Every Tuesday we present “The Auburn Corner,” where we’ll get into a different topic on the Auburn Tigers, break down the previous game, preview the upcoming game, and everything in between.
Auburn is at a crossroads following the close loss to Georgia.
The Tigers showed an ability to compete last Saturday at Jordan-Hare Stadium. This was something that could not have been said before the 27-20 loss to the two-time defending national champion Georgia Bulldogs.
However, the schedule isn’t getting easier and the same problems persist on offense.
Auburn has a bye this weekend before heading to Baton Rouge for the infamous Death Valley at night matchup next week at LSU.
Tigers head coach Hugh Freeze must take this week to improve the passing game and be able to exploit the weaknesses of LSU. For all of their strengths, LSU is struggling greatly against the pass right now. But, as we have stated, Auburn simply does not pose any threat throwing the ball.
Even though last week’s loss to Ole Miss may not have shown it, LSU boasts one of the best front-sevens in the nation. However, the Rebels gashed LSU for more than 300 yards on the ground, leaving LSU vulnerable to an Auburn rushing attack that just had an impressive performance against Georgia.
It’s worth monitoring what LSU does this week on the road in an all-Tiger matchup at Missouri. These Tigers have been a pleasant surprise thus far with a 5-0 start and ranked No. 21 in the AP Poll.
Freeze and company will be keeping a close eye on this one. But the bye comes at a great time for a team that can build some momentum after its performance against Georgia.
It’d be fair to say the season thus far has seen more down than up for Auburn. The Tigers have done enough good things to build on, but they have to improve on their weaknesses as they head into the meat of the schedule.
Of course, Auburn will lean on its run game and defense throughout the season, but an offense with no passing threat is no offense at all.
Things don’t get any easier for Auburn moving forward, and if they can’t get things right during the bye, it could be a long night in Baton Rouge on Oct. 14.
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