Bryan Harsin took umbrage with a question asked after Auburn’s latest defensive letdown, but like the on-field product, Harsin’s defensive effort left something to be desired.
After Auburn’s 41-27 loss to Arkansas, in which his defense surrendered 200-plus rushing yards for the third straight week and 40-plus points for the fourth time in the last six games, Harsin was asked to what he would attribute the Tigers’ defensive regression to this season. After all, strong defenses have been a calling card for the program in recent years, with the unit often putting the team on its back through some offensive valleys.
People are also reading… Whether Harsin wants to acknowledge the comparison, the fact of the matter is Auburn’s defense has seen an overall sharp decline this season. Saturday’s loss to Arkansas was just the latest example, as the Razorbacks rushed for 286 yards and four touchdowns, averaged 7.2 yards per play and 6.8 sack-adjusted rushing yards per carry while becoming the third consecutive opponent to score at least 40 points against the Tigers.
When Harsin tried to pinpoint the biggest issues that have led to the Tigers’ defensive decline, he brought up missed tackles , an inability to stop the run, as well as Auburn’s struggles getting off the field on third downs. Arkansas converted 8-of-14 third-down attempts at Jordan-Hare Stadium.