AU will get a chance to play reserves Saturday

AUBURN — Auburn offensive line coach Hugh Nall has a dry sense of humor, to say the least.

Every so often Nall, a rugged country coach from Georgia, will drop a sarcastic line that could be interpreted as being funny or serious. So, us reporter-types stare at him until he cracks a semblance of a smile, making sure it is OK to laugh.

The 49-year-old assistant coach pulled out a Nall Special earlier in the week. Playing Tennessee Tech of the Football Championship Subdivision (formerly Division I-AA) on Saturday, a reporter asked a fair question to Nall. It was something like, “Which backup linemen would you like to see play Saturday if the game becomes a blowout?”

Nall responded: “We plan on going with the ones and playing those guys and see how the game goes. Sure, you’d love to (play backups) every week. I was hoping to do that at Florida, but it didn’t work out.”

A slight pause followed, as reporters debated whether to laugh or not, since Nall did just say he was hoping to play backup linemen during Auburn’s game at then-No. 4 and undefeated Florida.

Then, in Nall fashion, he displayed a slight smile. Everyone had a nice chuckle.

Ah, the joys of talking with Hugh Nall.

Nall won’t admit it, but he likely will get the opportunity to substitute his starting linemen with backups by the third quarter of this game. And he would love to do that with games against Georgia and Alabama ahead.

Other positions on the field also should be filled with reserve players by the second half.

Backup quarterback Kodi Burns is the most likely to see playing time.

Offensive coordinator Al Borges insists Burns will not just tuck the ball and run Saturday. We should see a more liberal offense with the true freshman.

“If we’re fortunate enough to play him, we’re going to give him a chance to do some things, run and pass, do some things that cater to his skills,” Borges said.

Receiver Rod Smith told reporters earlier this week that Burns has the entire offense to himself for about 30 plays following each practice.

“We have a little session just for him after practice just to get him going in the offense and get used to more of the offense and throwing and stuff,” said Smith, who leads the team with 41 catches for 564 yards. “He’s getting a lot better.”

Borges said Burns knows about 45 to 50 percent of the offense. Although Burns is developing a reputation of a running quarterback, he insists that is not true and hopes to prove it Saturday.

“I always thought of myself as a pass-first guy, but since I’ve been here, it’s been the other way because it’s been whatever helps out the team,” said Burns, who has rushed nine times for 16 yards since starting against New Mexico State.

Quarterback and offensive line are not the only positions in which reserves could shine Saturday. Auburn pulled the redshirt off several true freshman defensive players, including linebackers Josh Bynes and Bo Harris, and cornerback Ryan Williams.

Look for them to see plenty of action.

Beware of kickoff returns: Although this game could turn ugly fast — Tennessee Tech is on a four-game losing streak, falling to Austin Peay, Tennessee State, Jacksonville State and Samford — the Golden Eagles do have dangerous kickoff returners.

Senior receiver Larry Shipp averages 31 yards a return and has returned three kicks for touchdowns this season. Henry Sailes, the returner opposite Shipp, has returned one boot for a score this season while averaging 26 yards a return.

“That will be a challenge,” Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville said.

Tennessee Tech at Auburn

Saturday
1:30 p.m.