ESPN analyst is surprised by Auburn’s lack of defensive production

Auburn has yet to force a turnover and only has made four sacks through three games. The lack of production is concerning says one ESPN analyst.

Auburn’s defense has not been as effective as expected through three games.

That fact was telling during Auburn’s recent 41-12 loss to Penn State, as the Tigers allowed the Nittany Lions to be just as successful passing the football, as they were running it on their way to gaining 477 yards of total offense.

Auburn’s defense failed to create both a turnover and a sack in the game, which allowed Penn State to piece together more effective drives. The season production has, unfortunately, been consistent with their play against Penn State. Through three games, Auburn has only recorded four sacks and has yet to record a turnover.

Former Auburn great and current ESPN College Football analyst Cole Cubelic was a recent guest on the local sports talk show “Sportscall”, where he discussed his postgame thoughts following Auburn’s loss to Penn State. Cubelic says that he is surprised by the lack of defensive production to this point.

“I did not think that (the lack of sacks) would be a problem this year, I thought that getting to the quarterback would be something that Auburn would have good success with,” Cubelic said. “It’s been two consecutive years that they have not had a sack against Penn State. Penn State has not had offensive lines that have been knocking on the door of winning the Joe Moore Award. It’s collectively finding ways to make things happen, finding ways to make plays, finding ways to get the ball back into your hands.”

When reviewing the film of Auburn’s defense each week, Cubelic says that a quick way for Auburn to create more turnovers is to be more creative.

“(Auburn has) not been opportunistic and have gone out to find different ways to take the football away. A lot of turnovers are forced. You jar the football loose, that happened with [autotag]Owen Pappoe[/autotag] and Sean Clifford, the ball just happened to roll to a Penn State player over by the sideline,” Cubelic said. “Some guys are attempting to make those plays, attempting to make things happen. But, at the same time, you have to go find ways to get the football. Whether it’s in the air or getting to the quarterback, it has been a problem.”

Auburn currently ranks 10th in the SEC in total defense by allowing 359 yards per game. This week’s opponent, Missouri, averages 220 passing yards per game while rushing for 202 yards per contest.

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