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Auburn Football: 5 reasons the Tigers will struggle in 2017

By Andrew Miller

AUBURN, AL - SEPTEMBER 17: Auburn Tigers head coach Gus Malzahn walks the field before an NCAA college football game against the Texas A
AUBURN, AL - SEPTEMBER 17: Auburn Tigers head coach Gus Malzahn walks the field before an NCAA college football game against the Texas A /
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AUBURN, AL – SEPTEMBER 24: Danny Etling #16 of the LSU Tigers looks to pass for a touchdown to end the game against Carl Lawson #55 of the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 24, 2016 in Auburn, Alabama. The officials reviewed the touchdown and ruled the snap was taken after time expired which game the Auburn Tigers a 18-13 win. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
AUBURN, AL – SEPTEMBER 24: Danny Etling #16 of the LSU Tigers looks to pass for a touchdown to end the game against Carl Lawson #55 of the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 24, 2016 in Auburn, Alabama. The officials reviewed the touchdown and ruled the snap was taken after time expired which game the Auburn Tigers a 18-13 win. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

3. Loss of Carl Lawson and Montravius Adams hurts Auburn up front

Auburn has to replace 9.5 from Carl Lawson and 4.0 sacks from Montravius Adams. Redshirt junior defensive tackle Dontavius Russell has the pressure of the d-line on his shoulders. Facing numerous tough rushing attacks makes this transition tougher.

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Sophomore defensive end Marlon Davidson is a name to watch. Davidson racked up 2.5 sacks and is the returning sack leader for Auburn. However, Davidson did not manage one single sack in the final eight games on the season.

Redshirt junior defensive tackle Andrew Williams starts with Davidson and Russell. Williams notched 3.0 tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks last year.

The difference between Lawson and Adams’ 13.5 combined sacks and the 4.5 sacks between all three projected starters on the defensive line is drastic. Opposing teams exploit that weakness against Auburn for best results.

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