Sat Nov 02 14:40:00 UTC 2024: ## Auburn Prepares for Vanderbilt’s Time-Consuming Offense
Auburn Tigers will face a tough challenge this weekend against Vanderbilt, a team known for its ability to control the clock and keep opponents off the field. Vanderbilt leads the SEC in time of possession, a strategy that proved successful against Auburn last year when they held the ball for nearly 38 minutes and limited Auburn to just 45 offensive plays.
Head Coach Hugh Freeze is acutely aware of the threat, referencing last year’s 31-10 loss to New Mexico State, where the Aggies, now coached by former NMSU coach Jerry Kill at Vanderbilt, ran a similar offense.
“Last year when we played him, the first time we touched the ball in the first quarter I believe was with five minutes and five seconds left,” said Freeze. “That’s uncomfortable.”
Freeze also acknowledges the skill of Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia, who effectively executes the offense and forces defenses to be on their toes.
To counter Vanderbilt’s ball control strategy, Auburn will need to maximize their possessions on offense and turn them into touchdowns. “It actually emphasizes that we’ve got to get the ball in the end zone,” said tight end Luke Deal. “If they try to limit us on our plays, let’s make those plays explosive, let’s make those plays count.”
The game kicks off at Jordan-Hare Stadium at 11:45 a.m. CT on SEC Network.
First Piper 