Auburn has a defense that includes enough talent and production to deliver an SEC Championship — and maybe more — to The Plains. The Tigers’ 26 sacks are tied for the 17th-most in the nation, and the run defense isn’t far behind — checking in at No. 24 overall.

They also have a run game — led by Kerryon Johnson (124 yards per game, 15 TDs) — that is capable of hanging with any team in the country.

What’s been missing — for a long time — has been a consistent downfield passing attack to complement the run game and the defense.

That deficiency might not be an issue any longer, as Jarrett Stidham is starting to show more comfort in first-year offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey’s scheme.

Last week, the Tigers went head-to-head with a Texas A&M defense that is tied for third in the nation in sacks (32). The 3.75 sacks per game that the Aggies were averaging was almost cut in half, as they only managed to get to Stidham two times — while also adding only one quarterback hurry.

Stidham’s 268 passing yards were the most that he has earned versus an SEC opponent this season, and his three touchdown passes were the first time that he’s gotten more than two since arriving at Auburn.

A few things have helped Stidham catch his groove over the past few weeks. The first is improved consistency with Auburn’s offensive line, and the second is the combination of weapons that the Baylor transfer has at his disposal.

Here’s a look at each of Auburn’s top three receivers.

First, it’s junior Ryan Davis, an electric 5-9, 175-pound receiver who leads the team in receptions (48), receiving yards (461) and receiver touchdowns (4). His elusiveness gives Stidham a safe option because Davis can turn a short pass into a long gain.

Here are a couple examples:

Darius Slayton is the polar-opposite of Davis. The redshirt sophomore is 6-2, 190 pounds with the ability to stretch defenses vertically. His 30.85 yards per reception are the most in the SEC among receivers with at least 10 receptions.

Slayton got deep twice against A&M, once for a 53-yard touchdown and again for 46 yards:

Finally, Will Hastings. The former walk-on is the smallest at only 5-10, 167 pounds, but he is a dynamite option out of the slot. He’s an excellent route runner who provides Stidham with a safety net.

As you can see from the clip below, he can make plays downfield as well, however.

Of course, there are other significant contributors such as Nate Craig-Myers and Eli Stove, which only furthers the argument that Stidham as a plethora of weapons.

He’s making the most of that arsenal too.

One of Stidham’s biggest improvements has been his development delivering impressive throws against pressure. In fact, he was perfect against the Aggies when blitzed last week.

Tigers fans have enjoyed watching his progress, and it couldn’t have come at a better time.

The Tigers face No. 1 Georgia on Saturday, and the Bulldogs will be bringing with them the nation’s No. 7 pass defense — allowing only 165.1 passing yards per game.

In SEC play, Georgia has only allowed opposing quarterbacks to average 146.8 yards and a 52.4 completion percentage while putting up an 8-to-6 interception-to-touchdown ratio.

Missouri is the only team overall that has topped 250 yards passing or thrown for more than 2 TDs against the Dawgs.

It will be Auburn’s toughest test since Week 2 against Clemson, but Stidham’s emergence — combined with Johnson in the run game and a formidable defense — gives the Tigers a shot at upsetting the Bulldogs and causing complete chaos in the Playoff race.

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