There has been one common theme in Auburn's recent losses. The Tigers offense has stalled on them in the second half.
Auburn is averaging just 3.57 points per second half in all of their losses since the beginning of the 2016 season.
Auburn has lost to four top ten teams over that span, but they have also blown halftime leads to two unranked teams. The Tigers have been shut out three times in the second half during those seven games and only scored three second half touchdowns. One of those touchdowns came on the last play during garbage time of last season's Sugar Bowl loss to Oklahoma.
Opponents have outscored Auburn by 68 points in the second half of each game they have lost over the last two seasons. The most points they have scored was 10 versus Clemson, which was the first game of the 2016 season.
Auburn has not scored a single point in the second half of both games they have lost this season. Every loss has been a one score game at halftime, yet Auburn has not been able to score enough in the second half to compete. Auburn is 4-7 over the last two seasons in games that were a one possession game at halftime.
The major problem for Auburn in their losses has been execution and play calling in the red-zone. In their losses over the past two seasons, Auburn has kicked more field goals in the red zone than they have scored touchdowns. They have kicked eight field goals and are only 7-18 scoring touchdowns in the red zone.
The Tigers offense stalled late in several of wins over the past season and a half, as well. They didn’t score a touchdown all game against LSU last season, and kicked three second half field goals to secure the win. Auburn only scored one second half touchdown to beat Vanderbilt. Auburn was in a dogfight earlier this season with FCS Mercer and scored 14 second half points to beat them by just 14 points.
There have been a multitude of reasons for offensive struggles in the second half. Against LSU last weekend, it seemed like LSU made the halftime adjustments that Gus Malzahn and his staff did not. Auburn finished with 73 yards of offense in the second half and only six passing yards.
Auburn’s offense became very predictable and the play calling seemed conservation after gaining an early 20-point lead. At one point, Auburn ran the ball on first down 17 times in a row. LSU defensive coordinator Dave Aranda brought an extra man down in the box to combat Auburn’s rushing attack and Auburn made no adjustment.
The offensive struggles continue to pile up in year five of the Gus Malzahn era, and he must find a way to solve these issues for Auburn to be successful.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
