Auburn Football Needs More Production From Running Backs Against Mississippi State

The Auburn Tigers have found ways to win games despite some offensive struggles, but there's one area where they still need to improve significantly.

And that's establishing a consistent running game.

While Byrum Brown has helped Auburn generate production on the ground throughout the season, the Tigers haven't consistently gotten the same results from their running backs.

And that's something that could become particularly important against Mississippi State on Saturday.

Auburn enters the matchup ranked ninth in the SEC in rushing offense, averaging 155.9 yards per game.

But a big portion of that production has come from Brown.

He leads Auburn with 605 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 162 carries, accounting for nearly 43% of the Tigers' rushing yards this season.

And last weekend's 26–23 victory over Arkansas was another example of how much Auburn has relied on him.

Brown finished with 121 rushing yards on 23 carries, while Jeremiah Cobb and Omar Mabson II combined for just 50 yards on 15 attempts.

That's a significant difference, especially considering what both running backs have shown throughout the season.

Cobb has rushed for 396 yards on 81 carries, averaging 4.9 yards per attempt, while Mabson has added 263 yards on 50 carries, averaging 5.3 yards per attempt.

Both have shown they can produce when given opportunities, but Auburn hasn't consistently established either player as a major part of its rushing attack.

And while the running backs need to contribute more, Auburn's offensive line also has to improve.

The Tigers have dealt with injuries and different combinations up front throughout the season, making it difficult to establish much consistency.

During Wednesday's press conference, Auburn head coach Alex Golesh emphasized the importance of execution on early downs.

"It sounds like coach speak, but it is truly detail and execution, and it's guys winning one-on-one matchups, early downs," Golesh said.

And that's especially important against a Mississippi State defense that has been difficult to run against.

The Bulldogs rank sixth in the SEC in rushing defense, allowing just 121.3 yards per game and 3.39 yards per carry.

But Auburn's running backs are also contributing in ways that don't necessarily show up in the statistics.

Near the end of the Arkansas game, Mabson and offensive lineman Cole Skinner were involved in a moment of immediate player-to-player accountability following a late blocking play.

It was a small moment, but one that reflected the attention to detail and accountability Golesh has emphasized since arriving at Auburn.

And those are things the Tigers need as they continue trying to improve offensively.

Auburn has struggled to establish much offensive rhythm early in games, and relying on Brown to create plays with his legs isn't always going to be enough.

The Tigers need their running backs to become more consistent contributors, and that starts with better execution up front.

Because if Auburn wants to become bowl eligible against Mississippi State and continue building momentum, establishing a more complete rushing attack could make a significant difference.