Sizing Up Auburn
7 comments so far
December 27, 2006 by
For a team that’s 10-2 and has beaten a national championship game caliber opponent in Florida, the Tigers certainly don’t overwhelm on paper with their size. Their defensive front seven (lineman and linebackers) are smaller than Nebraska and their running backs are smaller. Their wide receivers and defensive backs are not overwhelming either. With the exception of their center, the offensive line is fairly big and they’ve gotten most of their points on the ground.
Auburn running back Brad Lester, who lead the team with nine touchdowns, is suspended from the contest as are two linebackers (including a starter) from Auburn’s two-deep. With talk of inserting 325-lbs. Carl Nicks into the Husker offensive lineup, it would seem like the best strategy might be to run right at the Tigers, with the Huskers using their size to dominate at the line of scrimmage and wear down Auburn by running between the tackles. The Tigers are sure to be fast on defense, so it’s likely that running outside will be difficult. This is a game where you’d hope the Huskers had Cody Glenn at 100%, though it seems likely that won’t be the case. Auburn’s weakness defensively appears to be their rushing defense which is ranked 48th nationally, so with or without Glenn a steady dose of runs would seem like a good strategy for the Huskers.
With veteran leadership in the backfield, the Tigers have done a good job of minimizing turnovers, committing fewer than one and a half per game while collecting nearly two a game - all the more reason for Nebraska to stick with the run game. No doubt we’ll see a fair amount of passing in the game. Maurice Purify is still a match-up nightmare for Nebraska’s opponents and he has at least a three-inch advantage on every defensive back that Auburn uses. The Tigers will no doubt seek to test the Husker secondary as well.
Still, this game could well have the feel of Nebraska’s past appearances in the Cotton Bowl, which were all defensive struggles that heavily featured the run game. I expect to see a lot of tackles for losses and a lot of punts on both sides - NU 21-20.
» Enjoy this article?
Send it to your friend or get Husker news by email!
Related Stories: Auburn, Bowl Games
Post a comment
James Moore Dec 27 06
Auburn is a fine football program but there is no need for worry here. First, we know that they are fast but hey weren't Texas, USC & Oklahoma? Granted all 3 were losses but USC was a growing-up experience, Texas we should've won & Oklahoma is just flat out better than Auburn at the moment. Second, they cannot stop us from running the ball. Yeah, they run downhill on defense. Yeah, they're quick on the edges. If they stay out on the field for an extended period of time they are very, very vulnerable. Last, give Coach Callahan this much time and I promise you he will have these guys extremely well-prepared. Enjoy it. The Order is Restored, next year's goals: Big 12 Champs, 11 wins & a BCS Bowl.
Al Dec 28 06
Size doesn't matter that much...every Division II team has a 300 lb. line. Everyone has big lineman. Would you rather have a 290 lb. lineman who can run a 4.8, or a tugboat who can barely get out of his stance! Huskers, think you are tougher or bigger than LSU or Florida? I like James' comment, "there is no need for worry here". It's great fun when fans are dismissive of the 3rd winningness college program in Div 1 over the last 3 years! Setting yourself up for a blue New Year's Day, my Husker friend. War Eagle!
au fan Dec 28 06
You can keep telling yourself that. Auburn has more time off and our team isn't all banged up anymore. It should be a real head knocker of a game. War Eagle!
Alpharetta Tiger Dec 28 06
Should be a good matchup. Interesting that at least one Husker is so cocky. What is your biggest win this year, Missouri, Texas AM or Colorado? Not exactly top 15 material on any of those. Auburn has the ability to play with and beat just about anybody (see Florida and LSU), also has the ability to crumble (see Arky and GA). I really think this is more about how Auburn plays, if both teams play well.. Auburn wins. Nebraska is good enough to beat us if we sleep walk through the first half like some of our other AM games this year. Should be interesting to watch. Good luck and War Eagle!
Jason Dec 28 06
Welcome Tiger fans! Thanks for stopping by.
I don't think all Nebraskans are as confident as James is. Many of us are worried about a let down after the disappointment in the Big 12 Championship game. Also, our 4 RB's are very banged up.
In any case, it should be a great game. Good luck Tiger War Eagles.
Scott Dec 28 06
I know James is just being a faithful Husker fan because on paper it appears that Auburn has the clear edge, especially with that defense of theirs. Besides, Oklahoma showed what it can do with an "average" passing game in the Big 12 Championship. I am just hoping for a good game to show that NU can play with a Top 10 team. Go Huskers and good luck Tigers.
And to Alpharetta Tiger.....EVERY win is a big win.
Gregory Dec 28 06
I'd be very impressed if the Tigers put a decisive "whuppin" on the Cornhuskers. By that, I mean more the 2 TD's.
Your newly found physical style is wonderful, so- "welcome to the big boys table". Your speed {on defense} won't come as a huge shock, but that's where the game will be decided. Nebraska's practice squad QB is better than your starter. If Tubberville is confident enough to go right at Nebraska, he'll change that plan in short order.
To your health and the health of your team,
Go Big Red!