Auburn football: Tigers have two weeks to sort out offensive issues

Biggest surprises

Ask people before the season to predict three players who’d be leading the Auburn offense and it’s likely that Jarrett Stidham, Ryan Davis and JaTarvious Whitlow were going to be popular picks.

And people would be right.

But what about the surprises in the offense through the first three games?

H-back Chandler Cox: Chandler Cox owned nine rushing attempts and 12 receptions entering his senior season. In three games he’s second on the team with seven receptions and tied for fourth with 72 yards. He’s become a real weapon defenses have to account for in the offense. His biggest play to date: his 12-yard reception on third-and-9 that kept Auburn’s game-winning touchdown drive going against Washington.

WR Anthony Schwartz: Surprise? Yes and no. Our expectations were high for the freshman and he’s hit the mark to date. He really showed what he can do against Alabama State with three runs for 50 yards, including a 23-yard TD run, and a 57-yard touchdown catch. No doubt, he can fly. But he’s shown very good hands as a receiver. He caught two passes against LSU. He’s the player that causes Auburn football fans to get out of their seats every time he touches the ball.

RB Shaun Shivers: The freshman running back received rave reviews during fall practice for not just his speed, but for his willingness to hit somebody. He may not have been given the expanded opportunity if not for another freshman running back. Against Alabama State, Auburn inserted heralded freshman Asa Martin at running back to start the third quarter. Martin had nice back-to-back runs, but fumbled on the second one. Shivers replaced him the following possession and finished with 117 yards on 13 carries. He ran seven times for 27 yards against LSU and looks like he’ll be a regular in the rotation.