Running game, linemen, confidence lift AU offense

AUBURN — Auburn's offense continues to baffle me.

And I'm not the only one.

The offense itself can't quite put a finger on why it can march suddenly 90 yards for a touchdown, when a month ago it struggled to gain a first down.

Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville says that it's quarterback Brandon Cox's stellar play that has boosted the offense to score an average of 36 points during the last three weeks.

"I believe Brandon Cox is feeling a lot more comfortable with the guys around him," Tuberville said.

Cox thinks it's the addition of the two true freshmen offensive linemen who have rejuvenated a once unstable squad. Young linemen Ryan Pugh and Chaz Ramsey got the start in the fourth game of the season, joining true freshman right tackle Lee Ziemba.

"Those three, young, true freshmen offensive linemen came in and sparked the offense," Cox said.

"We're getting more comfortable with each other and putting in more offensively and have been able to do more."

Pugh said it's just pure confidence that has lifted the offense from an early slump, which led to Auburn's 1-2 start.

But forget Pugh, Cox and even Tuberville. Let's check with the mind behind Auburn's offense.

Offensive coordinator Al Borges may have the ultimate explanation for his gang's explosive last three games. Borges points the finger to a dominating running game, which has created a domino effect resulting in points and three straight wins.

Auburn rushed for 403 yards on 118 carries in the opening three games for a 3.4-yard average. The Tigers then rushed 120 times for 622 yards during the last three games for a 5.2-yard average.

"Our success rides so much on how well we're able to run the ball, and we've been able to run the ball in the last three weeks," Borges said. "It's taken a lot of the pressure off our quarterback, and the protection has been better because of it."

So what Tuberville, Cox and Pugh said is correct, kind of. But it all starts with a running game.

Cox is right: The three offensive linemen have been blocking well. But it's because of that solid running game. Opposing defenses are not likely to blitz like crazy if running backs Ben Tate, Brad Lester and Mario Fannin dash through the holes for chunks of yardage over and over again.

And Tuberville's summation? Yes, Cox's play has been spectacular, throwing just two interceptions over the last three weeks, compared to six in the first three.

But that's because he's getting more time to throw because of the better blocking from the offensive line. And we've already learned why the line is blocking better. If you've forgot, see the above paragraph.

Now, finally to Pugh's rationale: confidence. Because Auburn's stiff running game is creating better offensive line blocking that is leading to better quarterback play, the offense is scoring points and racking up yards. So, of course, that brings out confidence.

"There's a formula to winning games," Borges said. "It hasn't changed for years: Hold onto the football. Have a good aggressive running game, and be efficient regardless of what you do."

And that is why Auburn is now 4-2 after starting 1-2. It's why they are back in the hunt for the SEC West championship. And it is why they will beat Arkan ... well let's not go that far. You'll have to wait to see my game prediction Saturday.