Running enigma

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AUBURN, Ala. | Peyton Barber is expected to start a third-straight game Saturday but how Auburn ultimately uses its four running backs remains an enigma.

"We're planning on playing all of them," Auburn coach Gus Malzahn said.

Barber leads the group with 274 yards and one touchdown on 54 carries. His big second half against Louisville helped Auburn hold on for a 31-24 win in the opener and he helped fuel the Tigers' comeback and overtime win against Jacksonville State the following week.

He started against LSU but only had seven carries for 34 yards. Roc Thomas, who started the Louisville game, had all eight of his carries in the second half finishing with 37 yards.

True freshman Kerryon Johnson had the most extensive action of his career at LSU finishing with four carries for 14 yards, three receptions for 17 yards and three kickoff returns for 98 yards.

Jovon Robinson has been limited to four carries on the season, turning his ankle in the Louisville and LSU games.

"All four of those guys are talented. They bring a unique skill set and they give us some versatility," Malzahn said. "Now that we have three games under our belt, all of them have played. Jovon hasn't played as much because of his ankle injury, but we have a better idea about how to utilize those guys.

"You saw a time where we had two guys on the field at the same time like we had in the past. They're starting to settle in their roles. You guys that have seen our offense for an extended period of time know that we're at our best when roles are defined and we can get some rhythm and continuity."

Malzahn named Sean White Auburn's starting quarterback Tuesday and he's hoping to have more stable and defined roles for the entire offense moving forward.

"We're starting to get to that point where our personnel - running backs, receivers, H-backs - can have defined roles," he said. "When that happens in our offense, we're able to improve and make better adjustments. The running back is a part of that."

Once Malzahn settles on some key positions he believes the running game has the potential to be a team strength. After leading the SEC in rushing the past two years, Auburn is ranked ninth averaging 171.7 yards through the first three games.

 

"I think we can run the football," Malzahn said. "We have to be more consistent with that. Our offensive line and our running backs are a strength. In our passing game, we have to do what we can do.

"I still think that we are going to be really efficient in the passing game not only the rest of the season, but in the near future. Now that we are narrowing things down and getting the pieces to the puzzle personnel-wise, that will help us moving forward, and we will have a chance to improve each week and really be able to make adjustments. We will do a better job of taking what the defense gives us and be able to execute base plays. That has been our mindset."

Auburn hosts Mississippi State at 6:30 p.m. CT at Jordan-Hare Stadium on ESPN2.