Offensive keys for the Auburn Tigers in Week 4's matchup vs Vanderbilt

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Auburn football hopes to bounce back from its SEC-opening loss to Florida last Saturday when it hosts Vanderbilt at Jordan-Hare Stadium for another key SEC showdown.

One factor that could lead Auburn to a win is getting off to a hot start offensively. Last week, Auburn quarterback Byrum Brown threw an interception on the game's first drive, which Florida turned into a touchdown, and Auburn ended the 1st quarter with -3 yards of offense.

Auburn would go on to score on its next three possessions and on three of its final four possessions, but Auburn failed to overcome its slow start, which became a factor in its loss to the now-No. 22-ranked Gators.

Auburn will look to turn the page this week, but will need a great game from its offense. Here are three offensive keys for the Auburn Tigers ahead of Week 4's SEC showdown vs. Vanderbilt.

Auburn must establish a solid run game

Auburn gains nearly 200 yards per game on the ground, but it was stuffed to just 102 yards last week against Florida, with none of its three rushers gaining more than 65 yards. Byrum Brown, Jeremiah Cobb, Omar Mabson, and Bryson Washington need great games and need to be used adequately to wear down Vanderbilt's defense.

Byrum Brown must get into a good passing rhythm

Auburn's Byrum Brown ranks No. 4 in the SEC in passing with 756 yards and is one of 12 SEC quarterbacks to throw at least five touchdown passes. He credits most of his success to Chas Nimrod and Keshaun Singleton, who have each hauled in 17 passes for 418 yards and two scores. Brown also has a secret weapon in freshman Deshawn Spencer, who has snagged two touchdown passes so far this season.

Vanderbilt's defense allows 212 passing yards per game, which could bode well for the Tigers as they aim to establish an offensive identity.

The offensive line must protect at a better clip

Byrum Brown has a great chance to show off his arm against Vanderbilt, but his offensive line must protect him. Brown has been sacked an SEC-leading 16 times in three games, which has severely hindered his playmaking ability.

Auburn has a chance to have a great day offensively, but its success ultimately hinges on the offensive line's play.

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This article originally appeared on Auburn Wire: Offensive keys for the Auburn Tigers in Week 4's matchup vs Vanderbilt

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