Alex Golesh knows that he could be entering Week 5 against Tennessee at 2-2, and with an endless supply of stress, had it not been for Auburn's special teams' special performance during a 21-15 win over Vanderbilt this past Saturday.
On the Commodores' final drive of the first half, three points were denied because defensive tackle Cody Sigler blocked a 48-yard field goal attempt.
Elsewhere, running back Omar Mabson II blocked a punt attempt that was scooped up and scored by safety Cade Carlson. That play put the Tigers up 13-3 with over eight minutes left in the first half.
Golesh gave Sigler a special shoutout as he praised Jacob Bronowski's group for their efforts in Week 4.
“From a special teams perspective, that was the difference in the game. And we talked so much, and I talked to you guys about the margins being so, so small. One, for us as we build this thing. But two, you get in this league, and everybody’s got really good players, really good coaches, really good schemes. The margins are tiny. And for the margin on special teams to go our way, obviously, the block punt for a touchdown at a really, really big time," Golesh said.
“And then probably not talked about enough is Cody Sigler’s blocked field goal. And this is one of the better kickers in the country. And for him to be able to get his hand on it, it turns out to be a really, really big swing there in the game. And so it’s a credit to our special teams unit.
"It’s a credit to our defense and the buy-in on the field goal block side. We keep talking about, man, just keep giving effort. It’ll come. Just keep giving effort. It’s really good to have proof of concept there for our own guys to be able to understand that."
Cody Sigler proving his worth all over the football field for Auburn
Sigler primarily plays the three-tech and one-tech positions along the defensive line, but the New Hope, Alabama, native is contributing everywhere.
Logging 49 defensive snaps against Vanderbilt, Sigler accumulated a team-high six quarterback hurries/pressures against Jared Curtis and the Commodores' offensive line.
Obviously, his big special teams play was his most impactful of the day.
Sigler proclaimed prior to the season that he'd stop being called a "high-effort guy" after most saw his tape.
The Arkansas State transfer is proving it's simply skill with his inspiring play in the trenches and on special teams, where he's already made a massive difference.
Auburn's special teams are getting the job done
Auburn isn't giving much away in special teams. Bronowski's group has done exactly what's been necessary to help corral a 3-1 start.
The return and kicking teams have been mitigating damage, while Alex McPherson can't miss an extra point.
The Tigers could use a lot more on offense and defense. Golesh was not nearly as jovial about those units.
When it comes to special teams, though, Golesh knows that he can trust the group to get the job done.
It makes for one fewer thing to worry about as the brutal October stretch begins on Rocky Top this Saturday.
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