Auburn Football: What the Tigers Can Improve on During FAU Week

Auburn enters this week’s contest against Florida Atlantic University with numerous changes that need to occur on both sides of the ball. A lot of defensive concerns carry over into this new week of play, but fortunately for the Tigers, the Owls have one of the worst offenses in college football.

Auburn can’t stand to overlook this opponent, however, because every win counts. The Tigers are not on the fast track to being a barn burner and 10-game winners this season. They are a team that has a rough road ahead and can stand to earn a win and learn some of the basics that need adjusting.

Defense

The Tigers will undoubtedly be able to win the game, but they have to stick to their assignments and use proper tackling technique. Auburn may escape with making mistakes this week, but proper execution will go a long way in making them competitive as the schedule really gets tough starting in two weeks.

Look for more freshmen to see increased time on the defense. I would expect that Erique Florence will be a major part of the defense going forward, as his talent and tenacity on the field is tough to beat. He is battling behind Neiko Thorpe.

Thorpe is a senior who recently made the position transition to safety, and big things were expected because of his experience and past performance. Thorpe has severely underachieved so far and a change wouldn’t necessarily hurt the Tigers' defensive performance.

The linebacker play would be another major focus for Auburn as they have been sporadic at best. At times, the linebackers looked lost and like the least aggressive defenders on defense. That can’t happen if Auburn wants to be successful against the run. The linebacker play must improve this week, but the Tigers are likely to be without veteran Jonathan Evans again this week.

The defensive line has done a decent job at times but needs to find consistency at stopping the run and holding gaps so the linebackers can make plays. The defensive line is the youngest position set on the field, so the Tigers are making a large adjustment in the trenches.

Offense

Auburn will also need to grow on the offensive side of the ball against FAU. Barrett Trotter has been a positive for the Tigers and almost a pleasant surprise. He has made some major mistakes, like last week’s interception in the red zone, but those mistakes are very fixable.

Trotter has a problem with telegraphing throws from time to time, but overall he has been very effective for Auburn.

If Auburn wants to continue to grow offensively, it also must increase the role of Michael Dyer. There have been numerous rumors that have surrounded his lack of play but the most likely is return from injury. Dyer was banged up late in fall camp and has seen a casual load of carries in each game.

Whether the injury is a concern or there just wasn’t a game plan that featured Dyer, things need to change quickly. If Auburn can get Dyer to carry the ball around 25 times a game and Trotter can maintain his completion percentage at around 65 percent, the Tigers will be very dangerous down the road offensively.

The Tigers also need more development to come out of the receiver positions. Last week, DeAngelo Benton adjusted his route and made a nice downfield catch extending a drive for Auburn. The Tigers need more players like Benton to make plays and stretch the field for the Tigers offensively.

Auburn can rely on Emory Blake for only so long before he becomes ineffective because of coverage. Auburn has playmakers all over the field and there is a wealth of speed and talent on the outside and in the slot positions.

Getting Philip Lutzenkirchen into the offensive game plan is another must for the Tigers. He has sure hands and finds ways to get open against defenses. He has played a lot of H-Back and been predominantly a blocking back lately, but sneaking him into the flats may be a good way to get his hands on the ball in the future.

Special Teams

The final phase of the game that must improve against FAU for the Tigers is special teams. The Tigers had great special teams play in the first two games but looked neutralized against Clemson. There was a lack of explosion on the returns and players made bad decisions.

If the Tigers can make the special teams units work for them and not against them in the future, they can be a major part of Auburn’s game plans. Look for Auburn to plant their heels at the 10 and not look back on punts and to return to the fire on return team that was found in Weeks 1 and 2.