A common saying in college football is that the biggest improvement for any team comes between weeks one and two. Auburn's offense exemplified that saying by rebounding from a mediocre performance against Clemson with one of the best performances in school history against Arkansas State.
A week after gaining just 262 yards (with 87 on the ground), the Tigers gained 706 yards, including 462 on the ground. It was the second-best offensive performance in Auburn history, and the unit goes into the Texas A&M game with momentum.
The offensive line's performance in particular was improved, as Auburn allowed just one sack and paved the way for such a dominant performance.
“I think we’re taking steps," guard Braden Smith said. "I think the overall goal for the offensive line this week was just to play more physically. I think we accomplished that goal. We’re just taking baby steps, progressing through each week.”
New offensive line coach Herb Hand preaches physicality, and the offensive line delivered in a big way under the pressure to improve.
“We played more physically," Smith said. "We got after it a lot more than we did the previous week. I think that was more of an emphasis during the game.”
While offensive improvement was expected against the Sun Belt's Red Wolves, the degree of improvement has instilled the Tigers with confidence heading into their showdown with the Aggies.
“It provides momentum going into the next game," Smith said. "Any time you get momentum going, that’s always a positive.”
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