Perhaps the best running back in the nation will waltz into Jordan-Hare Stadium on Saturday when the Auburn Tigers host No. 16 Missouri.
Missouri boasts one of the most explosive offenses in the nation, tallying 511.3 yards per game. It scores 41.7 points per game and has an average time of possession of 34:49. All three of those statistical categories rank inside the top 10 nationally.
Missouri’s rushing attack leads the charge
The visiting Tigers own a lethal rushing attack, averaging 270.5 ground yards per game, which ranks sixth nationally.
And a big reason why is the stellar play of running back Ahmad Hardy.
Hardy has rushed for 782 yards this season, the second-most in the nation. Per Pro Football Focus, he leads the country with 608 yards after contact and ranks second with 49 forced missed tackles. He ranks second nationally with 22 runs of 10-plus yards.
“Big, strong, really good running back, one of the better we face. (Tackling) will definitely be an emphasis. Obviously, we put an emphasis each week on stopping the run, and this is no different, but he is one of the better ones we’ve faced,” said Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze.
Dual-threat quarterback adds another challenge
Additionally, Missouri quarterback Beau Pribula is a dynamic runner himself. He has tallied 182 yards on the ground and added four rushing scores, which is the second-highest on the team.
“They’re scoring points with their quarterbacks and tailbacks. Receivers are playing at a very high level. Very talented team, quarterback understands the system Eli wants and plays within it. He uses his legs very well when he needs to,” Freeze said.
Auburn’s defense has been up to the task
While no one has been able to stop Hardy and the visiting Tigers’ rushing attack thus far, Auburn’s defense has been stellar against the run and is easily the best rush defense Missouri will have faced up to this point.
Auburn has held its opponents to less than 100 yards on the ground four times this season. It has only given up 519 yards on the ground, which is good for the fewest in the first six games of a season since 1999.
Xavier Atkins leads Auburn’s defensive charge
A big reason why has been the play of LSU transfer linebacker Xavier Atkins. He is the only player in the FBS to record 35-plus tackles, seven-plus tackles for loss, three-plus sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and one interception. He has led Auburn in tackling in each of its three SEC games.
Needless to say, Auburn will need Atkins and its front seven to continue its ferociousness against the run on Saturday.
Game details
Auburn and Missouri will kick off at 6:45 p.m. CT on SECN.
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