Auburn Vs. Tennessee Clash Of Polar Oposites

In 2008 the Auburn Vs. Tennessee game was a clash of two teams that were defensively oriented. The entire game netted 417 yards of total offense for both teams combined. Auburn is averaging more than this per game this year. Both teams combined scored 26 points last year, Auburn is averaging over 40 per game this year. Third down conversions averaged less than 1/3 for both teams last year. Auburn is averaging better than 1/2 this year. The list goes on and on. 

Tennessee is if anything more defensively oriented this year. They have put up ferocious defensive efforts in each of their games. Their running game has proven effective against good defenses like Florida. They have averaged 34.75 points per game on offense and allowed only 14.5 points per game on defense. The statistics show a formidable opponent. They are favored by the odds makers in this game opening week. Why are they 2-2 this season. First they lost both games to currently undefeated teams. Second they have been plagued by turnovers. Third they have been plagued by turnovers. Did I mention turn over problems. The turnovers originated mostly in the passing game. Look for Tennessee to come at Auburn with the running attack and stick with it until they are falling behind or Auburn stops it. Jonathan Crompton has began this year confirming his ability to confound the odds and throw more interceptions than touchdowns. This is Tennessee's problem.

While Tennessee is an improved version of last years team. Auburn is absolutely the opposite. Auburn has been nothing less than awe inspiring on offense this season. Averaging 45.25 points per game and over 500 yards of offense. The Auburn defense is allowing 24.25 points per game. If Auburn had averaged this many points on offense last season they would have won nine games. Auburn just came off a game where they allowed Ball State 30 points. They had only scored 43 in their three previous game totals. Where did the Auburn defense go? Answer nowhere! Auburn's first string defense has performed exceptionally in every game. The run defense has been stellar and the pass defense good as well. Most of the excess points were given up by special teams and turnovers. Did I mention Turnovers? The only less than stellar moment for the Auburn first string defense was against West Virginia in the first two minutes allowing 14 points. Special teams has been the thorn in the side of this team. Auburn has also earned more penalties than any Auburn team in recent times. These two faults along with playing Second and Third string players after the games were won have skewed the statistics a little.

Auburn has taken steps to correct the special teams problem by pulling red shirts off some freshmen. No one knows if this will work. The truth is Auburn is just plain short on athletes and the special teams is what has suffered. There is no answer so far for Auburn's abysmal Kick Off and Punt returns. They have yet to find a player that can catch the ball. This has been a top priority for coach Gene Chizik for a few games now, but there is no apparent improvement.  

How the game plays out is hard to predict. Tennessee has a strong defense against the run. I do not look for Auburn to rush for 200 yards in this one. Tennessee has proven susceptible to the pass. Auburn has a serviceable passing game. Tennessee lives and breathes off the run. I think Auburn can contain the run. Tennessee has proven effective passing. This will challenge Auburn's young back field. I expect turnovers to be the key in this game. Turnovers ruin momentum and momentum wins games. I can not see Tennessee stopping Auburn's running and passing attack cold. If Auburn gets a few good drives it will tire out Tennessee's defense. Tennessee has one of the best defensive minds there is as a defensive coordinator. Tennessee has only allowed 20 points in one game so far. 

Look for Tennessee's defense to be upturned in this one. Auburn 38 Tennessee 14!!