The Southern Miss Review: A Needed Showing
Remember, since the GREAT RESET OF 2026, blogles are going to be quicker, easier, and funner (yes, that’s a word). So let’s take a segmented look at Auburn’s very necessary offensive showing and defensive continuity against Southern Miss.
😎 HOW I’M FEELING
I’m feeling much better after seeing the Auburn offense move the ball in multiple ways on Saturday night. It was a much different experience from the Baylor win.
👍 WHAT I LIKED
I liked the Auburn defense giving the Auburn offense a 7-point head start. It wasn’t necessarily needed since Byrum Brown left the pocket multiple times and showed off his legs, but it was a nice gift. I liked that. I also liked that he dropped a few dimes.
👎 WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE
I didn’t like that the traditional running game still doesn’t feel strong enough to run the ball up the middle against a decent team. Cobb and Mabson did bust a few 10+ yard runs, but everything feels like it’s the toughest thing in the world.
I also didn’t like the amount of penalties Auburn’s offense keeps accumulating. Although, when four officials throw a flag on a simple hold, it tells me you’re dealing with a flag-happy crew.
👀 WHO STOOD OUT
Byrum Brown had nearly 100 yards rushing (with another 50 called back from the aforementioned flag-happy officials), and 250+ yards passing in three quarters. I remember maybe one “bad” pass, but more importantly I remember the dot he dropped to Koger that Koger may or may not have dropped after three steps and falling down out of the endzone.
I know the quarterback is a cheap answer to “who stood out,” but after all of the questions last week, I think he took a big step towards showing what he can do.
I would’ve picked defensive back Andre Jordan, Jr. and his two interceptions, but he has to know that he should’ve knocked the 2nd one down because it came on 4th down and cost Auburn 30+ yards in field position. I’m a stickler.
🤔 STILL THINKING ABOUT…
That Philly Special. That’s the 4th down play Auburn ran in the 3rd quarter where Cobb took the hand-off, flipped it to WR Christian Neptune, who then quickly slung it to Byrum Brown for a touchdown. Brown had to spin around and make it work, but it was a fun play to see happen.
😬 STILL WORRIED ABOUT…
Again, the run game. Cam Newton had Michael Dyer and Onterio McCallebb. Byrum needs Cobb, Mabson, and Washington to take some of the load. The offensive line seems to be morphing and improving, but it has to allow a run game to happen at least some of the time.
📈 DID ANYTHING CHANGE?
Yes. We were hopeful there was an offense after the Baylor game. But now we’ve seen an offense. Is it perfect. Not at all. Is anybody’s? Not at all. But we’ve seen actual plays work and gain chunks of yards.
🏆 THE BLOGLE GAME BALL
Alex Golesh. Our coach is calling plays and making decisions that we haven’t seen in a long time. That quick drive and field goal right before halftime said it all. And despite wins, while still being grateful, he sees and tells us all that needs to be fixed. He’s one of those coaches that won’t smile until he’s holding a trophy.
➡️ WHAT’S NEXT
The Gators are coming to town, coached by the guy married to an Auburn grad and that many Auburn fans wanted. They haven’t played anybody and there’s no reason to think they are super-improved from last year, but we’ll see in a few days.
