In Saturday’s home opener against Georgia Southern, the No. 12 Auburn Tigers are likely to be presented with a challenge by a formidable Eagles offense.
Reports confirm that GSU plans to reinstall and run its shotgun-based triple-option attack on Saturday under former Georgia Tech offensive coordinator Bryan Cook.
In the final preseason press conference, Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn made several comments regarding the unique Georgia Southern offense.
“They present challenges with that triple option, there’s no question about it. Three years ago, they beat Florida, they took Georgia to overtime… They played a lot of good teams well,” Malzahn said.
With both teams adjusting to having a new quarterback and offensive coordinator in the mix, the matchup on The Plains should be one for the books.
While many eyes are on Auburn’s new starting quarterback Jarrett Stidham, the Tigers defensive line will hold the most responsibility for Georgia Southern and its unique triple-option attack.
As for the Eagles, redshirt freshman Shai Werts will get the start as quarterback on Saturday. The Clinton, South Carolina native will be making his collegiate debut against the Tigers, so Auburn’s coaching staff is limited on ways to prepare for Werts.
“To get a true picture of them cutting it like they cut in the offensive line, we’re not going to be able to simulate that," Auburn defensive coordinator Kevin Steele said. "It’s a challenge, there’s no doubt it’s a challenge. But it is what it is and we’ve got to get it done.
Steele’s previous experiences in facing Georgia Tech gives him a sense of familiarity with the triple-option attack, so Auburn shouldn’t be completely blindsided by the Eagles offense.
Although the circumstances of Saturday’s game are somewhat unusual with GSU’s offensive playbook, Auburn is projected to take the game by five touchdowns.
Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. CST in Jordan-Hare Stadium on Saturday. The game will be televised on SEC Network.
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