SEC Network analyst worried about one aspect of Auburn’s offense
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Auburn has been sound on defense under Kevin Steele. QB Jarrett Stidham is back for another season after throwing for over 3,000 yards. But what about the running game?
SEC Network analyst Jordan Rodgers sees the ground game as the biggest question mark for the Tigers heading into the 2018 season. Rodgers isn’t sure if RB Kam Martin is ready to replace Kerryon Johnson, the SEC’s leading rusher (115.9 yards per game) in 2017.
“In the SEC Championship, this Auburn offense disappeared because Kerryon Johnson could not get going,” Rodgers said in the “SEC Now” segment “Unanswered Questions Across the SEC.”
The Tigers are hoping Kam Martin can step up and take a big step forward in his junior season. Last year, Martin averaged over six yards per carry, but in a complementary role (74 carries, 453 yards) to Johnson.
“I don’t think [Martin] is a No. 1 (running back), and that concerns me,” Rodgers said.
Rodgers wondered if Gus Malzahn’s squad would turn to a pass-first attack.
“Can Gus Malzahn give enough of the leash over to Chip Lindsey to actually call a game that can pass first?”
The full segment is available for viewing here.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
