Success Strategy for Auburn in 2009: The Return of the Run

This is part two of four in a series of articles leading up to Auburn's season opener against Louisiana Tech.  Today I look at the running game and how essential it needs to be this season.

Stop me if you've heard this one before: Auburn plans on running the football. 

Running the football has been Auburn's bread and butter for longer than I've been alive (except for some years, for example when a certain Bowden was head coach.)  It has become essential over the years, with various names throughout Auburn's 116 seasons on the playing field. 

Traditionally, it has been up to one running back who carries the load throughout the season.  While I look for Ben Tate to be the main man, I will also be looking for offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn to be handing the ball off to several others in the backfield. 

Mario Fannin, listed as a fullback, and Onterio McCalebb, Tate's back-up, are two guys that can share the load with Ben as the season progresses.  Fannin is known to be a multifaceted player, with McCalebb showing flashes of speed when in the open field. 

Now think about this, Auburn fans: the return of two backs in the backfield at the same time.  With Malzahn's version of the spread, this can be utilized in so many fashions.

You may stop your drooling now.

When starting quarterback Chris Todd tries to find rhythm with his young wide receivers, the running game becomes the crutch to lean on while other parts try to feel their way out.  Success in the running game early will help open up opportunities in the passing game. 

Simply put, they will run to set up the passing attack. 

That philosophy sounds familiar doesn't it? 

Most importantly, it has shown that it has worked on the Plains time and time again. 

For all the doubters and stat hungry people out there, I give you this little morsel:

Malzahn's debut with Tulsa back in 2007 ended with a 35-17 victory over Louisiana-Monroe.  In that victory, running back Tarrion Adams carried 28 times for 129 yards, while Jamad Williams had 15 carries for 88 yards.

The passing game you ask?  Well, Tulsa quarterback Paul Smith completed 22-of-31 passes for 307 yards and three touchdowns.  Five players had two or more catches in that game.

In Auburn's situation, success will come in utilizing the backfield.  Tate, Fannin, McCalebb, with the possibility of fullbacks John Douglas and Gabe McKenzie playing as well, will have the burden of starting the offense on the right foot. 

Or left foot.  It doesn't really matter on which foot they start running.  So as long as they run for positive yards. 

It's time for Auburn to return to what it knows.  It may be a bit different than what fans have seen in the past, but make no mistake, there will be pads clanging and dust flying.

Just how Auburn fans like it.