Auburn searches for first-quarter scoring answers

Auburn enters its trip to Mississippi State still looking for a reliable way to start games after another sluggish first quarter against Arkansas. The Tigers produced 18 total yards and -4 rushing yards in the opening quarter before recovering to win 26-23.

Only New Mexico State, Southern Miss and Auburn have gone without a point on an opening drive this season. Auburn averages 4.4 first-quarter points per game. Its possession time is about 40% of the quarter. Its scoring averages rise to 8.2 points in the second quarter, 5.4 in the third and 6.2 in the fourth.

Offensive coordinator Joel Gordon said Monday that Auburn does not want to abandon the running game merely to open more aggressively through the air. He also said two-minute situations are different from normal possessions, so the best approach can change depending on the defense Auburn expects to face.

Quick screens have made up much of Gordon's early approach, but he acknowledged those calls have been “hit or miss.” Gordon said the screens are designed to put the ball in the hands of playmakers, ease the burden on the offensive line and keep quarterback Byrum Brown from holding the ball in third-and-long situations.

One second-half screen to Key lost yardage because Auburn failed to block the most dangerous defender at the point of attack, Gordon said. He viewed that result as an execution problem rather than an issue with the concept itself.

Coach Alex Golesh said poor detail and execution undermined five of Auburn's first six drives against Arkansas. A scoring two-minute drive before halftime offered a glimpse of what the offense could do when operating with rhythm, and the Tigers carried that improvement into the second half.

Auburn now takes a 5-4 overall record and 3-4 SEC mark to Mississippi State, which is 4-5 overall and 2-5 in conference play.

Why it matters

Auburn's slow starts have repeatedly forced the offense to recover later in games. Better early execution would give a 5-4 team more room before its second-half adjustments take hold.

What to watch next

Auburn visits Mississippi State on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. CT on ESPN 2.