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Auburn brings a unique challenge to defenses with its dual-quarterback system this season.
As LSU prepares to take on the Tigers this weekend, Brian Kelly detailed how preparing for Auburn’s offense is different than preparing for the other offenses he’s seen this season.
With one quarterback that primarily throws the ball and one that primarily runs the ball, LSU has to prepare for 2 totally different schemes. While Auburn sits at 3-2 on the season, it has given defenses issues so far this year. Georgia barely snuck past Auburn a few weeks ago, and that is largely because of the success the Tigers had on offense.
“Each offense has its identity,” Kelly said during the SEC coaches teleconference Wednesday. “This one is a little bit different in that you’re going to see, obviously Payton Thorne, but you’re going to see Ashford too and he’s an outstanding runner. You’ve got to defend the quarterback much more in terms of a running threat. Then the passing game, I would say that there’s a little bit more similarity in the passing game.”
Kelly faced a strong passing game last week against Missouri and came out with a win, but now LSU has to prepare to defend the run as well. He noted that Auburn’s 2-quarterback system plays like a combination of 2 teams he’s faced this season.
“But the running game is a lot more unique than Missouri’s,” Kelly said. “You’re dealing with counter, quarterback counter, and misdirection and the quarterback being central in their offense in terms of running. So again I think when you talk about 2 offenses, I think it’s more like a combination of Mississippi and Missouri in terms of getting ready for this Auburn offense.”
Kelly and LSU are looking to ride the momentum from the win over Missouri last week into this week’s matchup. Auburn is still looking for a signature win, and the Tigers will be bringing out all the stops to try and get that win over LSU.
