New mentality at AU
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Spanish Fort's Tre Threat expected to see improvement in Auburn's defense this season. The four-star linebacker just didn't expect to see it as quickly as he did.
Will Muschamp's defense shut out Bobby Petrino and Louisville for two-plus quarters before surrendering three touchdowns in a 31-24 win Saturday in Atlanta, Ga.
"The defense, I don't know even know how to describe it," Threat said. "It was incredible the first half. Everybody was on point. Everybody did his job."
Threat, who committed to Auburn in April, could see a big difference in the Tigers' defensive unit from a year ago, and it wasn't just more plays being made.
"They looked like they were more physical and outworking Louisville," Threat said. "The mentality is different and you could see it. They looked really good. It was a first-half shutout and they were hitting hard."
And then defensive end Carl Lawson left with an injury and didn't return.
"As the game went on, Auburn had trouble with (UL quarterback) Lamar Jackson and Carl not coming back played a huge part on the DL," Threat said. "With Jackson back there and Carl out, Louisville started taking advantage of it."
Threat kept a close eye on the linebackers, where he hopes to break into the rotation next year as a freshman. Threat saw Justin Garrett, Kris Frost, Cassanova McKinzy and Tre Williams all make plays against Louisville, but it was Auburn's first-year safety, Tray Matthews, that impressed Threat the most.
"Tray Matthews, that guy is a beast," Threat said. "He's a man. He was all over the field making play after play after play. He intercepted the first play of the game so you knew it was going to be his game.
"And he hit hard. Every time he hit, he hit hard. I loved it."
Threat, who Rivals ranks the No. 12 inside linebacker in the 2016 class, initially planned to attend the game, but had to cancel after injuring his ankle Friday night in a 35-14 win over Davidson.
He'll make up for it this weekend when Auburn hosts Jacksonville State.
"The doctor put me in a boot, but I'll be OK," Threat said. "I will be at Auburn this weekend in my boot."
