AUBURN NOTEBOOK: Tigers want no more fumbles

Fumbles were an issue for Auburn running backs in Saturday’s 27-13 win over Southern Miss. That’s why running backs coach Eddie Gran took it upon himself to correct the problem this week as the ninth-ranked Tigers (2-0) wrapped up preparations for Mississippi State (1-1).

When asked if his backs concentrated on holding the football at practice this week, Gran grinned and said with affirmation, “Yes. A lot!”

“We knock the dog pee out of each other and make sure we still have the ball. There are a few drills we can do.”

Backs Brad Lester and Ben Tate coughed up the ball on the Tigers’ first two possessions last week — both times in the Golden Eagles’ red zone. Holding a two-touchdown lead in the fourth quarter, freshman running back Eric Smith lost his first fumble of the season.

“It was a lack of fundamentals and focus three times,” Gran said. “That’s the frustrating part. It’s a lack of discipline. As coach, I have to make sure that it doesn’t happen again.”

Auburn did not fumble in the Aug. 30 season-opener against Louisiana-Monroe and rushed for 325 yards, the highest team total in three seasons.

Vocal leader
Thursday, Tuberville referred to starting quarterback Chris Todd as a “vocal leader.”

“He’s probably the most vocal we’ve ever had,” he said. “Even before Jason (Campbell). Jason didn’t say a whole lot. Brandon (Cox) didn’t say a whole lot. Chris, since he’s been here, has been trying to be a vocal leader. He’s still learning names. He’s been here only eight months.”

Todd was named the starting quarterback over Kodi Burns after last week’s 248-yard passing performance against the Golden Eagles.

“I like his attitude,” Tuberville added. “And I like Kodi’s attitude. I think they are approaching this week pretty well.”

Physical preparation
Auburn defensive ends coach Terry Price is expecting a smash-mouth approach from the Bulldogs on Saturday as the Tigers face the first non-spread offense of the season.

“We’ve had different preparations because it’s a different football team,” he said. “We’ve had more physical contact. We’re ready to play a physical football game. They are one of a few teams that roll up their sleeves, line up and run right at you.”

Mississippi State, known for a methodical attack, rushed for 216 yards last week against Southeastern Louisiana.

Game time decision
Gran wasn’t sure if place-kicker Wes Byrum or Morgan Hull will handle kickoff duties Saturday night. His decision may lie in the hands of Mother Nature.

“You could see Morgan kick off first, depending on the wind,” Gran said.

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