AUBURN | The SEC landscape is shifting, and at the heart of it, Vanderbilt’s command of time of possession is sending ripples of concern through Hugh Freeze’s camp. A haunting memory lingers from last season, etched into the psyche of the Tigers—a bitter 31-10 defeat at the hands of New Mexico State, a game where the Aggies monopolized the ball for a staggering 38 minutes and 10 seconds, holding Auburn to a mere 45 offensive plays.
Now, as fate would have it, former NMSU head honcho Jerry Kill and his astute quarterback Diego Pavia have made their way to Vanderbilt, implementing a game plan that mirrors their successful strategies from last year. A resurgence is palpable within a Commodore squad that boasts a commendable 5-3 record, highlighted by a stunning 40-35 upset of the top-ranked Alabama just weeks prior, during which Vandy controlled the clock for an astonishing 42 minutes and 8 seconds, limiting the Tide to the same 45 plays that once stymied Auburn.
“Reflecting on last year, the unsettling reality hit us hard—our very first possession in the opening quarter was just five minutes and five seconds from kickoff,” Freeze lamented, candidly acknowledging the discomfort such a reality brings. “They have a firm identity, and, remarkably, they thrive within their established game plan.”
With an eye on Pavia, Freeze noted, “He’s not just a quarterback; he’s a mastermind in motion, combining intelligence and tenacity. Time and again, he ensures everyone aligns with their responsibilities on each play. It’s a dance of incremental gains—three yards on a scrambled attempt here, four yards there, and suddenly it’s third-and-3, where they often squeeze out three-and-a-half. Their success is a testament to exceptional coaching and a finely-tuned system.”
To counteract Vanderbilt’s mastery over the clock, Auburn must capitalize on every possession with precision and explosiveness. “This underscores our imperative to find the end zone. We can’t afford to squander chances,” tight end Luke Deal emphasized, echoing Freeze’s sentiments. “If they’re intent on limiting our plays, we must transform those opportunities into explosive performances and zero in on flawless execution. After all, if you’re granted merely 40 plays and botch ten of them, victory vanishes into thin air.”
The atmosphere will be electric as kickoff at Jordan-Hare Stadium approaches, set for 11:45 a.m. CT on the SEC Network. Prepare for a battle that promises to captivate and enthrall.
