AUBURN—Auburn’s offense has struggled to score points in power four games so far this season, getting outscored 45-28.
The Tigers have not had a problem moving the ball downfield, averaging 8.3 yards per play, which is good for sixth in the country. They also lead the SEC in yards per completion with 9.79 yards per catch. However, they have turned that ball over 14 times through the first four games - ranking the worst in the nation. Comparatively, Auburn turned the ball over just 20 times throughout the entire 2023 season.
“Exactly what we’re doing,” Freeze said on his offensive identity. “I think there’s open receivers. I think we’re running the ball effectively. I’m not sure why we would change any of that. … I mean, go watch the game and you see, we’re moving the football. So, I believe in what we’re doing. And I don’t think there’s any changes that need to be made, other than 10 turnovers in two football games.”
Obviously, the big storyline surrounding the football program has been the controversy in the quarterback room. With two different starters in four weeks, and the two combining for eight interceptions in their respective showings, it leaves a week four quarterback battle for Freeze to evaluate heading into the second week of SEC play.
“It’s going to be a battle this week,” Freeze said of the quarterback situation. “We’ll see who can master the plan for all the fronts we’re going to see against Oklahoma."
Maybe the lone highlight for the Tigers’ offense thus far has been the play of Penn State transfer wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith. Lambert-Smith leads the Tigers in receptions and receiving yards with 338 yards on 12 catches, adding an additional five touchdowns. He is averaging 28.2 yards per catch - top 10 in the country.
“Yeah, I don’t know that we can expect much more out of him, really,” Freeze said. “He’s playing dang near every snap and he’s playing at a high level - making plays when they come to him.”
Despite a struggling quarterback room, Freeze and offensive coordinator Derrick Nix have produced a good run game, that is when they opt to put the ball on the ground. After having a career-high in carries against New Mexico, Jarquez Hunter received only 12 carries against Arkansas. He totaled 80% of his total yardage on his first six carries.
“We do believe in our running backs. We believe in our running game," Freeze said. “We did a study yesterday on ourselves, self-scouting wise, and when we stay in our run game, RPO world, on second down, we have converted the third downs at a high, high percentage of the time. When we’ve gone to drop back pass, the percentages drop off quite considerably.”
Freeze and his staff will have a week to prepare for one of the best defenses in the nation in Oklahoma. The Sooners will bring a top-20 ranked squad to Jordan-Hare Stadium for the first time ever. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. CT on ABC.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email logan.fowler@1819News.com.
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