Auburn football: 3 things AU’s offense must accomplish vs. Ole Miss

Today the Auburn football team will take on their second top-10 opponent in as many weeks, and the Tigers are the underdogs heading into the game. Last week saw a struggling offense that could not execute on the fundamentals, and things have to improve this week if Auburn wants to beat Ole Miss.

So, naturally, the first thing the offense must do is return to those fundamentals. The offensive line absolutely has to block. They need to protect Robby Ashford and give him time to make decisions so 25 percent of his passes aren’t throwaways, and they have to be able to create space for the Tigers’ running backs to carry the ball.

Similarly, redshirt freshman quarterback Robby Ashford has to make protecting the football his priority. The young quarterback has seven fumbles on the season so far, and that number does not need to go up anymore.

This brings us to the second thing the offense must accomplish, which is establishing the dominant run game that Auburn football has been known for. Tank Bigsby carried the ball only 10 times in last week’s matchup, and for only 19 yards. Jarquez Hunter had five carries for 10 yards. The running back stats are nowhere near where they should be, and the Tigers should work to put an emphasis on the run game today at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.

Finally, the offense must drive down the field and create momentum, and ultimately points on the scoreboard. The offense has struggled to execute so far this season, forcing the defense back onto the field quickly and failing to score points in the second half for most of this year. Ashford will need to get the ball out quickly and make plays if the Tigers want a chance at success.

This year’s Auburn football offense has not yet found an identity and has looked lost for most of the season so far. Things must change today for the Tigers to get a win.