Auburn's Pass Rush Has a Major Opportunity Against Mississippi State
· Yahoo Sports
Auburn's defense took a big step forward against Arkansas last weekend, and the Tigers have a chance to build on that performance when they travel to Mississippi State on Saturday.
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And considering how much the Bulldogs have struggled to protect their quarterback recently, Auburn's pass rush could play an important role in the outcome.
Mississippi State has allowed 31 sacks through nine games, the second-most in the SEC behind Auburn's 36.
But what's particularly concerning for the Bulldogs is how much those problems have increased since quarterback Kamario Taylor got injured.
Mississippi State has allowed 17 sacks over its last four games, including seven against Texas.
And that creates an opportunity for an Auburn defense that recorded six sacks and 12 tackles for loss in its 26-23 victory over Arkansas.
Freshman linebacker Shadarius Toodle had an impressive debut, recording three of those sacks in his first collegiate appearance. A few other Auburn defenders stepped up in a big way as well.
"A lot of those sacks came with a four-man rush, which is, you know, whenever you're able to do that, that really helps you defensively," Durkin said during Monday's press conference.
And that's something Auburn will need to continue doing against Mississippi State.
Durkin explained that Auburn's defensive backs also played an important role by taking away Arkansas quarterback KJ Jackson's initial reads, giving the pass rush additional time to reach him.
That combination could be particularly important against Mississippi State quarterback AJ Swann, who has taken over for the injured Taylor.
Swann has started to settle into the Bulldogs' offense, and Durkin believes his ability to throw the football presents a challenge.
"He's got real incredible arm talent. I mean, he can make all the throws on the field," Durkin said.
But Auburn has several young defensive players who could make things difficult for Swann.
Durkin specifically mentioned Jared Smith and Darrion Smith when discussing the development of Auburn's defensive front.
"They have some natural pass rush ability," Durkin said.
And with Toodle coming off his breakout performance against Arkansas, Auburn has another player capable of creating problems in the backfield.
Head coach Alex Golesh also discussed the challenge of preparing for Mississippi State's offense during Wednesday's press conference.
"It's tempo. That piece has not wavered. They've gone and played really, really, really fast," Golesh said.
That tempo could make it difficult for Auburn to substitute defensively, placing even more importance on getting pressure with its defensive front.
Auburn has recorded 23 sacks through nine games, tied for ninth in the SEC.
And while the Tigers haven't consistently generated pressure throughout the season, their performance against Arkansas showed what they're capable of when everything comes together.
Mississippi State's offensive line has struggled to protect its quarterbacks, and Auburn has several defenders coming off encouraging performances.
Now the Tigers have an opportunity to take advantage of that matchup.
And if Auburn can consistently pressure Swann without having to send additional defenders, it could definitely make things much more difficult for Mississippi State's offense Saturday.