Tuberville wants Auburn well-grounded

AUBURN, Ala. — Don’t let the new offense fool you. You still need to stop the run to beat Auburn.

Although Auburn’s passing game improved significantly against LSU, the Tigers’ failure to run effectively figured prominently in a 26-21 defeat last Saturday.

Quarterback Chris Todd passed for 250 yards in Auburn’s spread offense. But the running game managed only 70 yards against LSU’s formidable front four.

“We’ve got to run the ball better,” Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville said.

They did run better in their three victories. For the season, Auburn is averaging 171 yards per game rushing.

They also have demonstrated their usual depth at running back.

Leading rusher Ben Tate is averaging 4.8 yards per carry, and Brad Lester is averaging 4.1. Four other ball-carriers, including backup quarterback Kodi Burns, are averaging 6.3 yards or better per carry.

Line Rotation: Auburn defensive line coach Don Dunn second-guesses himself for not resting his starting tackles more against LSU.

“I’ve fought with that all my life,” Dunn said. “A fresh (backup) is better than a tired (starter).”

He admits it’s harder to sub when you have a starter as good as tackle Sen’Derrick Marks, especially when you’re playing against an offensive line as imposing as LSU’s.

In the first three games, Auburn rotated five players at the nose guard and tackle positions.

“I need to do a better job of that early in the game,” said Dunn, a former graduate assistant coach at UT who also coached at Holston High School.

Senior nose guard Tez Doolittle, who had an outstanding game against LSU, will start alongside Marks. Mike Blanc, Jake Ricks and Zach Clayton will provide depth. Clayton practiced at defensive end as well as tackle.

Lean Linemen: Auburn’s offensive line is small by SEC standards. It averages 288 pounds, with only one starter over 300. UT’s offensive line averages 307 pounds and has one starter under 300 pounds.

“Hugh Nall (Auburn’s offensive line coach) doesn’t want guys who will have to lose weight,” Tuberville said.

Instead, Auburn prefers to sign linemen who are tall and athletic, and can add weight.

Sophomore left tackle Lee Ziemba is 6-foot-8, but weighs only 285.

Extra Points: Auburn wide receiver Rodgeriqus Smith needs three catches to become the seventh player in school history with 100 career pass receptions. … Fourteen different players have caught passes for Auburn in four games. … Auburn has won 19 of its last 23 games in September. … The Tigers have won 28 of their last 35 games against SEC schools.

Sports editor John Adams may be reached at 865-342-6284 or adamsj@knoxnews.com.