Vanderbilt Upset: 3 Lessons For Auburn Football

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Post on Nov 03, 2024

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Vanderbilt Upset: 3 Lessons for Auburn Football

The 2023 college football season has seen its fair share of surprises, but perhaps none were bigger than Vanderbilt's shocking 24-21 victory over Auburn on September 16th. This unexpected upset sent shockwaves through the SEC, leaving Auburn fans wondering what went wrong and what the future holds for the Tigers.

While the loss was undeniably frustrating, it also presents an opportunity for Auburn to learn and adapt. Here are three key lessons the team can take away from the Vanderbilt game:

1. Defensive Vulnerability:

The most glaring issue in the Auburn-Vanderbilt matchup was the Tigers' porous defense. The Commodores, known for their offensive struggles in recent years, amassed over 400 yards of total offense, showcasing a level of efficiency that was alarming for the Auburn defense.

Specifically, Auburn struggled to contain Vanderbilt quarterback AJ Swann, who threw for over 300 yards and three touchdowns. This exposed a weakness in Auburn's secondary, which will need to be addressed if the team wants to compete in the tough SEC West.

2. Offensive Inefficiency:

While Auburn's defense faltered, the offense also failed to consistently move the ball. Quarterback Payton Thorne struggled to find a rhythm, and the running game was largely ineffective against a Vanderbilt defense that was considered to be one of the weakest in the conference.

Auburn needs to find a way to establish a more consistent offensive identity, especially in the red zone. The Tigers were unable to capitalize on several scoring opportunities, leaving points on the field and ultimately costing them the game.

3. The Importance of Mental Toughness:

Perhaps the most important lesson for Auburn is the need for mental toughness. The Vanderbilt game highlighted a lack of focus and discipline, with key penalties and costly turnovers undermining the team's efforts.

It's essential that Auburn develops a winning mentality, where players consistently execute their roles and avoid self-inflicted errors. This requires a change in attitude and a focus on fundamentals, something that coach Hugh Freeze will need to address during the week.

Looking Ahead

The Vanderbilt upset serves as a wake-up call for Auburn Football. The team needs to learn from its mistakes, address weaknesses, and focus on improving in all facets of the game.

This loss is a reminder that every opponent deserves respect and that every game requires maximum effort. By implementing the lessons learned from the Vanderbilt game, Auburn can regain its footing and continue to fight for a successful season in the SEC.