Auburn's defense more versatile than last year

What Auburn's defense lost in size and experience, it's making up for in speed and aggressiveness. That's one of the reasons the eighth-ranked Tigers will bring a 4-0 record into Saturday night's game against Tennessee at Neyland Stadium.

"I like the makeup of our defense," Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville said during his Sunday teleconference. "In the past, we've had more size.

"I think we are a more physical football team. We tackle better in the open field. We're not as big but we're a lot quicker."

That's not to suggest the Tigers are as good as their numbers. They have allowed only 26 points in four games, but that's against a schedule that includes Louisiana-Monroe, Mississippi State and Division I-AA The Citadel. They also held LSU to nine points.

Nonetheless, you can't argue that Auburn's defense is better than expected after losing five of its front seven, including star linebackers Karlos Dansby and Dontarrious Thomas, who were both drafted into the NFL.

"I think we're more athletic in the front seven than we were last year," Tuberville said. "We're also playing more players in the front seven."

The Tigers have alternated Tommy Jackson and Josh Thompson at nose guard. Jay Ratliff, a former defensive end, starts at tackle - backed up by Wayne Dickens.

Thompson, a redshirt freshman, has picked up where he left off after an outstanding spring. Dickens also is much-improved over last season, according to Tuberville.

Auburn still expects big things from sophomore Stanley McClover, who has been inconsistent as a first-year starter at defensive end.

"He has been up and down," Tuberville said. "He started the first game, didn't play as well, and we moved somebody in front of him.

"I've got no problem with his effort. He just needs some experience, needs to play in the type of game we've got coming up."

Next In Line: Tuberville has been impressed with the development of former Maryville running back Carl Stewart, a redshirt freshman who rushed for 91 yards on 10 carries against The Citadel.

"It was a good day for Carl," Tuberville said. "He had the opportunity to run the ball. He just needs more reps."

Reps are hard to come by when you play behind seniors Carnell Williams and Ronnie Brown, two of the SEC's premier running backs.

"He has learned from those guys, but he's got his own type of running style," Tuberville said. "He reminds me of (New Orleans Saints running back) Deuce McAllister (whom Tuberville coached at Ole Miss).

"He's going to be a very big part of this football team."

Blocking Power: Offensive tackle Marcus McNeil, who is 6-foot-9, 340 pounds, has played a big role in Auburn's early offensive success. He graded the highest of Auburn's offensive linemen against The Citadel and has played consistently well this season.

"Marcus struggled with a lower-back problem (which often prevented him from practicing) this past year," Tuberville said. "He was carrying probably 25 more pounds of weight.

"In the off-season, he strengthened his abdominal muscles and lost a little weight. He's also worked on his technique and fundamentals."

"I'm amazed how much better he's gotten."

John Adams may be reached at 865-342-6284.