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Pat Dye Field => War Damn Eagle => Topic started by: Townhallsavoy on October 01, 2011, 04:19:32 PM

Title: Auburn-South Carolina Game Thread
Post by: Townhallsavoy on October 01, 2011, 04:19:32 PM
We suck. 

Title: Re: Auburn-South Carolina Game Thread
Post by: jmar on October 01, 2011, 04:22:15 PM
We suck.
missed tackle and bell turned around =6
Title: Re: Auburn-South Carolina Game Thread
Post by: Townhallsavoy on October 01, 2011, 04:22:55 PM
So far, the strategy looks good on D.

We're bottling up Lattimore.

We just have to beat Garcia. 
Title: Re: Auburn-South Carolina Game Thread
Post by: Townhallsavoy on October 01, 2011, 04:26:40 PM
Good defense on that last drive.  REALLY surprised we stopped two end arounds like that. 

Title: Re: Auburn-South Carolina Game Thread
Post by: Townhallsavoy on October 01, 2011, 04:27:33 PM
Can't complain about Dyer not getting carries in this one.  Their d-line is eating him for lunch.
Title: Re: Auburn-South Carolina Game Thread
Post by: jmar on October 01, 2011, 04:27:51 PM
So far, the strategy looks good on D.

We're bottling up Lattimore.

We just have to beat Garcia.
True, he's a tough hombre who gets disoriented when you ring him up.
Title: Re: Auburn-South Carolina Game Thread
Post by: jmar on October 01, 2011, 04:30:38 PM
There's quit in Lattimore if you batter his fucking ass.
Title: Re: Auburn-South Carolina Game Thread
Post by: jmar on October 01, 2011, 04:33:29 PM
Straight ahead  screens and vertical is working. What happened to slants?
Title: Re: Auburn-South Carolina Game Thread
Post by: Townhallsavoy on October 01, 2011, 04:38:55 PM
FRAZIER LET'S RUN THE PAT WHITE OFFENSE WITH FRAZIER
Title: Re: Auburn-South Carolina Game Thread
Post by: jmar on October 01, 2011, 04:42:19 PM
FRAZIER LET'S RUN THE PAT WHITE OFFENSE WITH FRAZIER
That draws 8 in the box
Title: Re: Auburn-South Carolina Game Thread
Post by: dallaswareagle on October 01, 2011, 04:42:39 PM
There's quit in Lattimore if you batter his fucking ass.

Deep fried ass?
Title: Re: Auburn-South Carolina Game Thread
Post by: jmar on October 01, 2011, 04:47:59 PM
Deep fried ass?
Off the field before halftime quit, like last year.
Title: Re: Auburn-South Carolina Game Thread
Post by: jmar on October 01, 2011, 04:49:52 PM
OMac will not go against the grain
Title: Re: Auburn-South Carolina Game Thread
Post by: dallaswareagle on October 01, 2011, 04:56:04 PM
OMac will not go against the grain

He will if its out of bounds.  This game is brutal to watch. Its like which team sucks more. Trotter=Chris Todd.
Title: Re: Auburn-South Carolina Game Thread
Post by: jmar on October 01, 2011, 05:04:58 PM
He will if its out of bounds.  This game is brutal to watch. Its like which team sucks more. Trotter=Chris Todd.
Todd had three fucking seconds
Title: Re: Auburn-South Carolina Game Thread
Post by: jmar on October 01, 2011, 05:06:52 PM
Im sure he wants Blake on a double move but that requires a bit more time
Title: Re: Auburn-South Carolina Game Thread
Post by: jmar on October 01, 2011, 05:26:57 PM
We have a better team than they do. We don't have to trade sure points for silly risky plays. How can this be blamed on Trotter?
Title: Re: Auburn-South Carolina Game Thread
Post by: dallaswareagle on October 01, 2011, 05:34:18 PM
We have a better team than they do. We don't have to trade sure points for silly risky plays. How can this be blamed on Trotter?

Cause had he not stared down lutz-and found dyer we may have scored.
Title: Re: Auburn-South Carolina Game Thread
Post by: jmar on October 01, 2011, 05:49:44 PM
Cause had he not stared down lutz-and found dyer we may have scored.
I'll give you that. But there's more to this besides Trotter's failure.
Title: Re: Auburn-South Carolina Game Thread
Post by: dallaswareagle on October 01, 2011, 05:53:52 PM
Another great sidline pass-He does have that down.
Title: Re: Auburn-South Carolina Game Thread
Post by: jmar on October 01, 2011, 06:02:26 PM
I know he's failed some, but the play selection has been weak overall in the first half.
Title: Re: Auburn-South Carolina Game Thread
Post by: dallaswareagle on October 01, 2011, 06:20:11 PM
I am glad they have been working on tackling.

It shows.
Title: Re: Auburn-South Carolina Game Thread
Post by: jmar on October 01, 2011, 06:34:42 PM
I am glad they have been working on tackling.

It shows.
Yeah in spurts
Title: Re: Auburn-South Carolina Game Thread
Post by: jmar on October 01, 2011, 08:26:15 PM
Defensively we were inconsistent, especially in the 3rd quarter but we have some confidence to build on with probably half as many missed tackles as in any previous game. We applied some occaisional natural pressure inside and our overall coverage was very good. 
C+
Title: Re: Auburn-South Carolina Game Thread
Post by: The Prowler on October 01, 2011, 09:09:34 PM
Defensively we were inconsistent, especially in the 3rd quarter but we have some confidence to build on with probably half as many missed tackles as in any previous game. We applied some occaisional natural pressure inside and our overall coverage was very good. 
C+
Fuck a C+ Overall. On the road, at the #10 team's house, against a Top Tier RB/Heisman List player, and bringing in one of the worst Defenses in the Country for the first 4 games?

Offense D+
Defense B+
Special Teams B

Overall A- (given the way we've played for our first 4 games and with everyone talking so much shit about Auburn's Defense. Also this against a #10 team)...they deserve it.

Also, it isn't just the protection, it's the play calling and the receivers aren't getting open when Trotter scrambles...also, the pass plays seem to only have two receivers running routes. I totally agree with whomever said that.
Title: Re: Auburn-South Carolina Game Thread
Post by: dallaswareagle on October 01, 2011, 09:19:43 PM
Fuck a C+ Overall. On the road, at the #10 team's house, against a Top Tier RB/Heisman List player, and bringing in one of the worst Defenses in the Country for the first 4 games?

Offense D+
Defense B+
Special Teams B

Overall A- (given the way we've played for our first 4 games and with everyone talking so much shit about Auburn's Defense. Also this against a #10 team)...they deserve it.

Also, it isn't just the protection, it's the play calling and the receivers aren't getting open when Trotter scrambles...also, the pass plays seem to only have two receivers running routes. I totally agree with whomever said that.

#10   SC was over hyped and over rated.  I am glad as anyone for the W. But had we had better O (QB) we should have won that game by 21.
Title: Re: Auburn-South Carolina Game Thread
Post by: AU_Tiger_2000 on October 01, 2011, 09:28:38 PM
fudge a C+ Overall. On the road, at the #10 team's house, against a Top Tier RB/Heisman List player, and bringing in one of the worst Defenses in the Country for the first 4 games?

Offense D+
Defense B+
Special Teams B

Overall A- (given the way we've played for our first 4 games and with everyone talking so much shitake about Auburn's Defense. Also this against a #10 team)...they deserve it.

Also, it isn't just the protection, it's the play calling and the receivers aren't getting open when Trotter scrambles...also, the pass plays seem to only have two receivers running routes. I totally agree with whomever said that.

I think that's because of the lack of confidence in the O-line.  We are max protecting an awful lot.
Title: Re: Auburn-South Carolina Game Thread
Post by: dallaswareagle on October 01, 2011, 09:38:03 PM
I think that's because of the lack of confidence in the O-line.  We are max protecting an awful lot.

And there still getting to the QB.   ?????????
Title: Re: Auburn-South Carolina Game Thread
Post by: JR4AU on October 01, 2011, 10:03:26 PM
And there still getting to the QB.   ?????????

No, the protection, while not stellar, isn't that bad, Trotter holds the ball too long.
Title: Re: Auburn-South Carolina Game Thread
Post by: War Eagle!!! on October 01, 2011, 10:16:44 PM
No, the protection, while not stellar, isn't that bad, Trotter holds the ball too long.

It's like your in my head...from 3 weeks ago...
Title: Re: Auburn-South Carolina Game Thread
Post by: RWS on October 01, 2011, 10:17:53 PM
#10   SC was over hyped and over rated.  I am glad as anyone for the W. But had we had better O (QB) we should have won that game by 21.
You're talking to a guy who thinks Utah St, FAU, and Miss. St. are about to compete for a NC. Don't waste your time.

Is USCe all of the above that you described? Yes. They need to drop out of the top 25. Gotta give AU credit, though. They could have just as well lost the game. However, they got shit done. Dyer is a fucking MAN. Everybody on the team owes him a steak dinner. That is one tough bastard. Does AU have problems? You bet your ass. But you guys won, and that's all that matters today.
Title: Re: Auburn-South Carolina Game Thread
Post by: Kaos on October 01, 2011, 10:18:30 PM
Quote
If you have anything negative to say about a player after today you need to be evaluated. AU played well, some mistakes being made, and won the game. What else do you need. Most expected us to get blown out. This team showed what it can do. MIght have a let down here and there but I'm looking forward to the road ahead. War Eagle!!! Let's see what we can do in arky next week.

 :facepalm:

We could/should have scored 40. 
Title: Re: Auburn-South Carolina Game Thread
Post by: dallaswareagle on October 01, 2011, 10:36:37 PM
If you have anything negative to say about a player (Trotter) after today you need to be evaluated. AU played well, some mistakes being made(Trotter), and won the game. What else do you need. Most expected us to get blown out. This team showed what it can do. MIght have a let down here (Trotter) and there but I'm looking forward to the road ahead. War Eagle!!! Let's see what we can do in arky next week.


See above
Title: Re: Auburn-South Carolina Game Thread
Post by: GH2001 on October 02, 2011, 10:04:58 AM
Defensively we were inconsistent, especially in the 3rd quarter but we have some confidence to build on with probably half as many missed tackles as in any previous game. We applied some occaisional natural pressure inside and our overall coverage was very good. 
C+

We gave up 280 total yards to one of the best WR/RB combos in the country. Top 10 team. On their turf. In the SEC. Do you realize how hard that is?? Roof sucking aside, that was an impressive performance.
Title: Re: Auburn-South Carolina Game Thread
Post by: GH2001 on October 02, 2011, 10:07:01 AM
We could/should have scored 40.

THIS ^^^

The D wasnt the issue tonight. We all know what the issue is.
Title: Re: Auburn-South Carolina Game Thread
Post by: Kaos on October 02, 2011, 10:26:14 AM
THIS ^^^

The D wasnt the issue tonight. We all know what the issue is.

I read the Creed.

It doesn't say anything about plodding, ineffective quarterbacks. 

It didn't say anything about abysmal defenses either.
Title: Re: Auburn-South Carolina Game Thread
Post by: GH2001 on October 02, 2011, 10:42:41 AM
I read the Creed.

It doesn't say anything about plodding, ineffective quarterbacks. 

It didn't say anything about abysmal defenses either.

I guess my point was, others were saying that Trotters issue were of no concern and if anything, was caused by the D's inept nature. That was not the case yesterday. D was fine. And he still sucked all by his lonesome. No excuse for him. He got decent protection. WR's were open enough.
Title: Re: Auburn-South Carolina Game Thread
Post by: JR4AU on October 02, 2011, 11:17:15 AM
I guess my point was, others were saying that Trotters issue were of no concern and if anything, was caused by the D's inept nature. That was not the case yesterday. D was fine. And he still sucked all by his lonesome. No excuse for him. He got decent protection. WR's were open enough.

I was one of those.  I was both right and wrong.  The Def. was different yesterday.  Taken over by Chiz?  Don't know, but it sure as hell looked like he's much more involved in it.  At one point during one of those final time outs during the last drive, I saw Chiz flat out giving Roof the business.  I couldn't read his lips,  but they were going at each other, and Chiz appeared to pull the "I'm the fucking HC, your way sux, do it my way" card. I saw Chiz many times talking to Def. players before they were to go out on the field.  I also saw a much more aggressive defense, SLIGHTLY improved tackling...only slightly, and much  better play by the DBs.  Bell even had Alshon covered and turned to play the ball on that TD pass, he was simply beaten by a much better player.  Fact is few CBs in the country would have won that battle.

Trotter?  He wasn't THE issue the last few weeks.  I had conceded he wasn't great, and that he often failed to see open receivers, but thought that would get better.  It hasn't.  A real SEC defense exposed him.  He simply cannot make himself pull the trigger.  Then, in a pinch, when we have to have a play, he forces bad throws.  Worst combination I can imagine. 

I've read and heard bitches about "play calling".  Bullshit!  Just like every game, there was a plan yesterday.  Gus calls plays like a "series offense" play caller does.  He hits you with something until you adjust to stop it, then takes advantage of the adjustment.  Well, To USCe's credit, they never gave him the adjustment to hit the Buck Sweep.  They chose to funnel Dyer inside to the LBs  Pretty smart move.  We ran Power and Counter probably 40 times yesterday.   The Buck Sweep is the homerun threat in the run game.  The play action passing game?  When it became crystal clear Gus wasn't going to risk throwing, they shut down Dyer too.  Well, Gus doesn't have to rip pages out of the playbook for Trotter.  Trotter took out 99% of the passing game for him yesterday.  QB draw on 3rd and 10?  Gus was scared shitless to throw it!  And well he should be!   There was a decent plan, Trotter fucked it in the ass hard.  We left somewhere in the neighborhood of 10 to as much as 21 points on the field yesterday due to Trotter, and Trotter alone.  The pass pro was adequate most times...good enough Trotter got to his drop point and had time to look before he bailed out early, and ran because he failed to find an open WR.  I knew there were issues, I hoped he'd improve.  He didn't. 

Don't give a shit what you say about Garcia, the Def. flat carried the team yesterday.  Punter was brilliant too.   Chiz found a way to get the Defense to play good enough, now it's on Chiz and Gus.  Does Chiz have the nuts to give Trotter the hook?  Does he even think he needs to?  What are Gus' feelings on it.  Is he the one keeping Trotter out there, or is it Chiz...OR is it that he is really the best option on the team?  IMHO, yesterday's performance tells me they have some soul searching do to on both QB and the approach to offense.  Trotter isn't even serviceable vs SEC defenses.  Makes Chris Todd look like a great QB.  Gus has the tools in the toolbag to be an option team.  We saw much of it last year.  Frazier has the wheels, and can't be any worse passing than Trotter. 
Title: Re: Auburn-South Carolina Game Thread
Post by: Townhallsavoy on October 02, 2011, 11:38:45 AM
Gus has the tools in the toolbag to be an option team.  We saw much of it last year.  Frazier has the wheels, and can't be any worse passing than Trotter.

My thoughts exactly. 

I still go back to what West Virginia did with Pat White.  We have the talent to run a similar offense.

It's not like we're trying to run a passing offense and failing.  We aren't even throwing it.  We aren't going 6 for 24 for 70 yards and 2 ints.

Trotter's holding onto the ball, and when he does try to run, he fails.  Why not do the same shit we've been doing but have a mobile quarterback? 

If we're going to run the ball 41 times up the middle, why not have multiple legs to do it? 

That option attempt would have worked.  Trotter had a lane.  They played the pitch, and Trotter made the correct read.  He was just too slow and wimpy to get any positive yards out of it.

Had that been Frazier, I bet he gets at least 5 yards if not more if they miss the tackle.
Title: Re: Auburn-South Carolina Game Thread
Post by: JR4AU on October 02, 2011, 11:47:16 AM
My thoughts exactly. 

I still go back to what West Virginia did with Pat White.  We have the talent to run a similar offense.

It's not like we're trying to run a passing offense and failing.  We aren't even throwing it.  We aren't going 6 for 24 for 70 yards and 2 ints.

Trotter's holding onto the ball, and when he does try to run, he fails.  Why not do the same shit we've been doing but have a mobile quarterback? 

If we're going to run the ball 41 times up the middle, why not have multiple legs to do it? 

That option attempt would have worked.  Trotter had a lane.  They played the pitch, and Trotter made the correct read.  He was just too slow and wimpy to get any positive yards out of it.

Had that been Frazier, I bet he gets at least 5 yards if not more if they miss the tackle.

Gus doesn't have to abandon what he does.  His offense has the tools needed.  All he needs is either the order from Chiz to do it, or the nuts to tell Chiz that's what needs to be done, and be allowed to do it.  That said, I think all parties concerned would like to have at least a threat of a passing attack.   
Title: Re: Auburn-South Carolina Game Thread
Post by: wesfau2 on October 02, 2011, 11:49:22 AM
I felt like I had been running from Ingram for 60 minutes when the game ended.  What an exhausting game.

The defense - Dramatic improvement.  Still loads of work to do ($1 to Bates' whiffing shoulder tackle), but this was a Private Pyle type of reformation and I think Chiz was channeling R. Lee Ermy all week long.

Special teams - Apart from Fisher's stupid fucking interference call and Parkey missing the gimme, both single-player gaffes, I thought special teams were the unsung units in this one.  Field position was at a premium and Parkey and Clark kept them stuffed pretty deep in their own territory.

Offense - Whoooooa, that was bad.  Horrid.  There were some bright spots: Dyer showing he can handle 30+ carries a game; OMac getting some crucial first downs (one up the gut, no less); Lutzy earning the Carter Hustle Trophy...twice; and the Frazier downs.  But mostly the offense was anemic and at times totally inept.  Having Ingram and Clowney camped in the backfield most of the day certainly didn't help Trotter's play any. 

The occasional designed draw with Trotter, at an appropriate time, is ok.  Keeps the defense from disregarding the QB altogether.  The motherfucking option with Trotter?  I agree with JR: if we're just going to give up on the passing game altogether, then let's add Frazier's running threat to the meager arsenal.  Fuck me.

All that said, we beat a top 10 SEC team in their own house.  Whether USC is overrated or not, the  resulting psychological impact for the Auburn team is HUGE going into this month's brutal schedule.  LSU will have its way with us, but the other three remaining October games are winnable.     
Title: Re: Auburn-South Carolina Game Thread
Post by: Token on October 02, 2011, 11:58:03 AM
Early unofficial reports out of Florida is that Brantley has torn ACL and PCL. 
Title: Re: Auburn-South Carolina Game Thread
Post by: JR4AU on October 02, 2011, 12:02:14 PM
I felt like I had been running from Ingram for 60 minutes when the game ended.  What an exhausting game.

The defense - Dramatic improvement.  Still loads of work to do ($1 to Bates' whiffing shoulder tackle), but this was a Private Pyle type of reformation and I think Chiz was channeling R. Lee Ermy all week long.

Special teams - Apart from Fisher's stupid fucking interference call and Parkey missing the gimme, both single-player gaffes, I thought special teams were the unsung units in this one.  Field position was at a premium and Parkey and Clark kept them stuffed pretty deep in their own territory.

Offense - Whoooooa, that was bad.  Horrid.  There were some bright spots: Dyer showing he can handle 30+ carries a game; OMac getting some crucial first downs (one up the gut, no less); Lutzy earning the Carter Hustle Trophy...twice; and the Frazier downs.  But mostly the offense was anemic and at times totally inept.  Having Ingram and Clowney camped in the backfield most of the day certainly didn't help Trotter's play any. 

The occasional designed draw with Trotter, at an appropriate time, is ok.  Keeps the defense from disregarding the QB altogether.  The motherfucking option with Trotter?  I agree with JR: if we're just going to give up on the passing game altogether, then let's add Frazier's running threat to the meager arsenal.  Fuck me.

All that said, we beat a top 10 SEC team in their own house.  Whether USC is overrated or not, the  resulting psychological impact for the Auburn team is HUGE going into this month's brutal schedule.  LSU will have its way with us, but the other three remaining October games are winnable.   

Teams now know for a fact that we're no threat to throw the ball with Trotter.  That changes what we'll see now.  Without a major change in either QB, or Trotter (which I doubt at this point), we will see boxes loaded, daring us to throw. 
Title: Re: Auburn-South Carolina Game Thread
Post by: wesfau2 on October 02, 2011, 12:03:33 PM
Early unofficial reports out of Florida is that Brantley has torn ACL and PCL.

Hate it for the kid, but I'll take any advantage we can get right now.

Teams now know for a fact that we're no threat to throw the ball with Trotter.  That changes what we'll see now.  Without a major change in either QB, or Trotter (which I doubt at this point), we will see boxes loaded, daring us to throw. 

Trotter had a bad day against a very good defense.  He's been mostly pretty solid.  Unless and until the line is keeping Ingram from piggybacking Trotter to the ground, I'll spread the blame and assume that a little improvement from both Trotter and the line will result in a more fluid passing game.
Title: Re: Auburn-South Carolina Game Thread
Post by: JR4AU on October 02, 2011, 12:44:48 PM
Hate it for the kid, but I'll take any advantage we can get right now.

Trotter had a bad day against a very good defense.  He's been mostly pretty solid.  Unless and until the line is keeping Ingram from piggybacking Trotter to the ground, I'll spread the blame and assume that a little improvement from both Trotter and the line will result in a more fluid passing game.

Agree on Brantley.

Trotter just have a bad day, he's risen to the level of his incompetence.  Pass pro was adequate enough most times...I blame Trotter for many of the sacks and hits he took.  You can't hold the ball that long.  Yes, USCe has a decent defense, and monster DEs.  Trotter made them better. 
Title: Re: Auburn-South Carolina Game Thread
Post by: wesfau2 on October 02, 2011, 12:47:58 PM
Agree on Brantley.

Trotter just have a bad day, he's risen to the level of his incompetence.  Pass pro was adequate enough most times...I blame Trotter for many of the sacks and hits he took.  You can't hold the ball that long.  Yes, USCe has a decent defense, and monster DEs.  Trotter made them better.

Agree that Trotter compounded the problem.  From StatTiger at Scout:

Through 3 games, Auburn had averaged 2.6 yards per rush on 40 carries between the tackles. Against FAU, Auburn ran the ball 17 times between the tackles for 92-yards, despite having averaged over 10-yards per rush, running to the right, outside the tackle. I questioned the strategy after the FAU game but it’s now obvious why I am here, commenting about the games and Auburn’s coaches are actually doing the planning. The coaches knew the strength of the Gamecock defensive line was their DE’s along with their speed on the perimeter. Of Auburn’s designed 60 rush attempts, 48 went between the tackles to the tune of 217-yards. It wasn’t flashy but highly effective in keeping the Gamecock offense off the field.

 

Ted Roof’s defense has been much maligned through 4 games but delivered a game-winning performance, when Auburn needed it the most. The defense came into the game, allowing 39-yards per possession but held South Carolina to 20.6 yards per possession. South Carolina scored on 2 of 14 possessions, turned the ball over 3 times and went “3 & out” 5 times. The Auburn defense consistently changed up their look just before the snap, often forcing the Gamecocks into bad plays. Take away the 2 big plays allowed, Auburn gave up 204-yards on 50 snaps. Heisman hopeful, Marcus Lattimore was held to 66-yards on 17 carries with a longest gain of 15-yards. The defense was masterful today, a primary key to Auburn’s victory.

 

Once again special teams was special for the Auburn Tigers. Cody Parkey had 3 touchbacks and Steven Clark dropped 5 punts inside the Gamecock 20-yard line. Of South Carolina’s 14 offensive possessions, 10 started at their own 20-yard line or worse. Auburn had 86-yards worth of special teams return yardage and the Gamecocks had 26. On their 10 possessions starting from their own 20 or worse, South Carolina gained 161-yards or 16.1 yards per possession. In a close-fought ball game, field position becomes huge and Auburn won that battle by a landslide.

 

Inside the Numbers…

 

    * Auburn is now 11-3 in games decided by 7-points or less under Gene Chizik, including a current 10-game winning streak in close ball games.
    * For the first time this season, Auburn ran more first down plays than the opponent. The Tigers averaged 3.14 yards on their 35 plays and the Gamecocks averaged 5.42 yards on their 24 plays.
    * One stat not mentioned much is Auburns low number of penalties this season, especially considering how many young players have seen action. During the 2009 season, Auburn was penalized 7.5 times per game. This season, Auburn has been penalized 5.6 times per game.
    * Michael Dyer recorded his 7th 100-yard rushing performance with 141-yards on 41 carries. He now has averaged 87.4 yards per game during his career on 15 carries per game. He also recorded his first reception of the season.
    * 18 of Cody Parkey’s 30 kick offs have now gone for a touch back.
    * Neiko Thorpe is currently on pace for a 100-tackle season and he also has 2 interceptions and one forced fumble on the season. Auburn’s other safety, Demetruce McNeal is currently third on the team in tackles, leading the Tigers with 8 stops against the Gamecocks. He also has 2 picks on the season.
    * Prior to today, opponents had converted 75 percent of their 3rd down plays during the 4th quarter against the Tigers. South Carolina was 1 of 4 in the 4th period and 2 of 10 for the entire game.
    * Auburn quarterbacks have now been sacked every 10.5 pass attempts. During the 2009 season, Auburn quarterbacks were sacked every 17.3 pass plays. For those critical of Barrett Trotter, you might want to consider the sack ratio.
    * Barrett Trotter went 7 of 11 for 74-yards on 3rd down, including 1 TD pass. He did throw 2 picks on 3rd down but managed to pick up 1 first down on a run. For the season, Trotter is completing 62% of his passes on 3rd down.
    * Malzahn’s decision to throw only 3 times on 35 first down plays made the offense fairly predictable, which also made it difficult for Trotter in later downs. Trotter had averaged at least 8 pass attempts on first down coming into the game, making the 3 attempts a season low.
    * 51.9 percent of the Gamecocks offensive snaps went for 2-yards or less, a season high for the Auburn defense.
    * Prior to the USC game, Auburn’s defense had held the opponent to 2-yards or less during the second half, 36.7 percent of the time. During the second half, 59.3 percent of the Gamecocks offensive snaps were held to 2-yards or less.
    * South Carolina became the first SEC opponent, Ted Roof’s defense held to under 14-points. The last time AU held a SEC opponent to under 14-points was the 2008 Tennessee game.

 

There aren’t enough words that can describe the blue-collar performance turned in by Michael Dyer today. He worked for every yard of his 141-yards gained rushing. With Auburn running 91 percent of the time, it was obvious who was carrying the football when Michael Dyer was on the field. There were no flashy or long distant gains for Dyer today but Auburn needed every yard he gained. After the first quarter, it was obvious Auburn was going to hang their offensive game plan on the yardage gained, running between the tackles. If this were the case, it might have been beneficial had Kiehl Frazier remained on the field for a series or two to give Auburn an extra runner on the field. Frazier has now averaged 7.1 yards per rush on his 12 designed run plays.

 

Auburn needed to win the trench wars to come away with a victory today and that was the case. Though Auburn struggled in pass protection, they did rush for 267-yards. The Tiger defensive front held their own against the Gamecocks holding Lattimore to a season low, 66-yards, while sacking Stephen Garcia 3 times and hurrying him 5 other times. Overall, Auburn played better up front than the Gamecocks, which was a major difference in the game. There were signs last week, the defense had taken baby steps in terms of improving but there should be no doubt about today’s performance. This is not to say the Auburn defense is back but it’s a great sign they are indeed improving.

 

One great advantage of having a youthful team is their resiliency to bounce back quickly. Though they will make you scratch your head at times, they are eager to learn and most of all, improve. One consistent theme we have seen this season is that these Tigers have not quit, even in their loss to undefeated Clemson. No matter what the fans might think of this team, they continue to play hard for their university and for themselves. The future will continue to be huge test for the 2011 Auburn Tigers but you can bet they are anxious to play to prove their worth. As Coach Pat Dye previously stated, no one hurts more after a loss than the players and coaches. They proved a lot of folks wrong this week, including myself, and I could not be happier they did. While fans might be looking down the road, wondering when the next win might come, this team is taking it one game at a time.


Title: Re: Auburn-South Carolina Game Thread
Post by: JR4AU on October 02, 2011, 01:50:07 PM
Stats are all well and good, but don't tell the whole story.  Just like bitching about Greene at LT when that big DE made a sack.  If you watched closely, very often he wasn't Greene's man in pass pro.  They were using a lot of slide type protection, and pulling a G to kick him out.  Greene did get beat some too, but just because he's lined up there doesn't mean that man is his in all pass pro schemes. 

It became clear, to me at least, late in the game that Gus (or Chiz, or both) was afraid to throw.  He was having enough success running to keep them in the game.  And, too, we don't know how much of that was due to Chiz calling the tempo and flow of the game, if not the offensive plays themselves.  (Which I don't believe he does)  The game yesterday had a very Tubervillee-sque feel to it.  Pound the rock, play defense, win field position with special teams, be in a position to win at the end.  Yesterday, hamstringing the offense (if that was done as much by coaching as it was Trotter) was exactly the right call.  If Gus had turned Trotter loose, or Chiz turned Gus loose we may have lost by 21.  To both their credit, I detected zero friction in that relationship yesterday.  Roof and Chiz are clearly at odds.  Fuck roof. 
Title: Re: Auburn-South Carolina Game Thread
Post by: War Eagle!!! on October 02, 2011, 02:59:33 PM
We gave up 280 total yards to one of the best WR/RB combos in the country. Top 10 team. On their turf. In the SEC. Do you realize how hard that is?? Roof sucking aside, that was an impressive performance.

Everyone needs to slow their roll on this defensive performance. Yes, they have a good RB and WR, however, Trotter>Garcia...and you know how I feel about Trotter.

Overall, nice defensive performance. But to imply that Auburn's defense is "back" is WAY too premature...
Title: Re: Auburn-South Carolina Game Thread
Post by: Townhallsavoy on October 02, 2011, 03:04:13 PM
Definitely not "back," but we did what good defenses do against bad offenses.  That's a plus.
Title: Re: Auburn-South Carolina Game Thread
Post by: JR4AU on October 02, 2011, 03:09:12 PM
Everyone needs to slow their roll on this defensive performance. Yes, they have a good RB and WR, however, Trotter>Garcia...and you know how I feel about Trotter.

Overall, nice defensive performance. But to imply that Auburn's defense is "back" is WAY too premature...

True, but ability to stop the run is a huge deal.
Title: Re: Auburn-South Carolina Game Thread
Post by: Buzz Killington on October 02, 2011, 08:51:24 PM
Quote
South Carolina became the first SEC opponent, Ted Roof’s defense held to under 14-points. The last time AU held a SEC opponent to under 14-points was the 2008 Tennessee game.

I believe this is called a trend, boys and girls.
Title: Re: Auburn-South Carolina Game Thread
Post by: GH2001 on October 03, 2011, 10:33:44 AM
Everyone needs to slow their roll on this defensive performance. Yes, they have a good RB and WR, however, Trotter>Garcia...and you know how I feel about Trotter.

Overall, nice defensive performance. But to imply that Auburn's defense is "back" is WAY too premature...
Agree.....but the point being, Trotter can't blame the D not being able to get off the field as an excuse for this one. We held SC to 13 points. That SHOULD NOT be a lot of pressure on the QB to perform and put points on the board.