Guest Column: Auburn Fans “Spread” Out and Prepare for Long Season

We wanted to give you a perspective from the other side of the Auburn-Vanderbilt showdown, and this Tiger Country insider was kind enough to help us out. His final word on the matter: "War Damn Gameday."

Posted by Clark Williams, Auburnfootball.com

There’s a common question among Auburn fans these days: what’s up with the offense? It’s a question that’s been amplified by the introduction of offensive coordinator Tony Franklin’s well-publicized “spread” offense. The author of the Tony Franklin System and a successful engineer of it at Troy University and high schools around the Southeast, Franklin is steeped in the midst of what some believe to be a power struggle between he and Head Coach Tommy Tuberville. Five games into the season, issues over a full-time starting quarterback, run to pass ratio and red zone efficiency have yet to be resolved.

Interestingly, questions regarding lackluster performances by Auburn’s offense aren’t new ones. The Tigers fell to the bottom of the FBS in several offensive categories during the last two years. Al Borges was let go following the 2007-2008 season in favor of Franklin and his modernistic approach. However, Borges left behind the personnel needed not in the spread, but in the slower, more methodical West Coast offense. Tuberville did what any good coach and leader would do, supporting and enabling Franklin in the offensive overhaul. Following the Chick-Fil-A Bowl, it appeared the new system was well on its way to success, amassing 423 total yards of offense.

How quickly fans forget the larger picture. Without the personnel and game experience required to run the system, Franklin has been handcuffed this year. The players have been learning on the go, not in practice or a bowl-game trial, but in the defensive juggernaut that is the Southeastern Conference. With seven games left, Franklin faces the tough challenge of re-shaping the system to fit the team’s abilities. Tubbs, Franklin and most objective observers understand a new scheme endures growing pains and takes time to install. However, in the high-pressure, win-now SEC, even 4-1 is not always good enough.

Previewing Vandy

What to watch for on offense:

1) Offensive line play- Auburn has shot itself in the foot numerous times this season with holding and false-start penalties. A product of the pass-happy spread scheme, this will be an important factor going against the talented, yet youthful likes of Broderick Stewart and the Vandy D-Line.

2) Mario Fannin- Just what is the “War Eagle formation?” Think of a poor man’s Darren McFadden. The Tigers will give Fannin some direct snaps and let him do his thing. It will be interesting to see how he does.

3) Auburn wide receivers- Here’s a key spot in which Franklin is limited by personnel. If Chris Todd’s receivers give him open looks, he can be an efficient quarterback. If not, watch out.

What to watch for on defense:

1) Pressure- Paul Rhoades is a fantastic coordinator, and Auburn ranks 5th in the nation in scoring defense. Speed is a hallmark of the Tigers’ defense, but it usually works best when they keep quarterbacks in the pocket. If Rhoades elects to bring the house and Chris Nickson gets away, Auburn could be exposed.

2) Josh Bynes- This kid played out of his shoes in his first ever start last week. Filling in for the super-talented, yet streaky Tray Blackmon at middle linebacker, he piled up 11 total tackles and a pass break-up. The coaches think Bynes has the ability to surpass Blackmon, the nation’s #1 linebacker recruit in 2005.

3) The big play- Auburn won’t be beaten in a grind-it-out football game, and they won’t be had in a dip-and-dunk, run-and-pass format. The key to beating the boys from the Plains is to take advantage of big play opportunities. Charles Scott, Branden LaFell and the LSU offense gashed Auburn for multiple plays of ten yards or more. Vandy has to follow that pattern, and the Dores must cash in for six, not settle for three.

What to watch for on special teams:

Auburn placekicking- Wes Byrum has started the year in pedestrian fashion at best. He is 3 for 6 on field goal attempts from 20 to 39 yards. As a result, Tuberville has re-opened competition for starting duties. The hero of last year’s win in the Swamp may not take the field Saturday night.

Prediction:

The line opened at +6.0, and is currently at +4.5. Despite the criticism of Franklin’s offense, and given Vanderbilt’s cellar-dweller offensive status in the SEC, Auburn should win. The Auburn O-line is touting a return to a physical brand of football; Franklin and Rhoades will push the Tigers hard all week in practice; Nickson and George Smith likely won’t be at full strength; and Vandy is last in the league in total defense. This observer’s take: Auburn 24-Vanderbilt 16.