Five reasons Auburn could struggle against UMass

These things could cause trouble for Auburn against UMass.

Author:
Auburn Daily Staff
Publish date:
Sep 1, 2023 12:10 PM EDT

In this story:

Auburn is set to open up their 2023 football season against UMass and, in doing so, officially begin the Hugh Freeze era.

I believe the Tigers will win this one by a wide margin, but there are some things that could cause struggles for Auburn.

Let's take a look at five reasons Auburn could struggle against UMass.

QB uses his legs

Aggie linebacker Gabe Peterson reaches for UMass quarterback Taisun Phommachanh during an Aggie football game on Saturday, August 256 2023, at the Aggie Memorial Stadium. — © Meg Potter/Sun-News / USA TODAY NETWORK

UMass quarterback Taisun Phommachanh showed the ability to run and throw the ball in their season opener against New Mexico State. If Auburn can't contain Phommachanh and he continues to leave the pocket and pick up first downs with his legs, it will hurt you. I believe Auburn will be able to keep contain, but if they don't, this game could be closer than many imagine. This will be good practice for some of the more mobile quarterbacks in the SEC.

WR's don't get open

Shane Hooks at Auburn football practice - Eric Starling/Auburn Daily — Eric Starling/Auburn Daily

One of the biggest question marks surrounding this team is the wide receiver room. We want to see this crew getting plenty of separation against UMass, and if they don't, it will be a big concern for the rest of the season. If the receivers are open, the Tigers blow the doors off UMass if they aren't, I have concerns. I foresee a Shane Hooks masterclass on the way.

No pressure on QB

Elijah McAllister at Auburn football practice - Eric Starling/Auburn Daily — Eric Starling/Auburn Daily

Another question mark will be Auburn's ability to get a pass rush against UMass. Hopefully, Elijah McAllister and others will be able to get in the backfield when UMass quarterback Phommachanh has dropped back to throw. Once again, if the Tigers don't get a consistent pass rush against UMass, how will they do it against Alabama and Georgia?

UMass has played a game

War Eagle Generic Photo — Eric Starling/Auburn Daily

Some might not think this is a big deal, but I think the fact that UMass has played a game already gives them two things: confidence and experience. This UMass team was able to work out all of the issues in their first game of the season, which gives them an advantage over the Tigers. I don't see this being an issue for Auburn, but it is definitely an advantage that one team has gotten the rust off and the other has not.

O-Line doesn't get a push

Gunner Britton at Auburn football practice - Eric Starling/Auburn Daily — Eric Starling/Auburn Daily

This is more of a season-long concern, but the O-Line needs to push the UMass defensive line around all game long. I come back to the same point, but if they don't get a push against UMass, how will they do it against the big dogs of the SEC? I will be extremely concerned if Auburn's new and improved offensive line doesn't get a push against this UMass team, but I think they will, so I am not too worried about this in the season opener.