How Auburn can improve its offensive run game against Texas A&M

A quick look at the statistics would say that Auburn is running the ball extremely well. The Tigers are 18th in the country in rushing offense averaging 216 rushing yards per game after three games.

Still, context matters, and Auburn was stopped on 4th and 1 twice in two games: once against Cal and again against Samford. That will not cut it in SEC play.

Many of the designed run plays were not overly effective against Samford either. Most of Auburn’s rushing yards came from Payton Thorne scrambling and designed quarterback runs. That will have to change for Auburn this week.

Avery Jones knows Auburn can play better up front

Auburn starting Center Avery Jones admitted that the offensive line can do better than it did against Samford.

“It wasn’t our best game, definitely played a little high,” Jones said. “Kam Stutts coming out definitely kind of switched up the flow of things. Guys playing different spots, Musky coming in, just different things. All in all I think the game wasn’t terrible, but we could have played better. Looking forward to Texas A&M this upcoming week. We have to play with type of aggression to win those types of games.”

The Texas A&M defensive line provides many more problems than that of the Samford defensive line. Jones is impressed with what he sees on tape with the Aggies’ defensive front.

“Definitely aggressive, definitely big, strong, and fast,” Jones said. “Definitely some NFL talent on the D-Line. We are just going to prepare our tails off and do what we have to do. I think our guys can handle it. It is definitely a different league out here in the SEC compared to what we played in our first two games. We just have to go out there and ball out.”

Texas A&M is favored by 8 points. Auburn is not expected to have a record-breaking day running the football against the Aggies’ front. That only fuels Jones, who has a chip on his shoulder, to make it happen.

“Yeah, I think it is a great feeling to have, trying to be an underdog. You have nothing to lose, you want to play your tail off and knock somebody off that people think you can’t stay in with.”

Analysis: How Auburn can have a big day running the football

— For starters, not everything is on the offensive line completely. There was a concerted effort to throw Payton Thorne in the fire, so to speak, and throw some different plays and schemes at him. Therefore, when the offensive line had a good play blocked and open, Thorne was sometimes pulling the ball to throw the passing option.

— When the offensive line had issues, it was usually in the wide zone play on the backside. The tackles and tight ends have to make sure to get their hats across each face. If that happens, it is not about the push, but the technique that can spring a running back.

— The backs have been smart in running the zone schemes, but they have not been perfect. Keep in mind, when that happens, the offensive line may have been perfect in their assignment. It has happened a few times over the course of the three games.

— Bottom line: The schemes have been mixed well. There is a strong variety in the run game (Inside zone, wide zone, Counter, quarterback runs, Dart). Coaches are putting the offense in good position for the most part. Auburn’s offensive line has to get push and play sound football on the short yardage plays. If Auburn is having success throwing the ball, the box will loosen and this will become much easier. The game plan must feature the passing options on the RPO to help with the run game.

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