In a tough environment like the Swamp, it’s important to start off the game fast and strong.
In Saturday’s matchup between Auburn and Florida, the Gators started off with a bang when Kyle Trask completed a 64 yard pass to Freddie Swain for the Gator touchdown.
There would be plenty of opportunities for the Tigers to capitalize on Gator mistakes (there were four fumbles recovered by the Tigers), but Bo Nix and the offense couldn’t take advantage.
Nix had a bunch of true freshman moments and looked like a deer in headlights at times. That credit goes to the Florida crowd, who brought deafening noise throughout the game.
Perhaps no Nix mistake was more costly than when the Tigers were driving in the end zone down 17-13 in the third quarter. The Tigers’ quarterback failed to look off a Florida safety, and ended up throwing an interception.
There was no offensive rhythm for the Tigers, and that’s due to a Florida defense that consistently had solid coverage on Auburn receivers.
The defense tried their best by forcing four turnovers, but the passing of Kyle Trask and an 88 yard touchdown run by Lamical Perine proved to be enough for the Gators.
Auburn had played an impressive game against Mississippi State, scoring 56 points and racking up over 500 yards. This game was a polar opposite, as the Tigers only mustered 13 points and less than 300 yards of offense.
This game could’ve been another step in the right direction for the Tigers to prove their College Football Playoff legitimacy, but they faltered and fell flat on their faces.
The concerning part is the way Nix reverted back to the Oregon game, forcing the ball into tight windows with little success.
While Florida proved doubters wrong with an impressive win Saturday, Auburn showed that it still isn’t quite ready to pass the test of becoming an SEC elite team.
