BRAD LOCKE:Well, at least the D proved itself worthy
STARKVILLE – It would be easy – so easy – to focus on Mississippi State’s offensive woes in its 3-2 loss to Auburn on Saturday.
So easy to point out that the Bulldogs were zero-for-14 on third down; that the average distance they needed to cover on those third downs was nearly nine yards; that their longest play from scrimmage was 13 yards; that they gained 116 (!) yards of total offense.
The ineptitude was astounding.
“I never really felt threatened last night of losing that ball game once we got ahead 3-0,” Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville said Sunday.
Ouch.
Auburn’s got a fine defensive unit, but it’s not that good.
But let’s be positive.
Let’s talk about Mississippi State’s defense.
It gave up 315 yards, which is respectable. More importantly, the Bulldogs didn’t break except for that 39-yard run by Ben Tate to seal the win. By that point, though, State’s defense had done its job.
Blame that run on the offense, the aforementioned ineptitude of which allowed Auburn to win the time-of-possession battle (32:13 to 27:47).
djournal.com
9/16/08
