Auburn’s offensive line, a persistent challenge for the Tigers in recent seasons, has shown improvement under head coach Hugh Freeze, though it remains a work in progress. The line has allowed 15 sacks in seven games, ranking seventh in the SEC, an improvement from last season’s 10th-place finish. Despite the progress, Auburn’s offensive line struggled in their recent 21-17 road loss to Missouri, allowing three sacks and eight tackles for loss.
In response, Freeze made adjustments, replacing Percy Lewis with Dillon Wade at left tackle. Freeze acknowledged that Lewis, a significant transfer portal addition, has had difficulty adapting to opposing defenses’ adjustments, particularly their movement strategies. While Lewis has potential, Freeze felt Wade provided more stability given the challenges posed by Missouri’s defense.
Auburn’s run blocking has been better than its pass protection, but Missouri’s stout defensive front still posed problems, limiting running back Jarquez Hunter to 57 yards on 19 carries. Freeze credited Missouri’s defense but acknowledged that Auburn’s blocking needed improvement.
As Auburn moves forward into the second half of the season, consistency on the offensive line will be key to giving the Tigers more competitive opportunities, particularly against another strong defensive front in Kentucky, whom they face this Saturday.
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