WHAT’S INSIDE OFFENSE
tennessee published by The
Quarterback Jarrett Stidham: ‘I’m working as hard as I can’
Auburn Plainsman
page 2
RANKINGS
Auburn falls to No. 21 in AP Poll page 11 OFFENSE
Receivers continue to look for big-play opportunities
page 10 LIFE
Get your gameday schedule and lineup ready for the Tigers’ game in Jordan-Hare page 10 ON THE FIELD
Will Malik Willis get a shot at QB?
JOSHUA FISHER / PHOTOGRAPHER
page 11
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The Auburn Plainsman: Auburn vs. Tennessee
October 11, 2018
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Auburn QB Jarrett Stidham: ‘I’m working as hard as I can’
By JAKE WEESE Sports Writer
Auburn’s starting quarterback is taking a great deal of blame for the Tigers’ (4-2, 1-2 SEC) horrid offensive showings against conference opponents for a multitude of reasons. Jarrett Stidham doesn’t look like the preseason All-SEC second team quarterback who became the program’s second 3,000-yard passer last season. His completion percentage, which led the conference at 66.5 in 2017, has dipped to 60.1. His deep ball, which was vaunted for being one of the best in the league, has been erratic, most notably so in the team’s 23-9 loss to Mississippi State over the weekend. On a perfect play design, he overthrew a wide-open Darius Slayton on a sure-fire touchdown. But Stidham isn’t throwing in the towel. To him, along with the rest of the Tigers leadership, the season isn’t anywhere near over. “We have to take this one game at a time,” Stidham said. “Obviously, we’ve lost two games in the West, but there’s still a lot of ball left to play this year. And we were kind of sitting in this same spot last year. A lot of people counting us out, that sort of thing.” After a 3-point first half, Auburn’s offense improved in the second, racking up 225 yards and rattling off effective drive after effective drive. Problem was, the Tigers couldn’t finish. Whether it be an overthrow, a missed field goal, a fumble at the goal line or a dropped pass, Auburn couldn’t get out of its own way. “I think, just from what I can recall off the top of my head, we left 21 points out on the field,” Stidham said. “And that obviously would have helped us win the game. And, you know, those plays, they hurt whenever you watch them on Sunday, but at the same time, you’ve got to put it in the past, and you’ve got to go to work.” Offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey resounded those same views Sunday, saying the team should have scored at least 30 points. He also attributed the lost produc-
tion to offensive blunders. However, as the QB1, it all boils down to Stidham, whom Lindsey admitted may be pressing and putting pressure on himself. The redshirt junior has just one touchdown to two interceptions in conference play. Stidham is being forced to be the primary play-maker in an offense reliant on his skillset, considering the rushing attack failed to produce 100 yards for the third straight game for the first time since 1999 against Miss State. Gus Malzahn obviously wants to have an effective running game but plans on tailoring the team’s approach on a gameby-game basis. “I think the best way to answer that is every game will be a little bit different,” Malzahn said when asked if the team is leaning toward a pass-first approach. “From a coaches’ standpoint, give your guys the best chance to be successful every game is different because their personnel is different and their strengths are different.” Midway through the season, Stidham is ninth in the conference in passing yards (1177) and Auburn’s offense is 12th in total production — in front of lowly SEC bottom-feeders Arkansas and Tennessee. An inexperienced offensive line that has allowed 10 sacks in the past three outings hasn’t made things easy. But for the offense to right the ship, Stidham must go back to the drawing board and analyze what has made this season worse than the last. And he’s recognized that. Stidham said the same throws he’s been missing downfield as of late, he’s made time after time in practice. “I’m the one with the ball in my hands every play,” Stidham said. “And I’ve got to play a lot better. I think that’s first and foremost. For our offense to be as successful as it’s going to be, I’ve got play a lot better. And I know that, and I’m working as hard as I can to improve every week.” Stidham and the Auburn offense will look to regroup against Tennessee inside Jordan-Hare Stadium. The team’s annuJOSHUA FISHER / PHOTOGRAPHER al “Stripe the Stadium” game is set to kick Jarrett Stidham (8) in the pocket during Auburn football vs. Mississippi State on Oct. 6, 2018, in Auburn, Ala. off at 11 a.m. CST.
October 11, 2018
The Auburn Plainsman: Auburn vs. Tennessee
3
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The Auburn Plainsman: Auburn vs. Tennessee
October 11, 2018
AUBURN TIGERS LEFT TACKLE
LEFT GUARD
CENTER
RIGHT GUARD
RIGHT TACKLE
P. Tega Wanogho (76)
Marquel Harrell (77)
Kaleb Kim (54)
Mike Horton (64)
Jake Driscoll (71)
Bailey Sharp (66)
Tashawn Manning (56)
Nick Brahms (52)
Calvin Ashley (70)
Austin Troxell (68)
TIGHT END
H-BACK
QUARTERBACK
RUNNING BACK
Z WIDE RECEIVER
Jalen Harris (85)
Chandler Cox (27)
Jarrett Stidham (8)
Kam Martin (9)
Ryan Davis (23)
Tucker Brown (85)
Spencer Nigh (99) OR
Malik Willis (14)
JaTarvious Whitlow (28)
Anthony Schwartz (5)
John Samuel Shenker (47)
Harold Joiner (29)
Joey Gatewood (13) OR
SLOT WIDE RECEIVER
Y WIDE RECEIVER
X WIDE RECEIVER
Sal Cannella (80)
Nate Craig-Myers (3)
Darius Slayton (81)
Matthew Hill (19)
Marquis McClain (17) OR
Shedrick Jackson (11)
Cord Sandberg (24)
Seth Williams (18)
NICKELS/STAR STRONG SAFETY
FREE SAFETY
Javaris Davis (13)
CORNERBACK
CORNERBACK
Daniel Thomas (24)
Jeremiah Dinson (20)
Jordyn Peters (15)
Jamel Dean (12)
Noah Igbinoghene (4)
Jamien Sherwood (9)
Smoke Monday (21)
Jayvaughn Myers (18)
Christian Tutt (6)
John Broussard Jr. (22)
DEFENSIVE TACKLE
DEFENSIVE TACKLE
DEFENSIVE END
BUCK LINEBACKER
WILL LINEBACKER
Dontavious Russell (95)
Derrick Brown (5)
Marlon Davidson (3)
Nick Coe (91)
Montavious Atkinson (48)
Tyrone Truesdell (94)
Andrew Williams (79)
Big Kat Bryant (1)
T.D. Moultry (55)
Zakoby McClain (35)
Juantavius Johnson (62)
Daquan Newkirk (44)
Gary Walker (97)
Richard Jibunor (27)
OR Coynis Miller (8)
SAM LINEBACKER
MIKE LINEBACKER
Darrell Williams (49)
Deshaun Davis (55)
Chandler Wooten (31)
K.J. Britt (33)
KICKER Anders Carlson (26)
HOLDER Ian Shannon (43)
KICK RETURNER PUNTER
LONG SNAPPER
PUNT RETURNER
Aidan Marshall (41)
Bill Taylor (60)
Ryan Davis (23)
Arryn Siposs (90)
Clarke Smith (53)
Christian Tutt (6)
Noah Igbinoghene (4) JaTarvious Whitlow (28) Shaun Shivers (25) Asa Martin (20)
October 11, 2018
The Auburn Plainsman: Auburn vs. Tennessee
5
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May 15-June 15, 2019 Travel with other Auburn students and complete course credits through the Auburn University Core Curriculum Program in Barcelona, Spain. The program offers students an opportunity to complete two Core Curriculum courses over four weeks in a beautiful international setting.
PROGRAM COST Estimated – $6,400 Does not include the $677 Auburn Abroad Fee, which replaces the Student Services Fee for on-campus courses.
COURSES OFFERED COMM 1000/1007 – Public Speaking (3 credits) PHIL 1020/1027 – Introduction to Ethics (3 credits) POLI 1050/1057 – Global Politics and Issues (3 credits) NATR 2050/2057 – People and the Environment (3 credits) ARCH 2600/2607 – The Art of Architecture, Place, and Culture (3 credits) Class sessions will take place at the Barcelona Study Abroad Experience (SAE) Center. *All courses can be completed as Honors courses.
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The Auburn Plainsman: Auburn vs. Tennessee
October 11, 2018
SGA
SERVE . PROMOTE . UNIFY
GUIDE TO GAMEDAY 2018 WEEK OF GAME TIMELINE
SUNDAY—11:59 PM
Return ticket for 0 penalty points
SUNDAY—12 PM
Guest pass request begins
FRIDAY—5 PM
Return ticket for 1 penalty point
Last time to request guest pass
• Request guest pass, if desired, at aub.ie/aufstc. • Return ticket to ticket pool if not attending game at aub.ie/aufstc.
NEW FOR 2018
Priority for post season bowl game, conference championship, and/or playoff game tickets will be given to those with the highest number of Auburn University credit hours, pending the number of penalty points collected during the current football season (lowest number of Penalty Points provides higher priority). For more information, visit aub.ie/ticketing.
Failure to arrive by 2nd quarter results in 2 penalty points
FRIDAY—5 PM
THURSDAY—9 AM
DO THIS BY SUNDAY
GAMEDAY
Deadline to pay for guest pass
DO THIS BY FRIDAY
• Pay for guest pass, if selected, by 5 pm at aub.ie/aufstc. • Return tickets if not attending game by 5 pm at aub.ie/aufstc. • Review Jordan-Hare Stadium’s clear bag policy at auburntigers.com/clearbag. • Abide by gameday parking regulations:
CAMPUS LOT CLOSURE TIMES ON FRIDAY
Coliseum Lot (PC1)..............................................................11 AM Stadium Deck (B zone)........................................................10 PM
DO THIS BY THURSDAY
Arena Lot (PC2)...................................................................10 PM
• Continue requesting guest passes, if desired, at aub.ie/aufstc. • Continue returning tickets to ticket pool if not attending game at aub.ie/aufstc. • Review Ignited Card policy:
West Village Lot (PC4).........................................................10 PM
Magnolia/Donahue Lot (PC3)..............................................10 PM West Village Extension (C zone)..........................................10 PM
DO THIS ON GAMEDAY
• Arrive by the second quarter to avoid receiving penalty points. • A student guest must enter with the student who received the guest pass at gate 6. • Abide by the student conduct policy.
An Auburn Ignited Card is required for student admission to ALL ticketed athletic events. Students may collect their Auburn Ignited Card at the Auburn Arena Box Office Monday-Friday from 7:45am to 5:00pm. Students must present their Tiger Card to collect their Ignited Card. A student’s first Ignited Card is free of charge. Ignited Cards may be checked for functionality at the ticket booth next to Gate 6 at Jordan-Hare Stadium beginning Wednesday the week of each home game. Faded ignited cards can be exchanged and replaced free of charge at the ticket office located at Auburn Arena. Replacement fees during football season (June 8 - end of season) are $50 for the first replacement and $100 for each replacement after. The replacement fee outside of football season is $25. Replacement fees cannot be added to a student’s eBill and are cumulative for a student’s entire Auburn academic career.
Individuals found in possession of alcohol or visibly intoxicated will not be permitted to enter an event and /or will be removed from the event. Violators face possible student discipline action, and loss of season ticket privileges. For more information, view the Alcohol Policy online. Smoking is prohibited in Jordan-Hare stadium. This includes all vaping and electronic smoking devices
• • • •
Gates open 2 hours before kickoff. Student entrances are located at gates 6, 7, 8. Students with disabilities should proceed to Gate 6. The student section includes sections 17-27 and part of section 28. Wheelchair seating is available for students in section 25. • Organizations receiving priority seating through OSP must arrive 60 minutes before kickoff and remain seated until the conclusion of the alma mater. • Arrive at least one hour prior to kickoff. Late arrivals should enter through gates 6-8 and head to the tunnels closest to sections 18-21.
October 11, 2018
The Auburn Plainsman: Auburn vs. Tennessee
7
GET TO KNOW THE
FOOTBALL STUDENT TICKETING CENTER AUB.IE/AUFSTC
The football student ticketing center was established to provide a platform where students could access all needed information regarding student football tickets. On this platform you can view your current ticket status, give to the ticket pool, request a ticket, access guest pass information, view any current penalties, and submit penalty appeals.
HOME PAGE
The 2018 season schedule is on the home page. Below the each opponent is a student’s current ticket status. No icons below the opponent name represents that the student has neither requested or been awarded a ticket. • A ticket icon shaded orange represents the student possessing a ticket for that particular game. • A ticket icon shaded gray represents a ticket requested from the pool. • A blue guest icon represents a guest pass awarded. • A gray guest icon represents a guest pass requested.
REQUEST A TICKET
This page allows students to return awarded tickets to the ticket pool. This ticket will then be redistributed to a student who requested a ticket for that particular game. Returned tickets give students without a game ticket an opportunity to attend the game. Returned tickets are not eligible for a refund. To review the terms and conditions for ticketing, please utilize the link entitled “Terms and Conditions” at the bottom of the aub.ie/aufstc site.
GUEST PASSES
Guest passes allow students to bring guests in the student section. A minimum of 250 guest passes are available each game. Only students who have a ticket may request a guest pass. Requests begin Sunday at 12 p.m. and end Thursday at 9 a.m. the week of each home game. Students who receive guest passes may purchase the pass beginning Thursday at 12 p.m. and ending Friday at 5 p.m. Students may only receive one guest ticket per game unless the Athletics Ticket Office makes an alternate announcement. To claim their guest, students must pay the guest pass fee online at www.AubTix.com using their banner number and password. If you do not have a registered account, you will be provided a pin in your email. Guest pass fees must be paid by credit card and cannot be billed to a student’s e-Bill. All guest passes must be claimed during this process. No exceptions. All unclaimed guest passes from the ticket pool will be forfeited after 5:00 p.m. on Friday the week of the game.
PENALTY POINTS
Penalty points act as an accountability system to ensure that students are either utilizing their ticket or returning it to the pool. A student can view their current penalty points by selecting the “My Penalties” page. A clear description of why a student received penalty point(s) is provided on the top of the pop up window. The penalty structure is as follows: • 0 Point Penalty: Ticket was returned before 11:59pm on the Sunday before the game. • 1 Point Penalty: Ticket was returned after Sunday at 11:59pm but before Friday at 5pm prior to the game. • 2 Point Penalty: Student failed to attend the game or failed to arrive to the game by the beginning of the second quarter Penalty points affect post season ticket distribution. The distribution is based on a penalty point-credit hour basis. Penalty points reset after every season.
APPEALS
In the event a student acquires penalty points they would like to appeal, the student can utilize the “appeals” page. On this page, a student can see that particular game to which they are eligible for an appeal. New appeals may only be submitted a maximum of six days after the penalty was initially assigned. After six days, the penalty will be finalized and will no longer be eligible for an appeal. All appeals are reviewed by the appeals committee consisting of both staff and students representatives. Students who submit appeals are encouraged to submit as much supporting information as they can provide such as clear gameday pictures, etc. The more proof a student can provide to why the point(s) were awarded unjustly, the better. For more information about Frequently Asked Questions, Terms and Conditions, paying for a guest pass or submitting feedback, please visit aub.ie/aufstc
SGA
SE R V E . P R O MO TE . UN I FY
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The Auburn Plainsman: Auburn vs. Tennessee
October 11, 2018
Tigers ‘dodged a bullet’ with Davis’ knee injury By NATHAN KING Sports Editor
COURTESY ADRIEN TERRICABRAS / THE DAILY BEACON
Tennessee coach Jeremy Pruitt speaks at a press conference.
What Vols coach had to say about Auburn By SPORTS STAFF Here is the transcript from Tennessee’s Monday media availability, courtesy of the UT Daily Beacon. HEAD COACH JEREMY PRUITT ON ANY NOTICEABLE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN AUBURN FILM THIS YEAR VS. LAST YEAR: “They had to replace some guys up front. If you look last week in the ball game, there’s a touchdown that they’re this far away from it being a touchdown, had several opportunities. I’ve played against this guy before. This guy’s got great arm talent. He has understanding of what he does, what they want him to do offensively. He’s got good guys around him. He can make all the throws. He can hurt you with his feet. I think he’s a tremendous quarterback and it definitely will be a huge challenge for us.” ON DEFENDING AUBURN’S OFFENSE: “You need to keep your edges. These guys do a really good job of running the football. They create a lot of explosive plays out on the perimeter, so you have to have good edges to make them block you to begin with. I think you have to eliminate explosive plays in the pass game. You need to get them in third-and-long yardage. If you don’t, their run-pass options are really tough to defend. Last year, converting third downs was probably the difference in the ball game when I coached against them. We have to get off the field on third down. You need to hold them to field goals in the red area. You have to find ways to get some turnovers. All the things I just said probably (apply to) every week. Against these guys, it’s going to be important.” ON NEEDING THE DEFENSIVE LINE GETTING PRESSURE AGAINST AUBURN ON THIRD DOWNS: “Gus [Malzahn] has always given you multiple per-
sonnels, but they do a great job of making you play from sideline to sideline. They play really fast on offense. They are very multiple. You have to recognize formations and where guys are at. To me, his teams have always gotten better as the season has gone along. Most of the time, we have coached against him at the very end. They are really dangerous when they get going. To me, they have been right there at it every game. You can watch all the games. There is always just a play or two there that they have just barely missed on to get them going. We have to do a good job of slowing them down on first down. We have to keep our edges and tackle better. They have big strong running backs and players. Their rocket sweep guys are tough to get on the ground. We have to keep them cut off in the back end to make them earn it.”
Deshaun Davis was scared last Saturday. When Auburn’s starting middle linebacker went down in the fourth quarter against Miss State, the pain was in the same knee he had surgery on his senior year of high school. He remained on his back for a minute before being helped to the sideline, putting no weight on his left leg while he did. “It scared me,” Davis said. “It bent in an awkward way, so I was worried.” Auburn’s senior leader returned on the following drive. Since then, Davis said he hasn’t tried it out, but the knee “feels better” than it did in Starkville. “We really dodged a bullet with that,” said Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn. “It scared him, got twisted and people landed on it.” Malzahn said Davis will return to practice Tuesday. A native of Prichard, Alabama, Davis leads Auburn in tackles with 24 this season, including 7.5 for loss. No. 21 Auburn returns home this Saturday against Tennessee at 11 a.m. CST.
ON RESPECTING GUS MALZAHN MORE SINCE HE ALSO STARTED IN THE HIGH SCHOOL COACHING RANKS: “I have several good friends on Auburn’s staff. They are guys that I have worked with before or went to school with. I have a tremendous amount of respect for what he has done and the people on his staff. They have one of the best coaching staffs in the country. They do a fantastic job. Every year that we have played them, it’s always been a battle. Hopefully, it will be the same way this year.” ON AUBURN’S FRONT FOUR ON DEFENSE: “You’re talking about the front four? They’ve got Derrick Brown, Marlon Davidson, 95 (Dontavius Russell)—I’m sorry, I forgot his name. I know he’s 95, makes a bunch of plays and he’s been playing there for about 10 years—you know, Nick Coe. They’ve got guys—They rotate guys in and out. They’re deep up front and they have really good linebackers too. Those linebackers—I know a lot of these guys just because of recruiting and things like that—really good competitors. The guys play it the right way and I can guarantee you they’ll be ready to play this week.”
JOSHUA FISHER / PHOTOGRAPHER
Deshaun Davis during the Tiger Walk prior to Auburn Football Vs. Mississippi State on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Starkville, Miss.
October 11, 2018
The Auburn Plainsman: Auburn vs. Tennessee
D I S C OV E R
I T TA K E S A V I L L AG E T O M A K E A H O M E
What makes a home in National Village so special is the sum of the parts of National Village. The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Grand National, the pool, the lake, the hiking trails, the dining, the friendship, and of course Auburn Football. Perhaps the saying is true, the whole is equal to the sum of its parts.
T O L E A R N M O R E V I S I T N A T I O N A LV I L L A G E . C O M O R C A L L 3 3 4 7 4 9 8 1 6 5
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The Auburn Plainsman: Auburn vs. Tennessee
October 11, 2018
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receivers continue to look for big-play opportunities By JAKE WEESE Sports Writer
Quarterback Jarrett Stidham and the Auburn offense may be struggling as of late, but a bright spot for the Tigers is a talented group of receivers that has continued to impress. While the run game has been struggled by not topping 100 yards rushing in three games, the receivers have needed to step and make big plays. Through six games, 16 different receivers have caught at least one pass this season. Stidham has been complimentary of his receivers so far this season in making big plays. “I think they’re big keys to our offense,” Stidham said. “They’re playmakers, and we like to try and get them the ball as much as we can, as often as we can. I think for us to be successful, we’ve got to get the ball in our playmakers’ hands, whether it’s those two, or Seth, or Flash, or whoever it may be. We’ve got to get the ball in those
guys’ hands and let them make plays.” Ryan Davis is currently fourth on Auburn’s all-time reception list with 138 grabs through four seasons. Stidham-to-Davis is now the second-most productive pass tandem in Auburn history with 114 connections. Davis added to that total with eight catches for 91 yards in a loss to Mississippi State, including a deep sideline pass for 42. The freshmen receivers have also impressed, as Seth Williams and Anthony Schwartz have combined for 302 yards and two touchdowns this season. In addition, Schwartz has emerged as a factor in the rushing game this season with two touchdowns and 78 yards rushing. Williams impressed with an electrifying 46-yard jump-ball touchdown against Southern Miss. Head coach Gus Malzahn said he can see both Williams and Schwartz becoming big-time playmakers for the Tigers in the second half of the season. “They’ve got useful information now on playmakers, on who needs to be on the field, who needs to be touch-
SCHOOL IS EXPENSIVE.
GOLF SHOULDN’T BE.
ing the ball,” Malzahn said. “Not just with Anthony, the second half I think you’ll see some little tweaks. I think offensively, especially Saturday, if we hadn’t of left a few out there, I think it would feel a little bit different than we do now about improving in some areas.” Separate from its top receivers, Auburn has also received help through the air from its back field. Chandler Cox and Kam Martin combine for 18 receptions for 148 yards and a touchdown. At tight end, Sal Cannella and John Shenker have combined for nine receptions for 75 yards. To prevail through the second half of the season, Auburn will need its playmakers to continue making big plays. Auburn’s six final regular-season games include matchups at top-ranked Alabama, at second-ranked Georgia and home against No. 22 Texas A&M. This weekend, No. 21 Auburn takes on Tennessee at Jordan-Hare Stadium this Saturday at 11 a.m. CST.
GAMEDAY SCHEDULE
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October 11, 2018
The Auburn Plainsman: Auburn vs. Tennessee
11
Auburn falls to No. 21 By BEN KEY Sports Writer
MADISON OGLETREE / PHOTO EDITOR
Malik Willis (14) warms up before Auburn Football vs. Washington on Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018, in Atlanta, Ga.
Will Malik Willis get a shot at QB? By NATHAN KING Sports Editor
Auburn isn’t receiving the production it expected from Jarrett Stidham. A preseason second team All-SEC selection, Stidham has fallen well short of those expectations midway through the Tigers’ (4-2, 1-2 SEC) regular season. Among SEC starters, Stidham ranks 10th in quarterback rating and has thrown just one touchdown to two interceptions in three conference games. Frustrations among Auburn faithful skyrocketed last Saturday, as Auburn’s offense failed to score a touchdown for the first time since Week 2 of last season in a 23-9 loss to Mississippi State. Stidham could have changed that, but the redshirt junior was inaccurate throwing downfield, including missing a wide-open Darius Slayton after effective trickeration in the backfield. Granted, Stidham isn’t being given much time in the pocket. Auburn’s offensive line allowed three sacks, eight quarterback hurries and a forced fumble against the Bulldogs. Offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey thinks Stidham also might be in his own head. “He’s probably pressing a little bit, probably not seeing the field like you want,” Lindsey said. “Playing quarterback is about getting comfortable, and he’s still looking for that. I do think he’s capable of improving very quickly.” Stidham’s lackluster showings in recent weeks have led to grumblings about whether he’s the right man for the starting job, and many Auburn fans are lobbying for a change under center. Most are pointing to sophomore backup Malik Willis as the answer. Lindsey isn’t
riding that same train of thought. “Jarrett’s our guy,” Lindsey said when asked about possibly starting Willis. “So like I said, we are committed to him and really no other thoughts about that.” Willis did get a shot in Starkville, entering the game for two plays in the second quarter when Stidham had his helmet knocked off and, by rule, had to take to the sideline. Willis handed to Shaun Shivers for an 8-yard gain, then kept for 2 yards. Lindsey said Willis stayed in for the second play “not just because the helmet came off.” Coupled with Auburn’s offensive line struggles, Auburn is ranked No. 117 on third-down attempts with a conversion rate of 32.5 percent. Tennessee’s third-down defense, opposite its struggling offense, is ranked 24th in the country by allowing just 31.7 percent of third-down conversions. In 2017, Willis rushed for 221 yards and a score in mop-up duty. In two games of action this year, the sophomore from Atlanta has just four carries for 3 yards, including a safety against Alabama State. While quick and elusive as a runner, Willis has room for growth as a passer. He threw a 4-yard touchdown to Devan Barrett last season against Arkansas, but struggled mightily in the team’s A-Day spring game. After working with the first team for all of spring ball because of Stidham’s shoulder injury, Willis completed just 8 of 20 passes for 45 yards. With Stidham expected to declare for the 2019 NFL Draft at the conclusion of the season, Willis is set to compete with Joey Gatewood, Cord Sandberg and 2019 4-star prospect Bo Nix for the starting role next season. Auburn will be hoping to get Willis and the backups playing time against Tennessee this Saturday.
Auburn (4-2, 1-2 SEC) has dropped 13 spots in the AP poll after a 23-9 loss to Mississippi State (4-2, 1-2 SEC). This places the Tigers behind No. 1 Alabama, No. 2 Georgia, No. 13 LSU, No. 14 Florida and No. 18 Kentucky in the conference. They remain ahead of two other SEC teams, No. 22 Texas A&M and No. 24 Mississippi State. The game had a slow start with a score of 3-3 at the end of quarter one, but the Bulldogs would add 10 points during the second quarter to end with a 13-3 lead at the half. Auburn added two more field goals in the second half, but Mississippi State’s 10 second-half points pulled the Bulldog’s 14-point victory away. Through six games on the season, Auburn is currently ranked as the 20th-best total defense in the country, allowing an average of 323.5 yards per game. Auburn’s third-down offense continues to create questions for the team’s success, ranking at No. 117 in the country with a 32.5 percent conversion rate. Following a home matchup with Tennessee (2-3, 0-2 SEC), Auburn travels to Ole Miss before returning to play Texas A&M. Whether Auburn is successful in its next few games will determine its success toward the end of the season, as the Tigers have road meetings with top-ranked Alabama and second-ranked Georgia.
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The Auburn Plainsman: Auburn vs. Tennessee
October 11, 2018
TENNESSEE LEFT TACKLE
LEFT GUARD
CENTER
RIGHT GUARD
RIGHT TACKLE
Trey Smith (73)
Jahmir Johnson (58)
Ryan Johnson (70)
Jerome Calvin (75)
Drew Richmond (51)
Nathan Niehaus (57)
Riley Locklear (56)
Riley Locklear (56)
Chance Hall (76)
Marcus Tatum (68)
TIGHT END
QUARTERBACK
RUNNING BACK
Z WIDE RECEIVER
W.A. Dominick (18)
Jarrett Guarantano (2)
Ty Chandler (8)
Marquez Callaway (1)
Eli Wolf (80)
Keller Chryst (19)
Tim Jordan (9)
Tyler Byrd (10)
Austin Pope (81)
Will McBride (1)
Madre London (31)
Z WIDE RECEIVER
Y WIDE RECEIVER
Brandon Johnson (7)
Josh Palmer (84)
Jordan Murphy (11)
Jauan Jennings (15)
NICKELS/STAR STRONG SAFETY
FREE SAFETY
Javaris Davis (13)
L CORNERBACK
R CORNERBACK
Nigel Warrior (18)
Micah Abernathy (22)
Jordyn Peters (15)
Alontae Taylor (6)
Baylen Buchanan (28)
Shawn Shamburger (12)
Theo Jackson (26)
Jayvaughn Myers (18)
Bryce Thompson (20)
Maruqill Osborne (3)
DEFENSIVE TACKLE
L DEFENSIVE END
L DEFENSIVE END
R DEFENSIVE END
WILL LINEBACKER
Shy Tuttle (2)
Kyle Phillips (5)
Marlon Davidson (3)
Alexis Johnson (98)
Darrin Kirkland Jr. (34)
Emmit Gooden (93)
Paul Bain (97)
Big Kat Bryant (1)
Matthew Butler (56)
Quart’e Sapp (14)
Gary Walker (97)
Shanon Reid (21)
SAM LINEBACKER
JACK
MIKE LINEBACKER
Darrell Taylor (19)
Jonathan Kongbo (1)
Daniel Bituli (35)
Jordan Allen (8)
Deandre Johnson (13)
Will Ignont (33)
Austin Smith (30)
KICKER Brent Cimaglia (30)
HOLDER Joe Doyle (47)
KICK RETURNER PUNTER
LONG SNAPPER
PUNT RETURNER
Joe Doyle (47)
Riley Lovingood (46)
Joe Doyle (47)
Paxton Brooks (37)
Elijah Medford (52)
Ty Chandler (8) Marquez Callaway (1) Nigel Warrior (18)
October 11, 2018
The Auburn Plainsman: Auburn vs. Tennessee 13
ll a b t o o f behind enemy bylines: previewing the game with The Daily Beacon By NATHAN KING Sports Editor
Ahead of No. 21 Auburn’s home showdown with Tennessee, The Plainsman posed questions for Will Backus, assistant sports editor for The Daily Beacon. Here’s how he sees the action playing out Saturday inside Jordan-Hare Stadium.
He likes to see his teams “thump” on game day, and he preaches smash-mouth football. Auburn can expect a Tennessee team that will try to establish themselves along the line of scrimmage early. And, as we’ve seen in the Georgia game, if Tennessee gets down big early, then I’d expect the team to keep playing hard and motivated.
Q: The vibe around the Vols program this year seems to be “hungry.” Is Tennessee going to get up for Saturday’s game, having not beaten a team in the SEC West since 2007? A: I don’t think the past matters too much to this team. Despite the rough season so far, I’d expect Tennessee to come out ready to play. Tennessee’s players seem to enjoy the tough schedule, so that might be some motivation to get fired up and ready for the game.
Q: Who are some key Vols to look out for? A: On the offensive side, a guy to watch may be wide receiver Josh Palmer. Auburn has a pretty good pass defense, allowing just 189 yards per game, but Palmer is a constant deep threat and has caught quite a few passes of 25-yards plus. He averages 25 yards a catch and has a single touchdown. On the defensive side, it will be interesting to see if outside linebacker Darrell Taylor can build off of his impressive three-sack performance he had against Georgia, which included two strip sacks.
Q: What do Auburn fans need to know about what a Jeremy Pruitt-led team looks like? A: Pruitt prides himself on teaching toughness to his teams.
Q: What are the keys to the game? Where do you see UT matching up well? A: Tennessee has to get off to a better start on offense.
Georgia was able to get 24 points on the board before Tennessee was able to score, which took three quarters. When their offense got going, they were able to put together a couple of drives that ended in touchdowns, scoring two straight to make the game interesting for a short time. If they can get rolling early, then it could make the game interesting. In terms of matchups, I’m interested to see how Tennessee’s defensive front will do against an Auburn offensive line that, last I checked, allows 2.5 sacks a game. Tennessee’s pass rush has been getting consistently better as the season progresses, and they’ll have another good chance to improve against the Tigers. Q: Score prediction? A: As a disclaimer, my score predictions have been pretty inaccurate this year. That being said, I think Auburn as a 17 point favorite may be slightly generous, and neither offense is particularly explosive. Still, I’d say the Tigers get it done comfortably at home, 27-14. Will Backus is the assistant sports editor at The Daily Beacon, the University of Tennessee’s student newspaper.
14
The Auburn Plainsman: Auburn vs. Tennessee
October 11, 2018
Players to watch, keys to victory for AU vs. Tennessee By ZACH TANTILLO Sports Reporter
Now with two conference losses on the season, Auburn is back home to face Tennessee. The Tigers have now gone three straight games without 100 yards rushing, and the odds of a SEC West title are falling away. In a home meeting that will showcase how Auburn moves forward with offensive struggles, head coach Gus Malzahn will hope to get his team on track for a tough second half of the season. The Volunteers meet the Tigers inside Jordan-Hare Stadium, and Auburn has redemption on its mind. Here is a quick look on some players to watch in Auburn’s home return: DANIEL BITULI (TENNESSEE): Bituli is the returning and current leading tackler for Tennessee and has been one of the few bright spots on struggling Volunteer squad. The Volunteers are currently ranked No. 65 in the country by allowing 158 rushing yards per game, while Auburn, despite not rushing for 100 yards in three-straight games, has averaged 163.8 yards per game. Auburn has averaged 35.2 rushing attempts per game for this season, and Bituli’s ability to snuff out run plays will dictate if Tennessee can stay in this game or not. DARRELL TAYLOR (TENNESSEE): Any team that faces Auburn’s abysmal offensive line will have its top pass rusher as a player to watch. Taylor is coming into the Auburn game after a strong showing against second-ranked Georgia. He recorded three sacks against the Bulldogs two weeks earlier, and the extra week to prepare should give Taylor an edge against a bangedup Auburn offensive line.
MADISON OGLETREE / PHOTO EDITOR
Jeremiah Dinson (20) and Marlon Davidson (3) celebrate during Auburn Football vs. Washington on Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Ga.
JARRETT GUARANTANO (TENNESSEE): The Tennessee passing game has been inconsistent to say the least. Most of the blame falls on Guarantano. The sophomore has trouble knowing when to get rid of the football and spending too much time in the pocket. Against a dominant Auburn front that allows 188 yards through the air per game, Guarantano will need to adjust to have success. Whether Guarantano falls back into his habits will determine if Saturday is a long and painful day for him. MARLON DAVIDSON (AUBURN): After a season of battling injuries, Davidson is back to full strength and playing back up to his standards. The third-year starter has improved his pass rush abilities by leading the team in quarterback hurries through the first six games with six. Davidson also comes in at No. 5 on the team for total tackles, and with a higher rate than last year. Davidson will be lined up against versatile lineman Trey Smith for a battle that is must-see T.V. DARIUS SLAYTON (AUBURN): After several offensive blunders, a lot rides on this week’s performance to get the Tigers back on track. A large part of last season’s success came from the deep ball, which became Slayton’s specialty by averaging 22.2 yards per reception in 2017. Expect the Tigers to hold nothing back this week to silence the murmurings about the team’s offensive struggles, and expect Slayton to play a big part in that.
JOSHUA FISHER / PHOTOGRAPHER
Darius Slayton (81) runs the ball during Auburn Football vs. Mississippi State on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Starkville, Miss.
October 11, 2018
The Auburn Plainsman: Auburn vs. Tennessee 15
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