Auburn football: Biggest Bo Nix improvement in 2020 was in the run game

Bo Nix was a capable quarterback through the air for Auburn football in 2020, but his true strength came when he let his feet fly and pounded the ball in the ground game.

Bo Nix knows where his strengths were for Auburn football in 2020, lauding his own abilities as an athlete, via al.com:

"“I think this year, I’ve kind of found out in different ways how strong and fast I really am,” Nix said. “So it’s kind of the knowledge of knowing that I can keep up with these guys, and I can run with them, even though, like I said, you come into college and guys are completely different. It’s kind of me just figuring out my strengths and what I’m good at and how I can be a capable runner, and I can be successful.”"

Oh, Nix can run with them alright.

That statement looks like a gross understatement relative to Nix’s miraculous first rushing touchdown this past Saturday against Texas A&M. Side-bar, impressive enough about Nix’s two-touchdown day was the fact the Aggies sport a top 10 rushing defense in the NCAA FBS.

Anyway, Nix’s first rushing touchdown against Texas A&M was Eli Manning-esque, although the Ole Miss product could never outrun multiple defenders running backward before barrelling into a pair of defenders to notch a score.

The miracle play happened with 3:50 left in the first quarter. Nix was able to fool the defense once more in the third quarter, riding a play-action sneak into six points.

What will make Nix’s development fun to watch over the next year, and even in the next few weeks before the team’s likely bowl game, is the fact that he knows his weaknesses–mainly his (lack of) pocket presence and inability to air the ball out instead of holding onto the ball too long–and wants to actively be aware on how to balance the run and pass games:

"“(I want to) continue to build on my pocket awareness and just sit in the pocket, make throws — which I’ve done really well this year,” Nix said. “Then at the same time, knowing when to get out of the pocket — knowing that happy medium and just finding the fine line between those two.”"

Nix has never been shy with his words, saying Mac Jones “does a great job managing the game” ahead of their Iron Bowl matchup, and now sprouting bravado about his performance.

This Saturday and the potential bowl game Auburn football possibly (and unfairly to some) gets selected to will be Nix’s chances to back that talk up.