Bryan Harsin admits that Auburn's vertical passing game leaves much to be desired

Bryan Harsin understands that while Auburn put up a fight at Penn State, one way the Tigers can finish off upsets like Saturday night is to improve the downfield passing game.

“Honestly, the big plays, the explosive plays were not there,” he said at his Monday press conference. “You have to have more explosives.”

Bo Nix connected twice over 20 yards, to Kobe Hudson for 36 yards, and to John Samuel-Shenker for 23 yards. But overall, Nix, who threw for 185 yards, averaged 8.8 yards per completion.

For the season, Nix is averaging 11.3 yards per completion. This week the Tigers are set to play Georgia State.

Bryan Harsin on Auburn’s passing game:

“Honestly, the big plays, the explosive plays, were not there.” He said that’s something Auburn needs to create. Teams can drive, he said, but “you have to have more explosives. Explosive plays in a game are a big factor.” pic.twitter.com/9eum7BmSbS

— Auburn Gold Mine (@AUGoldMine) September 20, 2021

Bryan Harsin on the vertical passing game: “The big plays, the explosive plays weren’t there…. there were opportunities to do that…. You got to have more explosives than we had in that game.”

— Tom Green (@Tomas_Verde) September 20, 2021