Breaking down Auburn football's struggles vs Tennessee: Advanced stats, snap counts

Auburn football suffered a 24-14 loss to Tennessee, marking its first true road game of the season. The Tigers struggled on both offense and defense, with several concerning trends highlighted in advanced statistics and snap count analysis.

Quarterback Byrum Brown faced 65 snaps, while running backs Omar Mabson II (39), Jeremiah Cobb (18), and Bryson Washington (8) provided the ground game. Wide receiver Chas Nimrod (64) led the receiving corps, with Keshaun Singleton (61), Christian Neptune (25), Jeremiah Koger (25), and Brian Williams Jr. (10) also contributing. Tight end Arlis Boardingham (43) and Jonathan Echols (27) saw action.

On the offensive line, Auburn's left tackle Jacob Strand (33) and left guard Wilson Zierer (65) were key players. Center Cole Best (65) and right guard Kenneth McManus IV (65) also had notable snaps. Right tackle Stanton Ramil (64) and Zierer (1) rounded out the offensive line.

Defensively, Auburn's defensive line featured Cody Sigler (42), Dallas Walker IV (41), Jourdin Crawford (26), Walter Mathis Jr. (18), Darrion Smith (14), and Malik Autry (12). In the secondary, cornerback Rayshawn Pleasant (60) and safety Eric Winters (62) played crucial roles.

The Tigers struggled with passing pressure, keeping it clean (79.2%) against Tennessee's 17 defensive backs but struggled under pressure (33.3%) and when blitzed (77.8%). Rushing yards were limited, with Byrum Brown leading the way with 102 yards. The Tigers' rushing yards after contact were also modest (143).

Regarding receptions, Keshaun Singleton led the way with seven targets and one catch, while Chas Nimrod (3 targets, one catch) and Christian Neptune (3 targets, one catch) also contributed. The offensive line allowed pressures from the opposing defense, with Cole Best (4 pressures), Wilson Zierer (3 pressures), and Jacob Strand and Stanton Ramil (2 pressures) handling these roles. QB hits and hurries were recorded, with Cole Best (0/4), Wilson Zierer (0/3), and Jacob Strand and Stanton Ramil (1/1) facing these challenges.

Missed tackles by Auburn's defense were notable, with Kaleb Harris (3), Xavier Atkins (2), and seven other players (1 missed tackle each) failing to make stops. Solo stops were recorded by Da Shawn Womack and Elijah Melendez (4), while four other players (3) and two others (2) also achieved solo stops.