Auburn, Tennessee Two Teams That Improved

Watching the game between Tennessee and Auburn some points were obvious. Tennessee has improved over last year. Auburn is even more improved and can contend with any and every team in the South Eastern Conference. I thought an outline of observations was due these two teams.

Tennessee played a fair game in the first half. Gone were most of the mistakes and turnovers that have plagued this team for the first four games of this season. The Tennessee defense was even better than last year. Monte Kiffin was worth all of the money Tennessee spent on the whole new coaching staff. His plan to neutralize the Auburn offense was brilliant. The Tennessee defense carried out his plan with skill and precision. There were few mistakes for Tennessee on defense last night. Tennessee's offense is its own worse enemy. Dropped passes and poorly thrown passes kept the Vols from being in this one every step of the way. This all changed in the forth quarter when the Vols showed what kind of offense they can be. I think the biggest problem with this offense is self confidence. I think this game will infuse some of that in Tennessee's players and I look for Tennessee have a good shot at whipping Georgia and play Alabama tough. The rest of their games should be Vol wins if they keep that confidence going. 

Lane Kiffin called a brilliant game. He gave the Vols the plays they needed with the tools they have. If all of these plays had been executed with the precision and skill Tennessee showed in the forth quarter this would have been a real grid iron war with the outcome unclear. Lane Kiffin is going to make a great young coach for Tennessee.

Auburn came into this game having played all of the previous four games at home. No one as of yet has given Auburn any credit or attention. Auburn is still considered to be a largely untalented team with a weak defense. The odds makers are going to lose a pile of money until they change that bias against this team. Auburn came out and threw very little of their offensive tools at Tennessee. They played this game slow and did not use much misdirection after the first quarter. They still took control of this game and the final result was not in doubt after the first quarter. Auburn showed the ability to use time to their advantage when ahead. They were able to control time of possession throughout the entire game. One had the feeling that Auburn could have ramped up the offensive intensity at any point to their liking. Tennessee did a wonderful job of protecting the Red Zone. The problem was that Auburn was in the Red Zone at will throughout the game. Tennessee was never in a position to take a lead in the game in the second half. Auburn was able to conserve and protect their starters as well as stay ahead in the game. The only conclusion from this game is that no team without a powerful offense capable of dominating Auburn's defense will beat this team out right. They will be able to compete to win in every remaining game. They will be able to score at will in every game with the possible exception of Alabama. Gene Chizik and Gus Malzhan slowed the tempo of this game and reduced the amount of complexity in the offense to allow for a good first road game. This will change soon. Auburn did not have to go wide open against Tennessee, they will against Arkansas. Still Tennessee's defense was gassed in the second quarter. This was Auburn's version of a ball control conservative game.

Auburn's defense was good. They largely controlled the game and were able to do what was necessary to win the game. The defensive plan was solid and carried out with precision. The starters were not allowed to over extend themselves and get injured. Auburn did show some weakness toward the short pass. The run was controlled well. There were still some big plays allowed and that needs work.

Special teams were just that. Gone were the mistakes of the first four games. Ben Tate and Onterio McClebb were nothing less than spectacular in kick off returns. Punt returns were handled with skill. Coverage was still less than adequate. This kind of coverage will loose Auburn a game if not improved. 

I come away with the knowledge that Auburn can win the Western Division of the SEC. They are certainly not the favorite or front runner, but let this be known. Auburn can beat every team in the SEC including Alabama and Georgia. They can do it on any day, not any given day. All they need to do is eliminate mistakes and keep improving. This is going to be a wonderful season for the Auburn Tigers. All of those who doubted that the Gene Chizik hire was a mistake, take a look at this team and the early recruiting results and rethink your position. If you do not this man will make a mockery of you and never say a word. His actions speak volumes. Gus Malzhan is as advertised, an offensive genius. I hope he will find a home at Auburn.