have a chance, Auburn has to maintain a level head because penalties are the easiest way to lose the field position battle.
Put pressure on the quarterback
The tigers have to get to the quarterback. Despite improvements in the secondary, Auburn's defense ranks 75th in the nation in passing yards allowed. The tigers have sacked opposing quarterbacks only 19 times all season, and the team's sacks leader, Devonte Lambert, will miss the Alabama game after injuring his knee against Samford. Auburn's four defensive tackle front has done slim to nothing to help their corners and safeties all season, and Alabama wide receiver, Amari Cooper, might be the best in the country. AU can't let Blake Sims sit in the pocket and wait for Cooper to get open, and he will get open.
Get off initial blocks and head to the second level
Last year's Auburn team led the country in rushing. That's not to say that the tigers can't rush the ball this year, in fact, they rank eighth in the country in rushing yards per game. However, the difference between this years rushing and last years has been the losses of Jay Prosch and Greg Robinson. Although the numbers in terms of yards and attempts are very similar, the long gashes in the running game aren't there. Prosch and Robinson paved the way to Tre Mason's Heisman campaign by getting to the second level of the defense. The Tigers will need to take care of Alabama's defensive linemen, and be able to reach a very talented group of Tide linebackers.
Stay out of third and long situations
Nick Marshall is ninth in the SEC in passing yards for a reason. That doesn't mean he's bad, some might even say that he's better than the other SEC quarterbacks because of his ability to run and throw. That being said, he isn't a quarterback that consistently beats defenses when they know he has to throw. If Auburn wants to be successful in the passing game, it will have to be after they've forced Alabama into bringing eight and nine men to the line of scrimmage. Alabama allows opposing teams to convert on third down only 35 percent of the time, not to mention they have one of the most talented safeties in the country in Landon Collins.
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