Auburn Football: Just a Little Thought and Pure Power for 2010

I was watching an interview with Tony Blair on a news program today. He said that the only thing that will work with Iran is pure power. However, his statement put my mind to more important topics like college football.

Auburn had a much improved offense in 2009. There was an element missing, though. There was no stick-it-in-your-face, hard-core, power play. This was detrimental to continuing drives on more than one occasion.

Then I started thinking about 2010. I wondered what Gus Malzhan has planned to rectify this problem. There was never the first doubt in my mind that he had already considered a cure.

The answer was right in front of my face. It was simple to see, and confirmation was easy to find. The pieces are already in place for the 2010 season. It will be a welcome sight for Auburn fans.

Auburn had a good offensive line in 2009. It was one of the better offensive lines in the SEC. They did have multiple problems with discipline and committed many penalties. This was a veteran unit, but not deep in quality depth. 

The Auburn offensive line added a huge amount of new talent that will add to depth and strength in 2010. For the first time in a while, Auburn will be able to field an offensive line that can get the job done with proper rest in the rotation.

Auburn used the wildcat formation for power in 2009. It was less and less effective as the season rolled along. Late in the games on third and forth with short yardage to gain, Auburn suffered.

With improvements on the offensive line, we can assume that yardage can be gained between the tackles most of the time. The question still remains: What does Auburn do when the offensive line is simply not enough?

That question was answered with the signing of Ladirious Phillips. Most Auburn fans thought this young man was recruited as a defensive tackle. This is simply not the case. He recently told friends that he was recruited as a running back. It is assumed if he does not grow out of the position, he will be a 6'1" 250 pound-plus running back.

This might not seem like a big revelation, but it brings a new dimension to the Auburn offense. Gus Malzhan and Gene Chizik both have commented on using Phillips as a running back. It is largely thought that he will play running back unless he continues to grow.

Unless Ladirious Phillips begins a strength and conditioning program on his own in the offseason, it is unlikely he will be a multiple down back in 2010. If he were to start cardiovascular and other conditioning recommended by Coach Kevin Yoxall, this young man could really play a large role in the 2010 offense.

This is what we do know and can count on. Ladirious Phillips is a 6'1" 270 pound running back. He is extremely strong and was a 4A all state defensive tackle in Alabama. This means Auburn has a defensive tackle that can carry the ball. 

I expect he will start the season at about 250 pounds for 2010. With his driving strength and momentum, he will be good for another two yards after contact. This is the very definition of a short yardage running back. 

With the improvements in size, strength, conditioning, and talent on the offensive line and this young man as a short yardage running back, Auburn's short yardage chances just improved exponentially. If I were an opposing defensive lineman, I would get worried, real worried.

Dontae Aycock is a redshirt freshman running back. He is the definition of an SEC running back. He is fast, can make the first man miss consistently, and is powerful enough to break tackles after contact.

While Auburn is having to replace Ben Tate, a very successful running back, there will be a surge in production from this position in 2010. Many believed the best running back on the Auburn team last November played on the scout team; he is that good.

We do not know what to expect in production from Michael Dyer. We only know that he has abundant talent and potential. He also has a great work ethic. While he may not be the best running back on the Auburn team in 2010, he will likely be one of the best in the SEC.

Auburn fans should know that all of the parts are in place for a great power-rushing attack in 2010. This will certainly help in those short-yardage situations.