Blog Exchange: Auburn

Orange Clockwork

Published Thursday, October 1 2009 - (0) Comments

Evan Woodbery, the fine Auburn beat writer for the Mobile Press-Register, steps into the barrel this week to answer eight burning questions about the Tigers as we head into Tennessee's first Southeastern Conference home game under Lane Kiffin.

You can read Evan's blog here.

1. The difference in performance and production is obvious, but from an Xs and Os perspective, how does the spread offense of Gus Malzahn differ from the one Tony Franklin brought into the Plains last season?

EVAN: 1. The only common denominator is speed. Both offenses are no-huddle, hurry-up style, although Auburn never reached its desired pace last year because there were so many three-and-outs. Other than that, Malzhan's offense puts a much greater emphasis on the run. He doesn't like call it a spread, but rather a fast-paced, run-play-action attack. Franklin's offense was more comparable -- but far from identical -- to an Air Raid style attack used by Hal Mumme or Mike Leach.

2. Chris Todd's off to an impressive start. I'd say he's the most improved player in the SEC. Your thoughts on his season so far?

EVAN: He's been very good. His pass efficiency rating reflects his lack of interceptions, which is probably the biggest factor in his success. His arm strength is much better than it was later year, which helps. Winning the job outright, rather than staying locked in a two-quarterback battle for the early part of the season, probably didn't hurt either.

Auburn doesn't need Todd to be spectacular, just adequate. If he continues to avoid turnovers, he can have a lot of success in this offense.

3. Trooper Taylor's an individual very well known to Tennessee folks. What has
Taylor brought for Auburn so far, both as a position coach and a recruiter?

EVAN: He's been very active in recruiting and also served as sort of a public voice for the program in some ways. He's much more comfortable in front of the microphones than head coach Gene Chizik, and Chizik has allowed him to be a public face of the team at times in his role as assistant head coach.

The jury is still out on the wide receivers, but a couple of players (Terrell Zachery and Darvin Adams) have made big strides from last season.

4. How would you evaluate Auburn's line play so far this season, on either side of the ball?

EVAN: The offensive line might be the single biggest factor in Auburn's success. It's a veteran unit that has played together a long time and has really rebounded after a tough 2008. Depth is a major concern, however, and that could be an issue as the year goes on. The defensive line is another unit with a solid veteran core up front -- Antonio Coleman, Jake Ricks, Mike Goggans, etc. Coaches have worked hard to develop depth behind the starters, and they might be in better shape now than they were back in August.

5. Any major injuries for the Tigers heading into this game?

EVAN: We aren't told much, or anything, about injuries. RB Onterio McCalebb and QB/WR Kodi Burns are supposed to be back, but we'll see. The possible suspension of offensive lineman Byron Isom might be even bigger than any injury.

6. Are you surprised Auburn is unranked, and an underdog, despite being 4-0?

EVAN: Yes, a bit surprised. It shows you how low the pre-season expectations for Auburn were that an SEC team with a 4-0 record and a high-profile, nationally televised win against a good team (West Virginia) still can't crack the Top 25.

7. Regarding Gene Chizik's public persona. Some have said he's basic and businesslike. Others have said he's boring. Surely he's not as bland as he appears in his public comments, right? (And I realize almost anyone seems vanilla compared to the guy I cover)

EVAN: He's a hundred times better than he was when he started, but he's still fairly cautious in what he says to reporters. That said, he's pleasant and professional to deal with, and we're told that he can be quite charismatic in non-media settings (like locker room pep talks).

8. Your prediction on the game.

EVAN: Auburn 31, Tennessee 24. I'm basing my pick on my belief that, at the end of the day, Auburn will be able to outscore Tennessee. After last year, it's hard to believe I'm picking Auburn based on its offensive firepower, but I suppose that's a credit to Gus Malzahn. Part of me thinks next week's game against Arkansas could be more dangerous for Auburn than this one, because Arkansas has the ability to win a shootout. I'm not sure Tennessee can do the same.

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