Auburn set for tussle with Mountaineers
By Staff
The last time Auburn and West Virginia played the Mountaineers' high-powered offense outscored the Tigers 24-0 in the second half and the defense allowed Auburn to gain only 260 yards of total offense.
This year Auburn (2-0, 1-0) has the high-powered offense. In fact, the Tigers are ranked fourth nationally in total offense with 572.5 yards per game and second in rushing offense with 345.5 yards per game.
The offensive explosion has sparked enthusiasm among the Auburn faithful and what looked like a questionable hire in new coach Gene Chizik is beginning to look like a smart move.
The Tigers have two players that have topped the 100-yard rushing mark in each of the first two games. Senior Ben Tate ranks seventh nationally in rushing yards with an average of 137 yards per game while freshman Onterio McCalebb leads the Southeastern Conference in all-purpose yards with 196 yards per game.
Even the Tigers' passing game is going well. Quarterback Chris Todd is averaging 220.5 yards per game while Darvin Adams is averaging 90.5 receiving yards per game.
Some of that success comes from the steady play of the offensive line, which has not allowed a sack yet this season.
The offense will get its best challenge of the season so far, as West Virginia (2-0, 0-0) has allowed only 75.5 rushing yards per game and 268 total yards per game.
The defense has also played well early. Auburn is ranked 39th in the nation in total defense – allowing 271 yards per game – and 19th in pass defense – 139.5 yards per game. The Tiger defenders have held both of their first two opponents to less than 300 total yards per game.
The Mountaineers are averaging 288.5 passing yards per game and 473.5 total yards per game in wins against Liberty and East Carolina.
Both teams are receiving votes in the polls, but neither team has earned a ranking yet this season. The winner of this game will move closer to cracking the Top 25.
