Auburn wants to set a more physical tone against Ole Miss after struggling to run the ball in its loss to LSU. The Tigers managed only 67 rushing yards and allowed seven sacks in the 38–17 defeat, putting added focus on the offensive line’s response this week.
“We’ve got to start off with an intent to go be more violent than we’ve ever been,” Auburn coach Alex Golesh said.
The Tigers will need to make that approach work against an Ole Miss defense that has allowed 161.1 rushing yards per game. Florida and Texas both found success on the ground against the Rebels, with Texas rushing for 207 yards. Auburn will look to build on those examples by establishing its run game early and keeping the offense out of long-yardage situations.
Quarterback Byrum Brown gives the Tigers another dimension as a runner. He has rushed for 480 yards and six touchdowns this season, so Ole Miss must account for him on designed runs and when he escapes pressure. His mobility could also help Auburn maintain drives if the running backs face a crowded box.
The matchup will begin with Auburn’s offensive line against Ole Miss’ defensive front. The Tigers struggled to create room against LSU, while the Rebels have shown they can be vulnerable against the run. Auburn offensive coordinator Joel Gordon said his team must push Ole Miss around, wear the Rebels down and create explosive plays.
If Auburn protects Brown and runs effectively, it can keep the playbook balanced and make Ole Miss defend the entire field. If the Rebels control the line of scrimmage, Auburn could again be pushed into difficult passing downs.
Auburn’s response up front will be the game’s central test: the Tigers need to play with greater force, execute their assignments and make Ole Miss feel their physicality throughout the game
