In head coach Alex Golesh's first season, his Auburn football team's problems can be traced back to the offensive line in many areas. The Tigers have struggled to establish the run game throughout the season despite having a mobile quarterback and impressive running backs, and QB Byrum Brown continues to take sacks in every game.
In last weekend's matchup agains the Ole Miss Rebels, Golesh and offensive line coach Tyler Hudanick shook things up in a big way on the line of scrimmage. Cole Best returned to his spot at center, but Stanton Ramil moved to left tackle, Kenneth McManus Jr. was at left guard, freshman Wilson Zierer made his first start at right tackle and Jacobe Ward got his first career start.
With three underclassmen starting on the o-line against a ranked team, there were highs and lows, according to Golesh.
“Yeah, you know, when we were in rhythm, I thought that group did a solid job,” Golesh said. “I thought for Wilson’s first time going out to tackle, for Jacobe’s first real game action, (it was) inconsistent, but the positives were positive. Again, when we were in rhythm, I thought they did some really good things."
Golesh went on to say that he thought the group gave the team a chance to have success and that for the most part he thought the group did okay at hanging in there. Offensive coordinator Joel Gordon agreed with Golesh's assessment.
“You see that we were able to move the ball at times, put together long drives," Gordon said. "And, obviously, when you’re doing that, those guys up front are doing a good job of just being consistent. Then there were times, specifically in the second half, where we weren’t consistent enough to stay on the field.”
Golesh also spoke extensively about the team getting worn down in the fourth quarter, especially with such a big point deficit. He stressed that depth was a factor in end of the game's regression, and that they are having to lean on the same set of guys throughout the game.
Though there will likely be more shuffling on the offensive line before the end of the season, it's promising that there are several young linemen showing promise and earning playing time.
The Tigers return to action this Saturday with an 11:45 a.m. kickoff against the Arkansas Razorbacks in Jordan-Hare Stadium with the broadcast on SEC Network.
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