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College Football Countdown: 5 Things That Must Go Right for Auburn in 2016

By Jake Mastroianni

Nov 28, 2015; Auburn, AL, USA; General view of a flyover prior to the game between the Auburn Tigers and the Alabama Crimson Tide at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Auburn, AL, USA; General view of a flyover prior to the game between the Auburn Tigers and the Alabama Crimson Tide at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 22, 2014; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers defensive tackle Montravius Adams (1) brings down Samford Bulldogs quarterback Michael Eubank (2) during the first half at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive Line Has to Get to the Quarterback

Something that has really been missing from the Auburn defense the last couple of college football seasons is the sack. When Auburn football has been good in the past they’ve had outstanding pass rushers that could break the edge and disrupt the quarterback.

We expected Carl Lawson to be that guy in 2015, but injuries plagued him from having a breakout season. With him coming back this year I expect the sack totals to go way up from a season ago when they only dropped the quarterback 19 times. Things weren’t much better in 2014 when Auburn only record 21 sacks.

Former players: Defense will be Auburn’s backbone in 2016

You have to go back to 2013 when Auburn won the SEC and played in the National Championship game for when they last recorded over 30 sacks in a season. If Auburn wants to be contenders again they need to see the sack totals creep back up into the 30’s.

With Lawson and Montravius Adams returning to the defensive line in 2016, the Tigers are already off to a good start. Guys like freshman Marlon Davidson and Derrick Brown should certainly help along with transfer Antwuan Jackson.

If healthy, Auburn could potentially have one of the best defensive lines in the SEC. If Auburn is going to compete this college football season they’ll need the line to step up and start getting to the quarterback on a regular basis.

Next: Somebody has to Step Up at Wide Receiver

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