Auburn Football: 5 Fixes for make-or-break 2019 for Gus Malzahn

4. Auburn’s offense must improve on third-downs and in the red zone

Auburn ranked 78th in the nation in total offense in 2018. For an offensive coach like Malzahn, that number is simply unacceptable, particularly with the up-tempo system producing more plays.

A 63-point performance in the bowl game helped, but the Tigers still ranked 47th in the nation in scoring offense, averaging 30.9 points-per-game.

A big reason for the struggles putting up yards and points had to do with their inability to convert on third-downs and a lack of touchdowns in the red zone.

The Tigers ranked 90th in the nation in third-down percentage, converting on less than 37% of their opportunities. Those issues on third-downs hurt their defense as well because when an up-tempo team goes three-and out, they do so quickly, forcing a tired defense back on to the field.

Auburn’s struggles in the red zone have been a detriment of Malzahn’s teams throughout his tenure on the Plains. They weren’t much better this season, ranking 88th in the nation in red zone scoring, producing points on 81% of their trips.

Malzhan has a tendency to get too cute when Auburn finds themselves into scoring position. The tricky stuff that works to get the Tigers into position to score typically doesn’t have the room once the offense gets inside-the-20.

On 53 red zone possessions this season, Auburn scored 32 touchdowns – a 60% touchdown percentage, which will have to increase in 2019 if their offense is going to take the leap that is necessary for the Tigers to contend in the SEC.