Auburn football: Star RB called the foundation of Tigers offense

When you have a quarterback battle spilling into September, you may not end up having the most sturdy option under center. That’s the conundrum Auburn football faces here as the 2022 season looms in a week.

The Tigers have T.J. Finley rising from the ashes in fall camp to reclaim the starting job he technically never lost, while Robby Ashford sits right behind him on the depth chart expected to contribute in change-of-pace packages. The less said about Zach Calzada, the better at this point.

But Eric Kiesau’s offense isn’t likely going to be one run by a ball-dominant quarterback. Instead, Auburn football is likely going to pound the ball on the ground with a talented and deep running back room.

Ipso facto, that would make Tank Bigsby, the team’s leading rusher the past two seasons, the focal point in the offense — something AL.com’s Tom Green had no problem calling him in his ‘Final projections for Auburn’s 2022 season-opening depth chart.’

"“Bigsby is going to be the foundation of Auburn’s offense and is arguably one of the best running backs in college football. He’ll shoulder a heavy load for Auburn, but expect Hunter to see an increased role after an impressive freshman season that tapered off down the stretch.”"

Auburn football should take pointers from Army and Navy

We’re not saying the Tigers should go cold turkey this coming season when it comes to the passing game. That’s essentially impossible to do in a Power Five conference, let alone the mighty SEC.

But given the way Auburn football ceded double-digit leads last season in key games against Mississippi State and Alabama at home, perhaps the Tigers could take pointers from predominantly run-heavy offenses in Army and Navy.

For all we know, T.J. Finley could be leading the next spectacular air-raid and Robby Ashford could take on a huge load with his own rushing. But in the case something surprising doesn’t happen, the deep RB room, anchored by Tank Bigsby and Jarquez Hunter and aided by Sean Jackson and Damari Alston, should be leaned on like a crutch to be competitive in 2022.