Auburn Football: Defense Is Still The Reason Auburn Wins Games

CRACK!

Did you hear that?

BOOM!

Did you see that hit?  I hope you did.

Auburn's new offense got off the ground against Southern Miss, but the defense is the reason this game wasn't in doubt at all.  This defensive squad has performed like it should with a number of veterans returning along with a mix of young, talented players. 

It's early I know, and the competition, for less of a better word, isn't SEC-caliber either.  But to hold Southern Miss to 37 yards rushing when they rushed for 444 in their first game is nothing to overlook. 

Jerraud Powers has looked amazing in the secondary.  He has been a madman on a mission.  Other defensive backs such as Neiko Thorpe, Mike McNeil, Walter McFadden, and Zac Etheridge, have also stepped it up. 

The linebackers (Chris Evans, Tray Blackmon, Merrill Johnson, etc.) have shown off their talents, with the three mentioned displaying their leadership on the field. 

And the line has been a blessing with a great mix of vets (Sen'Derrick Marks, Antonio Coleman) and youth (Michael Goggins, Antoine Carter) who have made themselves known to their opposing offensive lines and quarterbacks. 

In my years of following Auburn football, I have never seen so many hard hits that this defense has delivered in just two games.  It has been just as much of a thrill watching these guys hit somebody as well as seeing the Auburn offense take flight. 

Granted this is all early, and SEC play starts next week against Mississippi State (which there will be no overlook to LSU after getting upset by the Bulldogs last year). 

As an Auburn fan, you have to love the fact that even with the new offensive facelift, the defense wasn't, isn't, and will never be an afterthought.  After all, Tuberville has proven in his tenure that you can be successful in this league with a sound defense.

There is still a lot of room for improvement, and the competition will be ramped up this weekend as the Tiger's head to Starkville.

Defensive coordinator Paul Rhoads said after practice today,

"I think we're improving.  We're understanding the concepts, and we're understanding the urgency we need to play with. I don't think we're in football shape yet, and I don't think we're tackling well enough yet. The learning process is ongoing and they understand that. I'm pleased with the maturity that this defensive unit is showing up to this point."*

It never fails to lean on the old saying, "Offense wins games, Defense wins championships."

Off to Starkville the Tigers go! My preview will be up sometime this week.

WAR EAGLE!

*Quote from AuburnTigers.com