The Opening Drive: Auburn at No. 15 Vanderbilt

AUBURN, Ala. – Under interim head coach DJ Durkin, Auburn fans can expect a united front from the Tigers.

“We make it a big point with our guys that this is our team,” Durkin said. “We’re a team. This is our team. We all take ownership in what goes on out on that field no matter what phase it is. It’s all together. 

“For me, it’s a group of guys that you can tell are playing for one another. How do you tell that? By the amount of energy and effort they play with. That’s it. I want our guys to go compete. I want them to play with confidence and not a care in the world.”

In his first meeting with reporters Monday, Durkin shared a message for Auburn fans. 

“First off, thank you for your support,” he said. “I want them to know that we are doing everything possible to represent them and this great university in a way that they can be proud of. This place is built on hard work, toughness, blue-collar mentality, and that is what this team has. That’s what we’re going to display. We’re going to play with a relentless effort, play for one another, and really have pride in that AU on our chest.”

Multitasking as Auburn’s defensive coordinator in addition to his interim head coaching responsibilities, Durkin’s defensive plan starts with trying to neutralize Vandy quarterback Diego Pavia, who has tormented the Tigers twice, at New Mexico State in 2023 and with the Commodores last season.

“That guy’s a tremendous competitor,” Durkin said. “That, to me, is the highest compliment you can give someone in this sport. He’s competitive. He’s got an edge to him. He’s always trying to find a way. He never slides. He just throws his body around. 

“You can tell he’s out there just having fun and competing. His team certainly rallies around him, and they respond to him. It all starts with him, but they’ve got talent around him as well at all positions. It’s a big challenge, a big task. I think our guys will embrace that and be up for it.”

Auburn (4-5, 1-5) and No. 15 Vanderbilt (7-2, 3-2) kick off at 3 p.m. CT in Nashville’s FirstBank Stadium. Taylor Zarzour, Matt Stinchcomb and Tori Petry form the SEC Network crew while Andy Burcham, Jason Campbell and Bret Eddins will bring the action to listeners on the Auburn Sports Network.

“We’re going to have a great week of practice and prepare and go out there and let loose,” Durkin said. “I want us to be the aggressor in all situations. No hesitation. I think our guys will embrace that. I know they will. We’re going to do that as a team.”

THREE QUESTIONS WITH DL KELDRIC FAULK

Q: What are the defensive priorities against Vanderbilt?

A: Trying try to contain that quarterback, making sure we keep him inside the pocket and put pressure on him as much as we can. Change up the looks every now and then to make sure he’s uncomfortable. He’s a dynamic guy. If they need a play, he can make one. They have one of the better ground games in the SEC so it’s going to be a challenge stopping the run. They’ve got some playmakers on that team.

Q: How much pride do you take in being one of three FBS teams, and the only one in the SEC, to allow 24 or fewer points in every game this season?

A: To be recognized in that light is an honor. It shows that what we do on defense is violent and what we do works.

Q: As a team captain, how are you providing leadership this week? 

A: I tell them be where your feet are. I want to keep them motivated and uplifted to keep going. I take total responsibility for everything that happens. Taking that responsibility gives me even more motivation to keep that locker room together. And now I feel like that locker room is even more together than what it used to be.

INSIDE THE SERIES: VANDERBILT

The all-time series against Vanderbilt is tied 22-22-1 with Auburn holding an 8-12 record against the Commodores in Nashville. Saturday’s game marks the second time in the 46-year series history that the Tigers will take on a ranked Vanderbilt team. 

Auburn won the previous meeting at Vanderbilt Stadium, 31-15, on Nov. 4, 2023. This marks the first time the two teams have played in three straight seasons since matching up in four consecutive years from 2000-2003.

BY THE NUMBERS

5: Vanderbilt will represent Auburn’s fifth top 16 opponent of the season, joining Florida as the only other SEC team to take on five top 20 opponents this year. Auburn’s four previous games against top 20 opponents have been decided by 29 total points (7.25 ppg).

40: Running back Jeremiah Cobb has four carries of 40+ yards this season, including two in league play (44-yard rush vs. Oklahoma, 41-yard rush vs. Missouri). Through nine games, Cobb ranks third in the SEC in carries (137), fourth in rushing (87.7) and rushing yards (789) and fifth in yards per rush (5.76). 

14: With 14.0 tackles for loss this season, Xavier Atkins’ next TFL would tie him for the most in a season by an Auburn player since Nick Fairley set the single-season record with 24.0 TFL in 2010 Atkins is tied for the league lead with 69 tackles this season. 

7: With two interceptions vs. Kentucky, Auburn has seven interceptions in its last three games and ranks third in the SEC with nine INTs on the season. It marks the first time the Tigers have had multiple interceptions in three straight games since 2014. The nine INTs have already surpassed last year’s total.