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Auburn football: 3 Tigers in line for big games in Week 1

By Cole McCauley

AUBURN, AL - NOVEMBER 23: Running back D.J. Williams #3 of the Auburn Tigers stiff arms linebacker Jaleel Laguins #48 of the Samford Bulldogs during the second quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium on November 23, 2019 in Auburn, AL. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)
AUBURN, AL - NOVEMBER 23: Running back D.J. Williams #3 of the Auburn Tigers stiff arms linebacker Jaleel Laguins #48 of the Samford Bulldogs during the second quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium on November 23, 2019 in Auburn, AL. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images) /
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D.J. Williams #3 of the Auburn Tigers (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)
D.J. Williams #3 of the Auburn Tigers (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images) /

Kentucky actually had one of the better defenses in the SEC last season ranking fourth in the conference allowing just 19.3 points per game. Their pass defense led the SEC in passing yards allowed but on the other hand, the team didn’t fare quite as well against the run.

The Wildcats came in at No. 11 in the SEC in rush defense allowing154.3 yards per game on average. The team also ranked in the bottom four in both yards per carry (4.53) and rushing touchdowns allowed (21.)

Auburn was one of the better rushing teams in the SEC last season but unfortunately, the Tigers lost their leading rusher from last year when Boobee Whitlow decided to enter the transfer portal.

Nonetheless, Auburn goes into 2020 with a deep and talented stable of running backs and out of all of them,  sophomore D.J. Williams is probably the most likely to get the Week 1 start.

Williams is the Tigers’ leading returning rusher as he put up 400 yards and two TDs in only eight games. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Auburn go with a RB by committee approach in game one as they try to figure out who will be the bell cow back but Williams probably has the early edge over his teammates.

Williams was named to the Doak Walker Award watchlist this offseason and if you want proof of his big-play ability just look at his tape against LSU last season when he had 151 total yards on only 15 touches.

Kentucky gave up by far the most rushes of 20-plus yards last season (49) and Williams has proven he has the speed, power and balance to rip off some big runs making him an easy candidate for a big game.

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