Auburn's Run Defense Is Giving Every SEC Opponent the Same Blueprint

If I'm an opposing SEC team preparing to face Auburn this season, why wouldn't I try to run the football against the Tigers?

It's a question I think DJ Durkin and the rest of Auburn's defensive staff need to be asking themselves during the bye week, especially after what we've watched over the last few games.

Auburn's 24-14 loss to Tennessee was another example of a defense that has struggled to consistently stop opposing rushing attacks, and unfortunately, it's becoming a trend.

Against Florida, Jadan Baugh rushed for 162 yards as the Gators finished with 262 rushing yards as a team.

The Volunteers struggled to establish much offensively through the air early in the contest with Faizon Brandon at quarterback and with Auburn's defensive front creating pressure and making things difficult for Tennessee's passing attack.

But Tennessee eventually figured out another way to move the football.

Instead of continuing to challenge Auburn through the air, the Volunteers began attacking the outside with their rushing game, using stretch concepts and getting DeSean Bishop into space.

And Auburn struggled to adjust.

Auburn has talented linebackers in Xavier Atkins and Elijah Melendez, along with defensive linemen who have shown they're capable of disrupting opposing offenses.

But having talent doesn't mean much if teams are consistently finding ways to exploit the same weaknesses.

The Tigers have struggled with missed tackles, maintaining leverage, and getting defenders into the correct positions to stop runs before they turn into significant gains.

And when opposing offenses recognize those issues, they're going to continue attacking them until Auburn proves it can stop them.

It's not like the offense has made things particularly easy for the defense, either.

Auburn opened the Tennessee game with four consecutive three-and-outs, repeatedly sending its defense back onto the field without giving it much opportunity to rest.

That certainly doesn't help.

But it also can't become an excuse for everything happening defensively.

At some point, Durkin's defense has to find a way to adjust when opposing offenses change their approach.

Because Tennessee showed exactly what can happen when Auburn doesn't.

And with Georgia waiting next week, I don't think the Bulldogs are going to ignore what Florida and Tennessee have already put on film.

Auburn has two weeks to address its defensive issues before traveling to Athens.

The Tigers don't necessarily have to shut down every rushing attack they face, but they can't continue allowing opposing offenses to dictate games on the ground.

Because right now, if I'm coaching against Auburn, I'm running the football until somebody proves they can stop it.