Auburn defense saves day in Starkville, shuts down Mississippi State offense
STARKVILLE, Miss. — A well-used saying in football circles suggests that the best offense is a good defense.
Auburn’s team, coaches and fans certainly hope that’s true. It definitely was true Saturday night in the Tigers’ 3-2 win here over Mississippi State.
Fact is, the statement better hold a lot of truth or, based on the overall performance of Auburn’s offense in its first three games, there will be trouble ahead. Unless, of course, the defense just refuses to allow opponents to score, which was the case Saturday night. The Tigers’ offense, on a safety, allowed MSU’s only points.
It’s not just a case of Auburn’s defense holding things together until the offense comes around. It’s more accurate to say the defense is holding things together until the offense arrives. Against the Bulldogs, admittedly a good defensive team, the Tigers’ offense was non-existent.
On the one hand, Auburn fans have to harbor great concerns the new spread offense will be able to score enough points to win games in the future, especially against opponents such as this week’s foe, LSU. On the other hand, fans have to be greatly encouraged that even against the LSUs, Tennessees, Georgias, even the West Virginias, the defense will keep the Tigers in the game and give them a chance to win.
It’s a risky approach.
al.com
9/14/08
