Tigers hoping for fast finish to season
Auburn isn’t in a position to make a run at the Southeastern Conference West Division title, but the Tigers are still hoping for a “mini” version of the November run that propelled them into the SEC Championship game in 2017.
The Tigers won all four of their November games last year, knocking off East winner Georgia and rival Alabama in the process. Even if they duplicate that run this season, the Tigers (5-3, 2-3 SEC) would need a lot of other unlikely things to fall their way, like Alabama losing two games before hosting the Tigers, to get a share of the division.
But a big finish might take some of the sting out of what was a disappointing October for the Tigers, who lost at Mississippi State and at home to Tennessee in two of their three outings.
They got a bit of respect back with a 31-16 win at Ole Miss before taking last Saturday off in advance of this week’s home game against No. 20 Texas A&M (5-3, 3-2 SEC).
“The off week went very well,” coach Gus Malzahn said. “I think we accomplished all of our goals — more than anything, I think just to get physically and mentally refreshed. We got a chance to work on ourselves and then get a head start on Texas A&M, which definitely is much needed.
“Probably more than anything is evaluating us, and getting a chance to work on us, and clean some things up really in all three phases that can help us the last four weeks.
“And then, of course, any time you get an extra couple days on your opponent, that really helps. Got a chance to watch them play on Saturday, so it was good to get a head start on that, too.”
Quarterback Jarrett Stidham said the experience of last year could carry over to this season.
“For us, obviously last year November was huge,” he said. “We didn’t know exactly how it was going to turn out, obviously, but we just really came together the entire month and played really well each week.
“It started off with A&M last year and obviously it starts off with A&M this week. I think you can take a lot from it, last year’s experience, and I know our guys are excited about it and ready for the challenge.”
The extra time may not get running back Jatarvious Whitlow back on the field, however. The talented redshirt freshman and team’s leading rusher is dealing with shoulder and leg injuries.
He needs 374 yards to give Auburn a 1,000-yard rusher for a 10th consecutive season.
“We have had nine in a row, so it would be good to have 10,” Malzahn said. “I think if he stays healthy, then I believe he will have a good shot at achieving that mark.”
