Joel Gordon Explains What Changed for Auburn's Offense Against Georgia

The Auburn Tigers offense finally looked like the unit many expected to see when Alex Golesh and Joel Gordon arrived on the Plains.

And it couldn't have happened at a better time.

After struggling with consistency throughout the season, Auburn found success running the football and made enough plays through the air to upset No. 1 Georgia.

Gordon met with reporters this week to discuss what changed offensively and what the Tigers still need to improve.

Here are my three biggest takeaways as the team looks to complete another upset against LSU.

One of the biggest changes against Georgia was Auburn's willingness to use Byrum Brown as a runner.

Brown carried the ball 26 times, giving Georgia another threat to account for throughout the game.

Gordon explained that Auburn's game plan was designed to take advantage of opportunities in the running game.

"We felt like we were going to need to be able to run him a little bit more, and we had a really good blend between the running backs and him," Gordon said.

And I think that's what Auburn needs moving forward.

Brown's ability to run the football is one of the biggest advantages this offense has. Finding ways to consistently utilize it should remain a priority.

Auburn's offensive line has received plenty of criticism this season, and much of it has been deserved.

But against Georgia, the group took an important step forward.

Gordon credited the offensive line for playing physically and showing better consistency throughout the game.

"You're starting to see some cohesion in that group," Gordon said.

He also acknowledged that Auburn still allowed sacks, negative plays, and too many pre-snap penalties.

That's important because one strong performance doesn't erase the struggles from earlier this season.

But Auburn finally showed what its offense can look like when the offensive line gives Brown and the running backs opportunities to make plays.

Auburn overcame a 14-0 deficit against Georgia, but Gordon believes the offense benefited from simply picking up an early first down.

"We've had a hard time getting out of our own way early in games in the last month," Gordon said.

He explained that converting an early third down helped Auburn build confidence and establish some offensive rhythm.

And that's something Auburn needs to carry into Saturday.

The Tigers can't continue relying on second-half adjustments and comeback performances.

LSU has one of the SEC's most productive defenses, and another slow start could make things difficult.

Auburn found something that worked against Georgia.

Now Gordon has to prove the Tigers can build on it. If they can make it work again this Saturday at Jordan-Hare Stadium, I like their chances at picking up another win.