The Auburn Tigers’ defense is back and putting the SEC on notice

Auburn has the best red zone defense in the nation going into week four.

Author:
Joshua Collins
Publish date:
Sep 19, 2023 7:49 PM EDT

In this story:

The opening non-conference schedule for the Auburn Tigers is all but over, with only one remaining non-conference matchup remaining on the schedule for later in the season.

The Auburn defensive showing has been the highlight so far this season as the team follows the lead of new defensive coordinator Coach Ron Roberts.

Per NCAA stat lines, Auburn has the number one red zone defense in the nation after three games. Allowing only three rushing touchdowns on seven red zone attempts. This translates to opposing offenses only having about a 42 percent chance to score on the Tigers once they are in red-zone situations.

The Tiger’s defense hasn’t stopped there and have put the SEC on notice with two additional highlighted stat lines per the NCAA. Auburn leads the SEC in passing yards allowed so far this season, holding opposing quarterbacks to the tune of only 465 yards after three weeks of play. This translates to roughly 155 yards per game being allowed through the air against the Auburn Tigers.

Auburn also leads the SEC in defensive efficiency, boasting an efficiency percentage of 89.1. This rating places them fourth in the nation as well. This stat line equates more than just total yards; and it takes as a composite complete defensive stat lines such as 3rd and 4th down conversion attempts, red zone defensive performance, and turnover and penalty margins, just to name a few.

Per ESPN, it is a more complete picture of a defense performance than just highlighting yards allowed.

Thus, Auburn has put not only the SEC on notice but the nation that lights out lockdown defensive play has returned to the Plains.