Auburn Football: Run Game Returns but Fans Curb Enthusiasm
Saturday night a semblance of a run game returned for Auburn football leaving many fans moving forward with cautious optimism ahead of SEC play.
What do JaTarvious Whitlow, Joey Gatewood, and Shaun Shivers all have in common?
They all rushed for over 100 yards on Saturday, a stark contrast from last weekend where no rusher touched 100.
Are our fears from last weekend no longer? Has Auburn finally established a run game? Some Auburn fans are convinced, but most are cautiously optimistic. To gauge fan reaction I took to Twitter. As always you all are amazing in your responses, thank you to everyone!
Based on the next few responses, a dominant run game against a much more inferior opponent should be expected. Kent State does not boast an SEC defense and can’t serve as the best barometer in this situation, but that doesn’t mean the Tigers aren’t onto something with their run game.
I’m still not sold on it. I mean we played Kent State. I don’t think they are known for their run stop defense.
— Mac (@mynamemac) September 15, 2019
I think FCS Kennesaw State ran for like 400+ yards on Kent State, right? I struggle to feel any better about the running game from such a meaningless matchup, but I hope they figured something out this week.
— #ReSignRizzo | #WarEagle (@EthanDaAmerican) September 15, 2019
Not one “meh,” BUT TWO “MEHS.”
We’re gonna have a total of 37 rushing yards combined in the Iron Bowl this year lol
— Andrew (@aterry65) September 15, 2019
Meh...
— ur next... (@ThickMex84) September 16, 2019
Now back to more curbed enthusiasm.
Hopeful... but not sold until I see a good performance against an SEC defense
— John Patton (@jpatton63) September 15, 2019
Nothing to evaluate when u play one of the worst teams in college football
— 🍔 Burgers (@wiskychef) September 15, 2019
I'll wait until next week to say anything
— Thechemace (@thechemace) September 15, 2019
The offensive line should receive some credit after this week. Bailey Sharp subbed for Prince Tega and the boys finally got enough push to give the run game a pulse. They’re still a work in progress and have plenty more to figure out before Texas A&M. Consistency would be nice heading into SEC play.
It was good seeing Malzahn realize running off tackle more and trying to attack the edges early and allowing Bo to make the read to keep it or not REALLY opened up the middle. Also there’s something about seeing 5’7” Shivers run through people because of his strength and speed
— Umean Asante (@AU_Warden) September 15, 2019
This is the first time in ages that our O-line performed. Obviously loving the run game, but I gotta give some credit to the o-line boys on this one.
— Chris Slate (@Its_ChrisSlate) September 15, 2019
OL doesn’t get good push. We out athleted them, but may be in trouble against an SEC DL.
— GrAUnd ThAUft AUto 🦚 (@taunybaurnhard) September 15, 2019
Guard play needs to be better on the inside run. Tackles seem to be doing much better.
— Get off my wave shoobie (@jknapp13) September 15, 2019
The run game has made Jerre just plain sick.
https://twitter.com/Jerre1010/status/1173326463963213830?s=20
Shivers me timbers, this run game has potential on the shoulders of Sean Shivers. Against Kent State he had 12 carries for 102 yards. The kid is living proof that speed kills.
Is it okay if I when I see Shivers I reckon it rhymes with quivers? As in he leaves LBs with spinal shivers... I like that kid's style.
— Jabadabadoo (@mringram) September 15, 2019
MORE SHAUN SHIVERS, PLEASE pic.twitter.com/XW61BcS47r
— Power of Dixieland (@PwrofDixieland) September 15, 2019
So is Auburn’s running game back? In the words of Lee Corso, “not so fast my friend.” Auburn’s showing against Kent State definitely provides fans with a glimmer of hope for SEC play next week, but like many fans said, next week will be the true test for the Tigers. We will know more then.