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Hot or Cold: Auburn’s second half surge begins with South Carolina
By Jordan Cox
Published:
Checking in on the Week 8 temperatures in Auburn, Ala., …
HOT
The Auburn offense. Nick Marshall and company face a South Carolina defense that has struggled all year. Marshall’s play has been surging of late, and the Tigers’ depth at running back got a boost by the good play of true freshman Roc Thomas two weeks ago at Mississippi State. Auburn needs wideout Duke Williams to continue his torrid pace, and star Sammie Coates needs to find his rhythm, if Auburn hopes to be as explosive as possible during the second half of the schedule.
WARM
The defensive front seven. Auburn made several changes on its defensive front during the bye week in hopes of generating more production in its pass rush. South Carolina has a potent passing attack, and its offensive line has handled athletic defensive fronts such as Georgia. With Brandon King moving to defensive end and Justin Garrett being named primary backup to Cassanova McKinzy and Kris Frost, defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson hopes to be able to play more man coverage without sacrificing the pass rush.
COLD
Pass protection. Auburn struggled throwing the football in the loss to Mississippi State due to holes on the offensive line. Marshall has struggled with batted down passes; he already struggles under center when he has time, being rushed to make decisions or force throws only enhances his weaknesses. If Lorenzo Ward’s defense can create pressure on Nick Marshall, Auburn’s offensive line has proved it can’t falter.
FROZEN
Auburn’s goals of an SEC championship and College Football Playoff berth. The Tigers need to win out if they hope to win the SEC West, make it to Atlanta and earn a berth from the selection committee. That includes road trips against top 10 teams Ole Miss, Georgia and Alabama. Auburn surged in the second half last season during its magical run, and if it hopes to do the same in 2014, it begins with South Carolina Saturday night.
After living in Birmingham, Ala., Jordan left the ground zero of SEC Nation to head south to Florida to tell the unique stories of the renowned tradition of SEC football. In his free time, his mission is to find the best locales around.
