Following a turbulent offseason that included no spring practice, and dealing with a new offensive system brought to Auburn by Chad Morris, Sophomore quarterback Bo Nix had a lot to handle when preparing for the 2020 season.
In his first game back, Nix was in rhythm with the new offense and finished the game with 16 completions on 27 attempts, 233 yards and three touchdowns in a 29-13 win over. The connection to Seth Williams continues to improve with two of his three touchdowns going to the Junior wide receiver, who finished with 112 yards on six catches.
“This offseason we have just practiced and practiced,” said Nix. Williams has been a receiver Nix can rely on when plays begin to breakdown and that was on display during Nix’s throw to Williams during the second quarter. After scrambling Nix was forced to throw it off his backfoot and placed the ball where only Williams could get it.
“We know we gotta be on the same page all the time,” said Williams describing his relationship with Nix. The chemistry Nix and Williams have on and off the field is continuing to grow as both looked very comfortable in the new offense.
The offense as a whole did not play a perfect game with a running game that struggled to really get anything going, with Nix’s 34 yards on five carries leading the team. The new look offensive line that lost the likes of Jack Driscoll and Prince Tega Wanogho held the Wildcat defense to only one sack. Nic Brahms was the main returning player on offensive line and his chemistry with Nix was part of the reason for the consistent protection.
“When it comes to protection, I think me and Bo think the same,” said Brahms. Brahms is the leader on the offensive line and his chemistry with Nix was key during the victory this Saturday. The storyline heading into this game was how the new offense under Chad Morris would look, and how the players would adjust with such a limited amount of practice time.
The players looked comfortable following some rust early in the first half and continued to progress as the game went along. Nix credited a number of individuals for the offense’s performance, including the new offensive coordinator.
“Coach Morris did a great job getting us in the right positions,” said Nix. With only one game, the sample size to gauge Morris’ overall impact is small. However, the Tigers have a big test next weekend when they travel to Athens, Georgia to take on the 4th ranked Bulldogs and Kirby Smart.
