Five Questions: The Akron game

The season gets underway this Saturday as Akron comes to town.

It’s game number one for Bryan Harsin at Auburn, and despite the Tigers being a 37-point favorite, I have questions.

Each week prior to the game, I will present five relevant questions heading into the matchup. After each game, I will answer these questions. If Auburn finds answers to these questions, then I expect a positive outcome.

For the opener against Akron, my questions center around Auburn more than the opponent. This game is about Auburn. It’s the first test and the questions I have are central to improvement and finding the success that this team covets.

So, let’s go!

How will the offensive line perform under the new scheme?

The change in offensive scheme should help the offensive line; Play action and multiple different run schemes can benefit them all as a whole. Too many times in the previous regime, the offensive line were handicapped by predictable scheme.

Auburn has had offensive line units that predictability was irrelevant to: this particular unit was not on that level in 2020. They will need more variety and finesse in order to be highly successful against Akron. It will be interesting to see how the scheme benefits guys like Austin Troxell and Keiondre Jones, who have now become full-time starters for the time being.

Is it possible that there is still some experimenting during the first game? It surely cannot be ruled out. Alec Jackson and Tashawn Manning were two of the most productive offensive lineman in 2020. They will more than likely see the field when the game is still in its early stages.

Can the defensive line generate a pass rush and stop the run consistently?

Colby Wooden and Derick Hall have shown great promise as pass rushers. They will be able to bring some pressure from both edges. The Tigers will need others to step up and help collapse the pocket from the inside out as well as from the outside. If the defensive line can not generate pressure on Akron’s quarterback, the otherwise talented defense will struggle at times on Saturday.

The Tigers defensive line will need to be deep in rotation to find out who can play what specific role. They have an idea of who the pass rushers are as well as the pluggers, but there is no test like game action, no matter the opponent.

With the loss of veteran Tyrone Truesdell, the young defensive line may be the next biggest position group in question after the receivers heading into week one.

Will the tight ends be utilized enough to take pressure off of a young receiver group?

Before Auburn added Demetris Robertson, Shedrick Jackson was the only guy who had played a snap in college football for more than one season. In other words, the receiver group will experience some growing pains on Saturday. Harsin and the new staff have not been shy about the issues at the receiver position.

The tight ends could be the biggest factor in helping the young receivers work through adversity on Saturday. Mike Bobo more than likely will not employ the entire playbook in Auburn’s opener against Akron, however, the tight ends should get more targets than they have in years past.

The tight ends can help tighten the defense if they are able to make a few plays in short and intermediate routes. Will Bobo spread the ball around and mix the passing game up? That will be a major factor in helping the receivers loosen up and build momentum going into the next week.

How much of an impact will the transfers make?

There was major roster turmoil when Harsin took the Auburn head coaching job. He responded by bringing in 10 transfer players, most of which on the defensive side of the ball. Four of the newly acquired players have earned starting jobs for the opening game.

Auburn certainly built on its depth, but did they build quality depth?

It will be important for the new transfer starters, as well as the key back ups to prove that they can make an impact in the first game. They were all brought in to be game changers in year one and that includes the very first game. There is plenty of promise, but will they rise to the occasion and help make the easy game look easy? That is the question.

Does Bo Nix look sharp in the opener?

It is impossible to address the question marks for the Tigers in week one without mentioning junior quarterback Bo Nix. He should find himself in better situations in the new system. Variety in the play calling and scheme would help any quarterback manage the game.

It will be interesting to see how Nix responds to being in a more laid back role at quarterback. Can he settle down and execute the offense with more efficiency?

While Auburn’s offensive is more talented than Akron’s defense, Nix’s mechanics will still be under the magnifying glass. If he does not look smooth in his progressions and in the pocket, the offense could have more issues than expected.

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Follow Cole Pinkston on Twitter at @colepinkston. Follow Auburn Live on Twitter at @auburnliveon3.