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Auburn Football: 3 keys to victory vs. Kent State in Week 3

By Jake Mitchell

AUBURN, AL - SEPTEMBER 7: Head coach Gus Malzahn of the Auburn Tigers questions a call during the second quarter of their game against the Tulane Green Wave at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 7, 2019 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)
AUBURN, AL - SEPTEMBER 7: Head coach Gus Malzahn of the Auburn Tigers questions a call during the second quarter of their game against the Tulane Green Wave at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 7, 2019 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TEXAS – AUGUST 31: JaTarvious Whitlow #28 of the Auburn Tigers during the Advocare Classic at AT&T Stadium on August 31, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – AUGUST 31: JaTarvious Whitlow #28 of the Auburn Tigers during the Advocare Classic at AT&T Stadium on August 31, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

1. Ride the run game

In Gus Malzahn’s time at Auburn, he’s produced a 1,000-yard rusher in ever year but 2018. When diagnosing why last season was so ineffective at time offensively, the lack of a productive rushing attack is high on the list of reasons.

That’s why the early part of this year has been encouraging. Through two games, JaTarvious Whitlow has 206 yards and a score. Kam Martin has added 43 yards of his own, but Whitlow has very obviously taken the role of lead workhorse.

Against Oregon especially, Whitlow displayed an ability to be patient and get tough yards. At times, he looked similar to former Auburn backs like Kerryon Johnson. It his fitting, considering the running backs coach at Auburn is former Tiger Carnell “Cadillac” Williams.

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In a game like this, obviously Malzahn will want to give Nix more game reps, and his improvement is still the primary focus. Considering that, this offense may see some tough stretches again on Saturday. When that is the case, Whitlow and this running game have to be good enough to stabilize this offense.

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