Louisiana Tech vs Auburn Football
Auburn offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee talks to offensive lineman Will Adams before the Louisiana Tech game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014. (Mark Almond/ malmond@al.com)
AUBURN, Alabama -- Auburn will come off the practice field after evaluating film and cleaning up mistakes shortly after 6 p.m.
Local reporters will chat with defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson and offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee following practice. The tentative start time is 6:30 p.m., so check back here for the latest updates (refresh the page for updates as they come in):
ELLIS JOHNSON
*** "It's been like four games in a row, we're playing physical, playing with great effort" ... but still some things that need to be cleaned."
*** Starting linebackers Cassanova McKinzy (mild concussion) and Kris Frost (leg) are day-to-day. McKinzy was hit in the chin and did not practice Sunday.
*** "We played aggressively last year. Probably what you see is people are more sure what they're doing."
*** Both LSU quarterbacks mobile. Freshman Brandon Harris played more in the New Mexico State game Saturday, giving Auburn something new to watch on film. Anthony Jennings had been the primary starter but a controversy is brewing in the Bayou.
"You always have that lack of knowledge that makes coaches nervous," Johnson said of the possibility of Harris starting.
*** Johnson feels comfortable with either Anthony Swain or Tre' Williams having to handle calls at linebacker if needed this week. If only McKinzy misses the game, then Swain will take the other spot, Johnson says.
*** Johnson really likes Khari Harding but hasn't been able to play him at linebacker.
*** On the pass rush: "We're still trying to find that right combination," but the four-man rush is not where Johnson wants it to be.
*** DL Montravius Adams "had a really big game." He's doing a good job chasing plays to go along with his "flash plays" such as the fumble recovery and 36-yard interception return.
RHETT LASHLEE
*** "We were cleaner than we were" against Kansas State, but still some issues to correct.
*** "We weren't very good on third down. They did a good job on defense."
*** Lashlee only wants "one or two third-and-longs" in each game, but offense not clicking on first downs lately.
*** "John Chavis has done it for a long time. ... They whipped us last year, especially in the first half. Our guys should be more motivated to play in this game."
*** H-back play has been inconsistent but Brandon Fulse has done some good things. He's getting to point of attack, Lashlee said, but just not executing at all times.
*** On decision to switch Chad Slade and Avery Young at the guard spots heading into Louisiana Tech last week. "It was pretty quick. ... It was a change we thought was best. ... We had a whole week to work them. We didn't have any issues" until right tackle Patrick Miller was injured 17 plays into the game and Auburn had to move more guys around on the line.
*** Miller practiced today.
*** On playing freshman WR Stanton Truitt on final drive of game: Players are one play away from playing because of injury, so have to get players ready.
*** On a player like receiver Sammie Coates being frustrated trying to get back to full speed from injured knee: "His attitude has been great. ... It's going to progress better and better each week"