While offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee isn’t afraid to dial up a run play for Sean White, he’s eliminated the forced gimmicks and substitution patterns Auburn used early in the season to generate rushing yards at the quarterback position.
Lashlee has concentrated on putting the ball into the hands of Kamryn Pettway and Kerryon Johnson since taking over as the team’s play-caller.
Their success combined with the emergence of explosive options out of the backfield like Stanton Truitt, Kam Martin and even freshman receiver Eli Stove has given defenses plenty to think about without the presence of a true dual threat quarterback in the mold of Marshall or backup John Franklin III.
Franklin’s success in blowouts shows Malzahn and Lashlee still appreciate the junior college transfer’s skill set, but the more well-rounded White allows Auburn to play the mistake-free football needed to let the backfield thrive.
Malzahn defended the offense’s early season growing pains this week saying it was the result of an inexperience offense — filled with “green” underclassmen — trying to find their identity.
After punching opposing defenses in the mouth the last three weeks, it’s safe to say Auburn has solved its identity crisis.
Auburn lineman Alex Kozan talks about jumping out to an early lead over Arkansas Saturday night at Jordan-Hare Stadium, if the offense has hit its peak and what plays made him say “hell yeah” during the 56-3 win.