2. Get Michael Hawkins into a rhythm
The best way to help a young quarterback is to run the ball. Tennessee has been doing that for Nico Iamaleava with great results. It has taken a great deal of pressure off the talented but inexperienced quarterback.
That’s Step 1 for Seth Littrell and the offense. Get the ground game going.
Step 2 is to get Michael Hawkins Jr. into a rhythm early. He’s a confident player who didn’t get rattled in his appearance against Tennessee. But this is a different game in a different environment.
Littrell has to help his young quarterback by calling a game that gets Hawkins into a rhythm early. Play ahead of the chains and limit third-and-long opportunities against an Auburn pass rush that’s been pretty good in 2024.
Hawkins showed a strong arm and a quick release in his performance against Tennessee. Utilize that quick release in the quick passing game so he does not have to wait for longer developing routes to come open behind an offensive line that’s struggled in pass protection at times in 2024.
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