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5 Things Auburn Football Did Wrong Against Texas A&M

By Jake Mastroianni

Sep 17, 2016; Auburn, AL, USA; Texas A&M quarterback Trevor Knight (8) runs for a first down during the second quarter against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Auburn, AL, USA; Texas A&M quarterback Trevor Knight (8) runs for a first down during the second quarter against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 17, 2016; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers receiver Ryan Davis (83) is tackled by Texas A&M Aggies defensive back Justin Evans (14) during the first quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers receiver Ryan Davis (83) is tackled by Texas A&M Aggies defensive back Justin Evans (14) during the first quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports /

Bad Offensive Play-Calling

Gus Malzahn looked like a genius again after putting up 51 points and 704 yards against Arkansas State. That sentiment wore off quickly as Malzahn went back to the play-calling that got him in trouble against Clemson.

Things started out great. After a three-and-out on the first drive, Sean White drove the ball down the field on their second drive, which ended with a touchdown.

Kamryn Pettway had a lot to do with Auburn’s early success on offense, thrashing through the Texas A&M defense. Sean White was very efficient early throwing the ball between five and eight yards.

Then, for some unknown reason, Gus Malzahn switched things up.

Towards the end of the first half and into the fourth quarter, Malzahn started drawing up plays that moved the ball east and west instead of north and south.

We saw a lot of bubble screens and toss plays, which Texas A&M saw coming from a mile away. I really think Auburn had 20 negative yards on those types of plays.

Yes, Texas A&M has a good pass rush and that had a lot to do with all the negative plays.

But early in the game the pass rush was negated because Auburn ran in between the tackles with Pettway and threw some quick, short passes.

Once Sean White got in third-and-long situations and was forced to throw the ball downfield, we had no chance.

All the blame is not on Malzahn, Sean White really struggled after his first 15 passes. He was very efficient early on, but then started missing some open receivers. I’m not sure if the pass rush got to him or what, but he certainly wasn’t the same quarterback in the second and third quarters.

Still, you have to point the blame at the coach from going away from what was working.

Next: Poor Offensive Line Play

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