Golesh targets fresher rotations against Arkansas

Auburn coach Alex Golesh wants a deeper rotation and a more consistent running game when the Tigers host Arkansas on Saturday at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Golesh said the loss to Ole Miss exposed Auburn’s depth problems, particularly as players tired from the middle of the third quarter onward. He said the staff must trust more players in game situations, adding that younger options need to begin taking meaningful snaps because late-game workloads feel different in Week 9 than they did in Week 3.

That rotation discussion extends to linebacker. Golesh said Auburn has increased Riddick’s responsibilities as he has returned and become more comfortable, while Canty and Toodle need to absorb snaps from the three primary linebackers.

Arkansas quarterback mobility is Auburn’s leading defensive concern. Golesh described the quarterback as a powerful north-south runner and said the Tigers must contain him rather than allow scrambles to extend drives. He also credited Arkansas with adjusting its quarterback run plan to personnel and anticipated defensive looks.

Golesh compared Arkansas’ defense to Auburn’s. He said the Razorbacks have played strong first halves and pressured from unusual angles. Their approach also includes varied coverages and aggressive run defense. Former Auburn defensive coordinator Ron Roberts, who worked under Hugh Freeze in 2023, leads that unit.

Offensively, Golesh said Auburn’s passing game has operated efficiently, especially on third down, but the ground game has been inconsistent. His priorities are early-down efficiency, establishing the run, creating explosive plays and protecting the football.

Byrum Brown remains central to that plan. The quarterback became the first Auburn player since Kerryon in 2017 to score a touchdown in six consecutive games, and Golesh said Brown’s comfort and steady approach have continued to grow. Golesh views a productive running game as part of Auburn’s intended identity, with Brown included in that formula.

Why it matters

Auburn’s ability to rotate more defenders could determine whether it finishes more effectively after fatigue surfaced against Ole Miss. On offense, Golesh has tied improvement to a steadier run game, explosive plays and ball security.

What to watch next

Auburn hosts Arkansas on Saturday at Jordan-Hare Stadium, where quarterback containment and the Tigers’ expanded rotations will be central points.