SEPTEMBER 24, 2015
AUBURN vs. MISSISSIPPI STATE, 6:30 p.m.
The Auburn Plainsman
GAME DAY PAGE
6
Injury Update: Carl Lawson
PAGE
7
PAGE
Depth Charts
8
Coordinator Corner: Will Muschamp
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The Auburn Plainsman: Game Day
Thursday, September 24, 2015
TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE 4-5
PAGE 8
Plainsman Picks Games to watch for around the nation
Young players filling big roles for Auburn
PAGE 6
PAGE 10 Tigers must improve immediately to avoid disastrous season
Injury update: Lawson to miss “extended period of time”
Dakota Sumpter / Senior Photographer
Auburn fans celebrate by rolling trees around Toomer’s Corner following the Tigers’ win over Jacksonville State.
Thursday, September 24, 2015
3
The Auburn Plainsman: Game Day
Auburn IN THE
Erik Krost via Wikimedia
As the 2015 NFL season kicks off, each Game Day tab will take a look at how the Auburn Tigers who are in the NFL are faring each week. Several Tigers who entered the 2015 NFL Draft were selected, and some signed as undrafted free agents, but still made their team’s 53-man roster. Others have established themselves as veteran presences in the League. Name (No.) Team Pos. Week 2 Tre Mason (27) St. Louis Rams RB 26 yards on seven carries in STL’s loss Neiko Thorpe (31) Oakland Raiders CB Game-clinching INT in OAK’s win Cam Newton (1) Carolina Panthers QB 18-37 for 195 yards and 2 TDs in win Karlos Dansby (56) Cleveland Browns LB 9 tackles, forced fumble in win vs TEN Cody Parkey (1) Philadelphia Eagles K Made 46-yard FG in loss to DAL Jay Prosch (45) Houston Texans FB Recorded first carry in NFL career Josh Bynes (99) Detroit Lions LB 5 tackles in loss to MIN Nick Fairley (98) St. Louis Rams DT 2 tackles, .5 sacks in loss to WAS Greg Robinson (79) St. Louis Rams T Starting tackle for STL Dee Ford (30) Kansas City Chiefs DE Didn’t record stats in loss to DEN Jerraud Powers (25) Arizona Cardinals CB 4 tackles in win over CHI Sammie Coates (14) Pittsburgh Steelers WR Inactive for second straight game Angelo Blackson (95) Tennessee Titans DT Didn’t record stats in loss to CLE Gabe Wright (90) Detroit Lions DT Didn’t play in DET’s loss to MIN Cameron Artis-Payne (44) Carolina Panthers RB Inactive in CAR’s win over HOU Nick Marshall (41) Jacksonville Jaguars CB 1 tackle, 2-yard punt return in win Corey Grant (33) Jacksonville Jaguars RB First carry in NFL, 3 kickoff returns Robenson Therezie (27) Atlanta Falcons S Recorded 1 tackle in NFL debut vs NYG
Karlos Dansby led the way for the Browns in their week 2 win over the Titans.
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The Auburn Plainsman: Game Day
PLAINSMAN PICKS
Thursday, September 24, 2015
UCLA vs. Arizona
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Arizona State
Thursday, September 24, 2015
5
The Auburn Plainsman: Game Day
College football games to watch in week four
OPINION
Nathan Deal Sports writer
UCLA at Arizona, 7 p.m., ABC ESPN’s College GameDay is in Tuscon, Arizona, for a matchup between the top teams in the vaunted Pac-12 South. The Bruins have been led by true freshman quarterback Josh Rosen and a dominant defense, led by linebacker Myles Jack. Arizona, the reigning division champion, has a high-powered offense that has scored 54 points per game, though the defense is suspect. Linebacker Scooby Wright’s status for the game is uncertain because of a knee injury. The key is whether the Wildcats can stop UCLA’s explosive rushing attack, which av-
erages 240 yards per game. Texas A&M vs Arkansas, 6 p.m., ESPN
Texas A&M has won all of its games by at least 17 points, including a dominant victory over Arizona State in the season opener. Arkansas, meanwhile, has tumbled to a 1-2 record with embarrassing home losses to Toledo and Texas Tech. The Razorbacks’ secondary has struggled, so stopping the Aggies’ high-powered spread attack will be their biggest challenge. This season has been an unmitigated disaster for Arkansas, but there’s still time for a turnaround. It will have to start on Saturday. Utah at Oregon, 7:30 p.m., FOX While other Pac-12 programs have garnered more attention, the Utah Utes have quietly become one of the most dangerous programs in the conference.
How far they can go in the Pac-12 could be determined when they travel to Eugene, Oregon, to take on the high-powered Ducks, who have been the most dominant team in the league for most of the last decade. Oregon quarterback Vernon Adams’ status is up in the air because of a finger injury. Whether he plays could be the deciding factor between another Ducks victory or an impressive road statement by the Utes. Tennessee at Florida, 2:30 p.m., CBS
When Tennessee let a 17-0 lead slip away in an overtime loss to Oklahoma, it seemed the Volunteers couldn’t catch a break in a big game. However, that loss could become a distant memory if they can beat the Florida Gators — a feat they haven’t achieved since 2004. First-year coach Jim McElwain has led the Gators to a 3-0 start, though there are issues
Tennessee has the talent to exploit. USC vs. Arizona State, 9:30 p.m., ESPN
A popular playoff pick before the season, Steve Sarkisian’s Trojans are in a must-win situation after a 41-31 home loss to Stanford. Arizona State is also in a must-win situation. The Sun Devils lost by 21 points to Texas A&M, had to pull away from FCS foe Cal Poly in the fourth quarter and looked just as unimpressive against New Mexico. This matchup was one of the best in college football last year, as Arizona State stunned USC with a 46-yard touchdown pass on the final play. The winner of this game will be 3-1 and gain confidence, while the loser will be 2-2 and likely eliminated from College Football Playoff contention. Nathan can be reached at sports@ThePlainsman.com.
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The Auburn Plainsman: Game Day
Thursday, September 24, 2015
injury update
Lawson won’t see action for ‘extended period of time’ Evan McCullers
assistant sports editor
File Photo
Carl Lawson blitzes during Auburn’s game against Florida Atlantic in 2013.
Auburn will be without its best defender for quite a while, if not for the remainder of the 2015 season, according to coach Gus Malzahn. Lawson injured his hip in the first half of Auburn’s season opener against Louisville. The sophomore, who missed all of last season with a torn ACL, was on the sideline while the Tigers struggled against Jacksonville State in their home opener. The sophomore didn’t travel with the team to Baton Rouge. “(Lawson’s) injury is a little more serious than we first thought,” Malzahn said at his weekly press conference. “He’s going to be out for an extended period of time.”
Malzahn did not give an exact timetable for Lawson’s return, but said he’s hopeful Lawson can return at some point this season. It was not difficult to see the dropoff Auburn suffered when Lawson exited the Louisville game. In the first half, Auburn gave up 164 yards and zero points as Lawson wreaked havoc, recording four tackles, including two for a loss. The defense faltered without him, however, giving up 241 yards and 24 points. “Obviously, he’s an impact player,” Malzahn said. “It’s been really tough on him, especially going through last season and then having another [injury]. He’s a great competitor, and he’s going to do everything in his power to get back on the field.”
The defensive struggles have continued since the Louisville game. Auburn gave up 438 yards against Jacksonville State and 485 yards versus LSU. Linebacker Kris Frost said he expects to see Lawson on the field again this season. “I feel like he’ll get back out there and when he does, I know he’ll be excited to get out and we’ll be excited to have him,” Frost said. Senior cornerback Jonathan Jones said there is no excuse for the defensive play, even without Lawson. “Guys have to step up and play,” Jones said after Auburn’s loss to LSU. “That’s just part of the game, injuries, people not being there. Guys have to step up and play when their number’s called.”
Quarterback quandary
Smith and Wallace could see snaps at quarterback Nathan Deal sports Writer
Redshirt freshman Sean White earning the starting quarterback job might be only one of the changes at the position versus Mississippi State. Auburn coach Gus Malzahn confirmed wide receivers Jason Smith and Jonathan Wallace, both former quarterbacks, have been practicing behind center. Smith played his high school football at McGill-Toolen High School, where his senior season saw 35 touchdowns (19 passing, 16 rushing) and 2,415 yards of offense. McGill-Toolen went 11-1, and Smith was awarded Offensive Player of the Year by the Mobile Press-Register. He spent last season in the junior college ranks as the starting quarterback for Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. He threw for
1,566 yards and 18 touchdowns, and he rushed for 10 more scores. Smith has demonstrated his explosiveness with the Tigers, most notably a 56-yard touchdown catch against Louisville that was called back because of a penalty. Besides that negated play, he has two catches for 11 yards, but the coaches are impressed with his athleticism. Auburn’s offensive struggles with Jeremy Johnson as the starting quarterback didn’t prompt plans for Smith at quarterback. The Tigers’ coaches have been planning on giving him snaps at quarterback since he arrived on campus. “We definitely played around with that in the spring,” Malzahn said on his weekly radio show on Sept. 14 regarding Smith potentially getting snaps as a wildcat quarterback. In April, Smith said he expects to receive playing time in the wildcat
position at some point in the season. “Every time I touch the ball, I think about breaking it,” Smith said. “Even if it’s blocking, any way I can help the team, that’s what I’m going to do.” Auburn’s offense is in dire need of some help. The Tigers have one first-half offensive touchdown this season, and they average 329.3 yards per game, good for 13th in the SEC and 113th in the FBS. Smith could potentially provide a spark desperately needed by the Tigers’ offense. Former starting quarterback Jeremy Johnson scored on a 65-yard draw play in the Tigers’ loss to LSU. Beside that play, his season totals are 20 carries for negative-6 yards. Smith taking snaps under center could improve Auburn’s read option attack, which was dominant in 2013 and 2014 with Nick Marshall at quarterback but has made little impact this season.
Dakota sumpter / senior photographer
Jonathan Wallace (12) and Jason Smith could get playing time at quarterback against Mississippi State.
Thursday, September 24, 2015
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The Auburn Plainsman: Game Day
Quarterback: Sean White - 13 Jeremy Johnson - 6
Left Tackle: Shon Coleman - 72 Robert Leff - 70
Defensive End: DaVonte Lambert - 6 Byron Cowart - 9
Will Linebacker: Tre’ Williams - 30 OR Kris Frost - 17
Kicker: Daniel Carlson - 38 Ian Shannon - 43
Running Back: Peyton Barber - 25 Roc Thomas - 9
Left Guard: Alex Kozan - 63 OR Devonte Danzey - 53
Defensive Tackle: Dontavius Russell - 95 Devaroe Lawrence - 94
Sam linebacker: Justin Garrett - 26 JaViere Mitchell - 16
Punter: Kevin Phillips - 91 Ian Shannon - 43
H-Back: Chandler Cox - 27 OR Kamryn Pettway - 36
Center: Austin Golson - 73 Xavier Dampeer - 52
Defensive Tackle: Montravius Adams - 1 Maurice Swain - 90
Field Corner: Jonathan Jones - 3 Carlton Davis - 18
Long Snapper: Ike Powell - 69 Zach Wade - 68
Wide Receiver: D’haquille Williams - 1 Ricardo Louis - 5 Marcus Davis - 80 Melvin Ray - 82 Jason Smith - 4
Right Guard: Braden Smith - 71 Will Adams - 74
Buck: Carl Lawson - 55 Raashed Kennion - 59
Field Safety: Johnathan Ford - 23 Tim Irvin - 22
Holder: Tyler Stovall - 29 Kevin Phillips - 91
Right Tackle: Avery Young - 56 Mike Horton - 64
Middle Linebacker: Tre’ Williams - 30 OR Cassanova McKinzy - 8
Boundary Safety: Tray Matthews - 28 Nick Ruffin - 19
Punt Returner: Marcus Davis - 80 Jason Smith - 4
Boundary Corner: Blake Countess - 24 Jeremiah Dinson - 20
Kick Returner: Johnathan Ford - 23 Blake Countess - 24
MISSISSIPPI STATE DEPTH CHART Quarterback: Dak Prescott - 15 Nick Fitzgerald - 7
Left Tackle: Rufus Warren - 77 Elgton Jenkins - 73
Defensive End: Ryan Brown - 48 Johnathan Calvin - 97
Linebacker: Richie Brown - 39 Gerri Green - 4
Kicker: Westin Graves - 25 Devon Bell - 40
Running Back: Ashton Shumpert - 32 Brandon Holloway - 10
Left Guard: Justin Malone - 70 Deion Calhoun - 61
Defensive Tackle: Nick James - 88 Nelson Adams - 94
Linebacker: Beniquez Brown - 42 Dez Harris - 46
Punter: Devon Bell - 40 OR Logan Cooke - 43
Tight End: Gus Walley - 19 Justin Johnson - 81
Center: Jamaal Clayborn - 60 Jocquell Johnson - 64
Defensive Tackle: Chris Jones - 98 Torrey Dale - 49
Cornerback: Will Redmond - 2 Cedric Jiles - 5
Long Snapper: Winston Chapman - 38 Hunter Bradley - 53
Wide Receiver: De’Runnya Wilson - 1 Fred Brown - 5 Fred Ross - 8 Donald Gray - 6 Gabe Myles - 35 Joe Morrow - 16
Right Guard: Devon Desper - 62 Damien Robinson - 78
Defensive End: A.J. Jefferson - 47 Will Coleman - 57
Free Safety: Kivon Coman - 11 Deontay Evans - 17
Holder: Logan Cooke - 43 Devon Bell - 40
Right Tackle: Justin Senior - 58 Cole Carter - 71
Linebacker: Zach Jackson - 14 J.T. Gray - 45
Strong Safety: Kendrick Market - 26 Brandon Bryant - 20
Punt Returner: Fred Ross - 8 Will Redmond - 2
Cornerback: Taveze Calhoun - 23 Tolando Cleveland - 7
Kick Returner: Brandon Holloway - 10 Gabe Myles - 35
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8
The Auburn Plainsman: Game Day
Thursday, September 24, 2015
Young players filling big roles for Auburn freshman Focus
Sam Butler sports editor
For most teams, freshmen are relegated to mop-up duty, shoved to the rear of the depth chart to make way for seasoned veterans who have their starting positions on lockdown. In Auburn’s case, freshmen are being entrusted with crucial responsibilities. A handful of these freshmen have grabbed ahold of prominent roles, with some even registering starts in the early parts of the 2015 season. Tim Irvin, a freshman out of Miami, is one of the more notable first-year players to receive significant playing time. Irvin started at the nickel position in Auburn’s season opener against Louisville in the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, where he recorded four tackles and a pass breakup in the Tigers’ 3124 win. Irvin, the nephew of NFL Hall of Famer Michael Irvin, has become an integral part of Auburn’s young defense, and will likely be instrumental in its success for the foreseeable future. Byron Cowart, the freshman who was a five-star defensive end out of Seffner, Florida, has the tools to become the next great Auburn defensive lineman. He stands at 6-foot-3 and 277 pounds, and possesses lightning quick speed with the strength of an Olympic powerlifter. Cowart was the first-ranked recruit in the nation, and it’s easy to understand why. Although he hasn’t logged a many stats, there’s plenty of
reason to believe that will change sooner rather than later. He is a commanding presence on the defensive line, and his skillset, when paired with that of defensive end Carl Lawson on that other side, is one of the more formidable defensive lines in college football. A pair of cornerbacks round out the impact freshmen on defense. Carlton Davis and Jeremiah Dinson have stepped into their roles admirably, as they serve as backups to seniors Jonathan Jones and Blake Countess. Dinson has recorded eight tackles to date, while Davis has registered three. Both have the potential to grow as a tandem in the secondary for the next few years, and could be one of the better pairs of cornerbacks in the country by the time they step into starting roles On offense, one freshman has stood out among the rest. Kerryon Johnson, a four-star recruit out of Madison, Alabama, has meshed well with Auburn’s running attack, and is now one of four featured running backs that see a regular rotation. He burst onto the scene against LSU, recording four carries for 14 yards and three catches for 17 yards. "This is just what I've been working for," Johnson said. "I think I did some good things out there, but, obviously, I got some things to work on like anybody else. But I really appreciate him for giving me the opportunity. A lot of people don't get it, but I did, and I've just got to keep rolling with it.” As the backs ahead of him — Peyton Barber, Roc Thom-
Emily enfinger / photo editor
Kerryon Johnson hurdles an LSU defender during Auburn’s 45-21 loss on Sept. 19.
as, and Jovon Robinson — advance their careers, Johnson will be right behind them. By the time his career is over, he might be the latest in the line of running backs Auburn funnels to the NFL, earning the Tigers the distinction of being “Running Back U.”
Coordinator Corner
Muschamp brings track record of solid defenses to Auburn Evan McCullers
assistant sports editor
When Auburn athletics director Jay Jacobs made Will Muschamp the highest-paid assistant coach in college football last December, expectations for the 2015 defense immediately skyrocketed. Three games in, Muschamp has yet to deliver the results Jacobs and coach Gus Malzahn wanted. Auburn has surrendered just below 443 yards per game, next to last in the SEC. Several injuries have forced many inexperienced players to work significant snaps early in the season, and Auburn has not been able to adjust successfully. Despite the defensive struggles, Muschamp has a track record that suggests he should be able to turn the defense around eventually.
The Rome, Georgia, native began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Auburn. Muschamp landed his first coaching job, secondary coach at West Georgia, in 1998. He became the defensive coordinator at Valdosta State in 2000 and he jumped into the SEC in 2001 when Nick Saban hired him to coach linebackers at LSU. Muschamp was promoted to defensive coordinator in 2002, and the LSU defense led the nation in 2003 in both points allowed per game and yards allowed per game. After a brief stint as the Miami Dolphins’ defensive coordinator under Saban, Muschamp returned to the college ranks as the defensive coordinator at Auburn. In 2006, the Tigers were ranked third nationally in scoring defense, and Muschamp
was a finalist for the Broyles Award, given annually to the best assistant coach, in 2007. After a three-year stay as the defensive coordinator at Texas, Muschamp finally got an opportunity as a head coach at the collegiate level. He became the coach at Florida in 2011 and led the Gators to the Sugar Bowl in 2012. Florida faltered in 2013 and 2014, however, leading to Muschamp’s dismissal last fall. "I was given every opportunity to get it done here and I simply didn't win enough games — that is the bottom line,” Muschamp said in a press release at the time. Where Muschamp saw failure, Auburn saw opportunity. Malzahn hired Muschamp just 13 days after he was fired by the Gators, giving the Tigers a weapon on the field and the recruiting
trail. Muschamp immediately went to work, and Auburn reaped the rewards on National Signing Day, gaining commitments from Byron Cowart and Jeff Holland, two defenders from Florida. Though the results have not been evident on the field yet, Malzahn believes good things are ahead with the defense under the direction of Muschamp. “He gives his players confidence, and he’s got the ‘it’ factor,” Malzahn said at SEC Media Days this summer. “So we’re blessed to combine his defense with an offense that we’ve been running. We think the future’s very bright.” If Muschamp’s past is any indication, better days are indeed ahead for the Auburn defense.
Thursday, September 24, 2015
9
The Auburn Plainsman: Game Day
Defense
Adam sparks / senior photographer
Tray Matthews made an impact on his first play in an Auburn uniform, intercepting a pass against Louisville on Sept. 5, 2015.
Transfers boost Auburn secondary
Sam Butler sports editor
When Auburn lined up for its first snap of the game against Louisville a few weeks ago, half of the secondary wasn’t on the team a year ago — and they aren’t freshmen. Safety Tray Matthews and cornerback Blake Countess both decided to transfer to Auburn over the offseason: Matthews from Georgia and Countess from Michigan. Now, they’re going to be leaned on as two of the veterans on a talent-laden team. Matthews made his way to Auburn in one of the most roundabout ways possible. A five-star recruit out of Newnan, Georgia, Matthews signed with the University of Georgia and saw playing time as a true freshman. He played fairly well for the Bulldogs, but his most notable play came against the same Tigers of which he’s now a part. Matthews was one half of
the now-famous “Prayer in Jordan-Hare” along with now-Louisville safety Josh-Harvey Clemons, where they deflected a Nick Marshall throw into the hands of Ricardo Louis to beat Georgia in 2013. Following the season, Matthews decided to transfer to the Tigers following his dismissal from Georgia, which stemmed from misdemeanor charges he faced. Now settled in to his role as a starting safety, Matthews is able to relax, focus and be a focal point for the new Auburn defense. “I’m looking forward to getting a lot of interceptions this year, but I definitely bring [hard hits] to the table,” Matthews said. “[The hits] set the tone for the defense, it’s what starts everything, gets everyone going. If I do that, other players start doing it, and when they do it, I’m going to start doing it more.” Countess, on the other hand, had a more straightforward transfer.
The graduate transfer had been a starter for the University of Michigan for three years, and was named to the first-team All-Big Ten in 2013 by the media. After graduating from Michigan, he elected to spend his final season of eligibility — which he was granted after tearing his ACL against Alabama in 2012 — at Auburn. In the short time Countess has been on the Plains, he has already learned his versatility in the secondary will pay dividends in 2015. “That’s something we talked about before I made my decision, that’s something I wanted to do,” Countess said. “I’m not a coach, I don’t know how exactly things are going to go, but I’m ready to play wherever I’m needed.” The veteran presence of both players has been valuable so far, but they'll need to do more to revitalize an Auburn secondary that has been gashed in three games so far.
Blake Countess defends a pass in Auburn’s loss to LSU on Sept. 19, 2015.
10
The Auburn Plainsman: Game Day
Thursday, September 24, 2015
OPINION
Auburn must improve immediately to avoid disastrous season Evan McCullers Assistant sports editor
Auburn fans have held out hope of their Tigers eventually snapping out of their early-season funk and becoming the great team they were made out to be in the preseason. But it’s time to stop hoping and start accepting what has become fact: Auburn is not going to be a great team any time this season. Auburn certainly isn’t great, and right now they’re not good. Mediocre would be a kind word for the team that eked out two wins before getting thrashed in its first conference game. At this point, there’s no way to shed a positive light on the Tigers. Auburn’s season opener against Louisville looked like a good win at the time, even
though the Cardinals charged back in the second half behind the play of true freshman quarterback Lamar Jackson. The three interceptions thrown by quarterback Jeremy Johnson, who was heralded as the future of the program, were written off as first-game jitters. Since then, however, the Cardinals have lost games to Houston and Clemson at home, giving them their first 0-3 start since 1984. Jackson, who rushed for 106 yards in the second half against Auburn, rushed for only 16 yards on 12 carries against Houston and lost his starting job against Clemson. Auburn returned home to get on track against Jacksonville State, but the cupcake game did not go as planned for the Tigers. Auburn struggled mightily, scratching out an ugly 27-20 win in overtime against the Gamecocks. Johnson tossed another two interceptions, while the defense again surrendered over 400 yards. Though players and coaches vehemently denied looking past Jacksonville State, some
believed the Tigers already had their eyes set on their SEC opener versus LSU. If so, the two weeks they spent looking at the Bayou Bengals didn’t do them much good. The visitors didn’t belong on the same field as the team from Baton Rouge. From the first play, the game looked like men playing against children, as running back Leonard Fournette burst up the middle for a 71-yard gain, recording several of his 14 broken tackles along the way. The missed tackles became a theme of the game, along with long gains by the vaunted tailback. Fournette finished the game with three touchdowns and 12 yards per carry, an LSU single-game record. As bad as the defense was, the offense was no better. Auburn gained only 260 total yards, 190 of which came in the second half when LSU was allowing the substitutes to enter the game. Johnson tossed yet another interception, his FBS-leading sixth of the season, and the running game was non-existent.
emily enfinger / photo editor
Leonard Fournette ran roughshod over Auburn’s defense in LSU’s 45-21 victory on Sept. 19, 2015.
Johnson has been the scapegoat for the fan base throughout the season, perhaps rightfully so. However, the blame for the pitiful performances should go to players and coaches on both sides of the ball, as no position group has been any better than the next. Auburn returns home this week to face Mississippi State, who is fresh after a blowout win versus New Mexico State. If the Tigers are going to improve, it needs to happen now. Since the SEC Championship Game was created in 1992, only two teams (2000 Alabama and 2005 Tennessee) have missed a bowl game after being the media’s pick to win the conference. Auburn was picked to win the conference in 2015, and the Tigers need to improve vastly, and quickly, in all areas if they want to avoid becoming a member of the dubious club. Evan can be reached at sports@ThePlainsman.com.
Thursday, September 24, 2015
The Auburn Plainsman: Game Day
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