So I was also one of the many Vol fans screaming at the tv that we should throw the ball on 1st down.... Make that every down. I do think our running game was let off the hook at times by some outstanding plays by our QB and WR's on 3rd downs.
But.... That being said.
I think our commitment to running the ball likely gave us opportunities in the passing game that may not have been there. We had success on the first drive and Auburn was forced to adjust by bringing an extra man in the box.
We proved that we weren't going to abandon the run, no matter what. Auburn was forced to respect it all day long and even when they stopped us, they were unable to get us to go away from it. I think our persistence wore them down as the game went on and we were able to put some timely first downs together on the ground when we needed to late in the game. Having that extra man in the box also gave us opportunities in the passing game that would not have been there.
Running the ball also shortened the game and limited Auburns possessions.
This is the exact offense Pruitt said he wanted. We were going to run the football when we wanted and make explosive plays down the field in the passing game. This is the formula he wants.
Now for one second. Let's imagine what this all looks like when we can actually run the ball at will. And teams can't stop it. Cause that's where we're headed in the next few years. And it's gonna be awesome.