Football: How The Tigers Will Take Down the Ducks

Number 16 Auburn faces off against the number 11 ranked Oregon Ducks on Saturday in Dallas. The Tigers are currently a 3.5 point favorite.

I write this now totally blinded by hype and love for Auburn, but after watching Florida struggle against a Miami team with a horrible offensive line, I gotta say I feel a lot better about Auburn. There’s several keys Auburn needs to follow for success against the Ducks. They’re pretty simple, really.

Okay, so our offense is unproven. Bo Nix is a true freshman quarterback leading an offense that struggled a lot last year and drove fans crazy. I think Nix is just what the offense needs. The offensive line returns all five starters and star power returns at running back and wide receiver. Nix will have better protection than Stidham had last year and he’ll have plenty of play maker weapons at his disposal. Nix was the nation’s highest rated dual threat quarterback and even if the pocket breaks down around him we will still see him create big plays in tight situations.

Football: the Bo Nix Quarterback Era Begins Now, Its Bo Time

https://twitter.com/AuburnFootball/status/1163982872031535104

For the first time in five years I’m hyped about Auburn’s quarterback situation. Auburn is extremely fortunate to not just have one effective dual threat quarterback, but two with Joey Gatewood in the backup position.

Offensive keys: Malzahn has to implement the HUNH, cut throat offense he showcased to the world in 2013. Bo Nix is mega talented but will need to be elusive and efficient to dupe the Ducks defense. Ball carriers need to PROTECT THE BALLS.

Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert is a first round draft pick and NFL scouts drool over his ability to deliver the ball every time he launches it from his hands. Kevin Steele’s gonna have his boys ready and you better believe it because that man is scary, but the biggest key the defense is going to worry about is protecting the ball over the top. Justin Herbert is going to drop the long balls. He and his receivers post a deep threat and will be protected by a stacked offensive line.

Defensive keys: Keep an eye on the ball and force as much pressure on Herbert as possible. MAKE HIM UNCOMFORTABLE. This game will come down to which team has better control over the line. Force the run.

I’m way too hyped after writing this, I need to re-watch film from last year to take the edge off but a new Auburn football season is upon us friends. Get excited and War Eagle!