AUBURN, Ala. – On the day Auburn's 2020 season was originally scheduled to kick off, the Tigers scrimmaged for 90 plays Saturday at Jordan-Hare Stadium, three weeks before the revised season opener.
"Overall, it was really good," Auburn coach Gus Malzahn said. "It was almost 50-50 as far as run-pass by design. The last scrimmage was run-heavy."
The scrimmage concluded a four-practice week, leaving Auburn 15 more practices before Kentucky comes to the Plains Sept. 26 to commence a 10-game, all–SEC schedule.
"For the second scrimmage in a row, no major injuries which is a true blessing with everything else that's going on," he said. "We've had a very good week of practice. I liked our attitude, I liked our energy."
Scrimmage highlights included an 80-yard touchdown catch by running back Shaun Shivers, and three turnovers, including interceptions by Jamien Sherwood and Devin Guice.
Shaun Shivers' 80-yard touchdown reception highlighted Auburn's offensive output
"Scrimmages are the best way to see where we are," Malzahn said.
Quarterback Bo Nix continues to assert his leadership, Malzahn said. While the 2019 SEC Freshman of the Year wore a no-contact jersey, Auburn's backups QBs went live during the scrimmage, providing offensive coordinator Chad Morris a prime evaluation tool.
"A year ago to now is completely different," Malzahn said. "He has a much better understanding, not only of defenses, but the college game. You can tell he's more confident."
Auburn plans to scrimmage again next Saturday as the Tigers start to focus on the first game against the Wildcats.
"It will be more situational," he said. "The last two are just old-school, put the ball down and let them drive the field and if they don't, you punt, get off the field, and if you end up in the red zone, you end up in the red zone. We're still developing our foundation, our techniques and fundamentals."
Jamien Sherwood's interception accounted for one of three takeaways by Auburn's defense
Coach Malzahn also said…..
On COVID-19 testing: "We had 16 players that missed this week of practice [with a combination of positive tests and contact traces]. The positive note is we tested Sunday and last Wednesday, we had zero positives. That was a really good sign that I feel like we're adjusting with our students back on campus. We'll test again tomorrow and Wednesday, too. We're hopeful that will stay the same and we can start getting a routine and get our guys out to the practice field, our whole team."
Oscar Chapman, a punter from Australia, and freshman receiver Malcolm Johnson Jr. will be ready to practice this week, Malzahn said.
On defensive tackle depth: "We've got a bunch of young, inexperienced guys who are getting a chance to do their thing and show what they can do. They're talented. They're getting a lot of reps in practice. [Associate head coach] Rodney [Garner] likes to play 10 guys a game anyway, so we'll be rotating. We feel good about where we are with the guys we have. We've still got good numbers."
On offensive and defensive lines: "There's been some really good competition. We're trying to be more physical than we have any fall camp. Getting these guys experienced on the run at an accelerated pace. We've got a lot of good options on both sides of the football, it's just a matter of coming together. That's why we're out there practicing."
On outside linebackers coach Al Pogue: "He's a relationship guy. He's very knowledgeable. He has a lot of positive energy. He doesn't have any bad days."
On freshman running backs Tank Bigsby and Mark-Antony Richards: "Both of them have play-making ability. They can create big plays. We've seen that throughout practice. Both those guys can catch the ball out of the backfield. That's been one of Chad's emphases, getting the ball more in the passing game to our running backs. Those two guys are getting experience. They're learning every day. The overall running back room, I think [assistant coach Carnell] Cadillac [Williams] is really impressed with the group as a whole with their attitude, their work ethic. He likes the overall depth he has."
On defensive back Roger McCreary: "Roger McCreary is really taking the next step. You can just tell his confidence level is at a different level. He's had an excellent camp so far. He's one of our leaders. He's not a real vocal guy but he does it more by example."
Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on Twitter: @jeff_shearer