Through two games this season, Auburn’s defense has been exceptional, namely against the run.
The Tigers’ defense, led by second-year defensive coordinator DJ Durkin, has allowed a total of 551 yards (275.5 YPG) through two games, which is its fewest since allowing 364 yards through two games (182 YPG) in 2021. Additionally, the Tigers are second in the nation in both sacks (10) and run defense (30.5 YPG).
Auburn limited Ball State to just 68 total yards, marking the fewest total yards since holding Ole Miss to nine yards in 1985, and held it to a whopping -3 rushing yards – the lowest mark since holding Akron to -3 rushing yards in 2021.
“We’re just blessed to have that front. Those guys on that front are different. I think everyone is kind of starting to realize we’ve got some dudes up front,” said Auburn safety Slyvester Smith. “Having those guys up front and having that linebacker room, it is going to be tough to run the ball.”
Auburn’s defensive line has been a constant rotation throughout the two games this season. It consistently overpowered Ball State, and the unit saw 13 different players record a snap against the Cardinals.
As a result, the Tigers hit home for 14 tackles for loss. It was the most since recording the same number against Ole Miss in 2014.
“I just hope that that buy-in continues because I do still believe that our strength there is because of numbers and playing an unlimited number of snaps with incredible technique, passion and fundamentals. So far, it’s worked. I think both games the D-line, they’ve stopped the run. which if you do that, you’ve got a good chance to win a lot of football games. I think that they’ve bought into that thus far and will hopefully continue to,” said Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze.
But that’s not to count out the second level of Auburn’s defense. The Tigers’ linebacker play was quite the sight to see against Ball State. A new emerger in the room is leading the charge. His name: Xavier Atkins.
Atkins, a transfer from LSU, was all over the field for Auburn on Saturday. He tallied five tackles, four for a loss and two sacks. His four tackles for loss and two sacks set a career high. It was the most tackles for loss in a game since Jalen McLeod recorded four against Arkansas in 2023.
“It was DJ (Durkin) and the defensive guys and personnel who believed he had that potential when we signed him. I became a pretty quick believer throughout spring ball into fall camp, especially fall camp,” Freeze said. “His movement skills and his strength and explosiveness…I know he’s not the biggest linebacker, but he packs a pretty good punch and plays the game the way you want it played.
“It’s 100 miles an hour like Eugene Asante, and it didn’t take long for us to realize that we needed that quick twitch, tackling ability on the defensive side of the field a large portion of the time, and he continues to produce.”
After a rough showing against Baylor, where Auburn gave up 419 passing yards, Slyvester Smith was a man to be reckoned with against the Cardinals. Laying the boom on three different occasions, and igniting sold-out orange and blue crowd, Smith recorded a team-high six tackles with one tackle for loss.
“It was really nice to see because we challenged him pretty good after the Baylor game. I know his snaps may not be significant from the past years but he has some experience we need to be a voice back there to settle us down if we are creating some bust on our own,” Freeze said.
“He played physical and tackled well, and his MAs (missed assignments) were way down, so really proud of him. He’s worked hard for this opportunity, and hopefully he can continue to build upon last week,” he added later.
Auburn will face a fiery South Alabama offense on Saturday. Led by quarterback Bishop Davenport and running back Kentrel Bullock, the Jaguars put up 421 yards of offense in their loss to Tulane a week ago.
“They’re very multiple, motion, shifts, things that make you think and make you check. Before you know it, if you’re not careful, you’ve made the wrong check and one of those guys that can really run is hurting you,” Freeze said of the Jaguars’ offense.
The Tigers’ annual Homecoming game will kick off at 11:45 a.m. CT on SECN.
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