Auburn-La. Tech: Tiger's Take on the Auburn Tigers, Week One

With the first game underneath Auburn's belt, much was revealed to fans and media alike, but not so much to opponents. Auburn came out and made all four points mentioned in my preview for this game, resulting in a rather convincing win for the Tigers. Mostly good topics to discuss this week, but some not so good. 

Offense

The Cons

Losing two fumbles is not good in any circumstance. One fumble came in the red zone, where Auburn does not need to turn over the ball.

One thing I did notice watching the replay on TV this evening was the receivers and their routes. At times they looked a bit off, some due to quarterback Chris Todd not reacting as quickly as he should and some due to inexperience. However, this will get better for these guys and will improve over time. 

The Pros

Now for the fun part. Quickly, tell me the last time Auburn had over 500 yards of offense in a game. If you said vs. Kentucky in 2005, congratulations! You know your Auburn history. 

The last time Auburn had a freshman run 100 yards or more in his debut? A fellow by the name of Bo Jackson. 

The list goes on and on, including the new longest pass record on the 93-yard TD to junior wide receiver Terrell Zachery.

It showcased what Auburn can do from a simple game plan. The running game looks different out of a shotgun set, but the results couldn't be any better for an opening game. 

Auburn kept attacking over the middle, picking on the Bulldog linebackers with passes from the backfield. Mario Fannin became a favorite target of Todd, with eight catches for 82 yards. Darvin Adams also had a touchdown pass for 17 yards.

The offensive line did a good job blocking for Todd and the backfield. Anytime you don't give up a sack means a good day for the hog mollies up front.

Stars on the Offensive Side

Running back Onterio McCalebb—148 yards on 22 carries with a touchdown.

Quarterback Chris Todd—17-for-26, 255 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions.

Wide receiver Terrell Zachery—three catches for 98 yards with the 93-yard touchdown reception.

Defense

The Cons

Penalties rule the day on the con side. Face mask penalties were more abundant than ants at a picnic early in the game. Those penalties kept La. Tech in the game in the first half. Auburn must cut down on those. 

As for some of the pass interference penalties that went against Auburn, well, to be nice about it, those were not the greatest calls in the world. 

Short passes dominated the Tigers in the middle, mostly when they went to a zone coverage. The defense also allowed La. Tech quarterback Ross Jenkins to get into space a few times. That will have to be adjusted to as well.

The Pros

The defense was on the field for what seemed like forever at times, but they held the Bulldogs to only 245 yards and only 96 yards on the ground. 

The defense made halftime adjustments and was able to penetrate the offensive line.  This created pressure on Jenkins and the backfield. 

For a starting freshman, defensive back Daren Bates was all over the field Saturday night. I was highly impressed by this young man, especially his interception at the Auburn two-yard line. 

Defensive back Zac Etheridge also played excellently, finishing with eight tackles on the night. 

Another man that was a pleasure to watch was defensive tackle Nick Fairley. He had five tackles on the night and a fumble recovery. He's emerged as a solid backup for the defensive line.

The defense swarmed to the football and was tackling well also. All in all, a solid performance for the defense. 

Stars on the Defensive Side

Defensive back Daren Bates—three tackles and one interception.

Defensive tackle Antonio Coleman—seven tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and one sack for seven yards.

Linebacker Craig Stevens—eight tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and one sack for two yards.

Intangibles

Head coach Gene Chizik brought up the rear of Tiger Walk, which I had seen earlier coaches do, but never have I seen the assistant coaches walk down Donahue and into the stadium. That gave me a great impression on what he wants to bring to this program.

Another thing I witnessed that I hardly saw all last year—there was a fire in the players, coaches, and fans. It was a renewed spirit amongst the faithful, and football became fun again. 

Winning helps ease transitions and puts minds at peace, but it was just so refreshing to watch those young men out there having fun again. It was what this program needed this early in the season. I expect to have that carry throughout the season.

Final Analysis

Overall, it was a solid performance from the offense, defense, and special teams. There are quite a few things to improve on, but you couldn't ask for a better start than what Auburn got this past Saturday.

Now the attention turns to a Bulldog of a different kind—one of the SEC variety in Mississippi State. Let the real fun begin at Jordan-Hare this coming Saturday.