Auburn Tigers
The Auburn Tigers defense wasn't exactly porous last year, ranking second nationally in touchdown passes allowed (eight) and sixth in scoring defense (15.5 points a game).
That defensive stoutness helped the Tigers win their final two regular season games against nationally-ranked Georgia and Alabama. But then came the Capitol One Bowl game with Wisconsin, and defense went out the window. Although Auburn kept the score respectable in a 24-10 loss, the Tigers gave up more yards than a par 5 at Augusta National -- 548, including 301 passing yards from Badger QB John Stocco and 213 from RB Brian Calhoun."We just didn't have an answer," said Auburn coach Tommy Tubberville.
A few weeks later, he did -- Will Muschamp. Auburn hired Muschamp away from the Miami Dolphins to replace David Gibbs and become the team's third defensive coordinator in as many years (Gene Chizik went to Texas after the 2004 season). And already this spring, the new coach is making an impact."It's like he had a gallon of coffee before practice," marveled middle linebacker Karibi Dede. "It seems like everything is a point of emphasis."And everything is subject to change. Tristan Davis, who averaged an eye-popping 19 yards a carry as a backup running back last fall, is now a safety. Safety Will Herring, the team's leading tackler (69) in 2005 and top pass interceptor the year before, is now an outside linebacker."He's a smart guy," said Muschamp of Herring. "He'll pick it up quick."Just like he moved from quarterback -- his position at Opelika (AL) High School -- to the defensive backfield as an Auburn freshman.Davis admits to some withdrawal symptoms from offense, as well, but realizes he was stuck behind Kenny Irons (the SEC's top rusher in 2005) and several other returning backs with more experience, not to mention highly regarded freshman Ben Tate. Other key Auburn defenders will be NG Josh Thompson, cornerback Jonathan Wilhite (already a standout in spring drills) and CB David Irons, brother of Kenny, who was given a sixth year of eligibility.Muschamp was the defensive coordinator at LSU in 2003, when the Tigers won the national championship. At Miami, he was responsible for linebackers. He's known as a hands-on coach who spends as much time out on the practice field making emphatic "suggestions" as stalking the sidelines."I’ll coach here the same way I did at Miami and at LSU before that," Muschamp said."He's everywhere" Keribi Dede told the Birmingham News.The Auburn Tigers started hitting on their third day, and practices have been open to the public. And, obviously, very open to Will Muschamp.
That defensive stoutness helped the Tigers win their final two regular season games against nationally-ranked Georgia and Alabama. But then came the Capitol One Bowl game with Wisconsin, and defense went out the window. Although Auburn kept the score respectable in a 24-10 loss, the Tigers gave up more yards than a par 5 at Augusta National -- 548, including 301 passing yards from Badger QB John Stocco and 213 from RB Brian Calhoun."We just didn't have an answer," said Auburn coach Tommy Tubberville.
A few weeks later, he did -- Will Muschamp. Auburn hired Muschamp away from the Miami Dolphins to replace David Gibbs and become the team's third defensive coordinator in as many years (Gene Chizik went to Texas after the 2004 season). And already this spring, the new coach is making an impact."It's like he had a gallon of coffee before practice," marveled middle linebacker Karibi Dede. "It seems like everything is a point of emphasis."And everything is subject to change. Tristan Davis, who averaged an eye-popping 19 yards a carry as a backup running back last fall, is now a safety. Safety Will Herring, the team's leading tackler (69) in 2005 and top pass interceptor the year before, is now an outside linebacker."He's a smart guy," said Muschamp of Herring. "He'll pick it up quick."Just like he moved from quarterback -- his position at Opelika (AL) High School -- to the defensive backfield as an Auburn freshman.Davis admits to some withdrawal symptoms from offense, as well, but realizes he was stuck behind Kenny Irons (the SEC's top rusher in 2005) and several other returning backs with more experience, not to mention highly regarded freshman Ben Tate. Other key Auburn defenders will be NG Josh Thompson, cornerback Jonathan Wilhite (already a standout in spring drills) and CB David Irons, brother of Kenny, who was given a sixth year of eligibility.Muschamp was the defensive coordinator at LSU in 2003, when the Tigers won the national championship. At Miami, he was responsible for linebackers. He's known as a hands-on coach who spends as much time out on the practice field making emphatic "suggestions" as stalking the sidelines."I’ll coach here the same way I did at Miami and at LSU before that," Muschamp said."He's everywhere" Keribi Dede told the Birmingham News.The Auburn Tigers started hitting on their third day, and practices have been open to the public. And, obviously, very open to Will Muschamp.
posted by auburntigerstick at 8:25 PM
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