Auburn football: How can Bryan Harsin save his job in Year 2 with the Tigers?
By John Scimeca
Defense
Auburn had its ups and downs on defense in 2021 and then punctuated its lackluster finish to the season by losing defensive coordinator Derek Mason to take the same title under Mike Gundy at Oklahoma State of the Big 12.
The unit was inconsistent, holding firm against potent offenses like Alabama and Ole Miss but managing to belly up against squads like Mississippi State.
After losing stars like All-American corner Roger McCreary as a second-round NFL Draft pick to the Tennessee Titans, Auburn is relying on the junior college ranks to strengthen its defense in 2022. The Tigers signed three players who were the top-ranked juco athletes at their respective positions: defensive lineman Jeffrey M’ba, safety Marquise Gilbert, and cornerback Keionte Scott.
All three figure to contribute immediately to a defense that particularly struggled in defending the pass in 2021. The Tigers surrendered 245.8 yards per game through the air last season. In games such as the 43-34 loss to Mississippi State, Bulldogs quarterback Will Rogers completed 44-of-55 passes for 415 yards and five touchdowns.
The Tigers led at one point in the first half by a score of 28-3. Needless to say, a complete defensive collapse like that won’t allow the Tigers to compete in the SEC in 2022.
Auburn also added Williamson (Mobile, Ala.) product Robert Woodyard, a linebacker who was committed to Alabama at one point.
The best addition overall, though, might be nose guard Jayson Jones. The 6-foot-6, 328-pound defensive lineman transfers to Auburn from Oregon and should have an outsized impact on the Tigers defense.