About Our Ads Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Auburn pass defense had issues in losses to LSU and Ole Miss. The unit was a concern heading into the season.
During his weekly press conference, defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin discussed what he saw in the Auburn defense over the last two weeks.
"Inconsistent. We've been up and down, probably like a lot of areas on the defense, on our team," Durkin said Monday. "There's definitely been some bright spots. In ways they've played well, but obviously not consistently well enough. I think that's pretty clear at all three levels of the defense right now for us."
Oct 25, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Auburn Tigers head coach Hugh Freeze talks to Arkansas Razorbacks interim head coach Bobby Petrino prior to the game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images (Nelson Chenault, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 25, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Auburn Tigers wide receiver Cam Coleman (8) runs a route resulting in a touchdown catch as Arkansas Razorbacks defensive back Julian Neal (23) defends during the first quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images (Nelson Chenault, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 25, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Auburn Tigers wide receiver Cam Coleman (8) celebrates after scoring a touchdown defended by Arkansas Razorbacks defensive back Julian Neal (23) during the first quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images (Nelson Chenault, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 25, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Auburn Tigers quarterback Jackson Arnold (11) passes during against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the first quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images (Nelson Chenault, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 25, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Auburn Tigers running back Jeremiah Cobb (23) rushes during the second quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images (Nelson Chenault, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 25, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Auburn Tigers quarterback Ashton Daniels 912) rushes during the second quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images (Nelson Chenault, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 25, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback Taylen Green (10) rushes during the third quarter against the Auburn Tigers at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Auburn won 33-24. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images (Nelson Chenault, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 25, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Auburn Tigers quarterback Ashton Daniels (12) scores a two point conversion during the fourth quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Auburn won 33-24. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images (Nelson Chenault, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 25, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Auburn Tigers running back Jeremiah Cobb (23) rushes during the fourth quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Auburn won 33-24. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images (Nelson Chenault, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 25, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Auburn Tigers head coach Hugh Freeze and his wife Jill Freeze celebrate after the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Auburn won 33-24. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images (Nelson Chenault, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 25, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks interim head coach Bobby Petrino during the third quarter against the Auburn Tigers at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images (Nelson Chenault, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 25, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks tight end Rohan Jones (88) catches a pass in the third quarter as Auburn Tigers cornerback Kayin Lee (4) defends at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images (Nelson Chenault, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 25, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Auburn Tigers running back Jeremiah Cobb (23) rushes during the fourth quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images (Nelson Chenault, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 25, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Auburn Tigers cornerback Rayshawn Pleasant (14) returns an interception during the fourth quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images (Nelson Chenault, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 25, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Auburn Tigers cornerback Rayshawn Pleasant (14) returns an interception during the fourth quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images (Nelson Chenault, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 1 / 15 Photos: Auburn's 33-24 win over Arkansas in 2025 Oct 25, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Auburn Tigers head coach Hugh Freeze talks to Arkansas Razorbacks interim head coach Bobby Petrino prior to the game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images (Nelson Chenault, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 1 / 15 Photos: Auburn's 33-24 win over Arkansas in 2025 Oct 25, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Auburn Tigers head coach Hugh Freeze talks to Arkansas Razorbacks interim head coach Bobby Petrino prior to the game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images (Nelson Chenault, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 2 / 15 Photos: Auburn's 33-24 win over Arkansas in 2025 Oct 25, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Auburn Tigers wide receiver Cam Coleman (8) runs a route resulting in a touchdown catch as Arkansas Razorbacks defensive back Julian Neal (23) defends during the first quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images (Nelson Chenault, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 3 / 15 Photos: Auburn's 33-24 win over Arkansas in 2025 Oct 25, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Auburn Tigers wide receiver Cam Coleman (8) celebrates after scoring a touchdown defended by Arkansas Razorbacks defensive back Julian Neal (23) during the first quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images (Nelson Chenault, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 4 / 15 Photos: Auburn's 33-24 win over Arkansas in 2025 Oct 25, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Auburn Tigers quarterback Jackson Arnold (11) passes during against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the first quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images (Nelson Chenault, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 5 / 15 Photos: Auburn's 33-24 win over Arkansas in 2025 Oct 25, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Auburn Tigers running back Jeremiah Cobb (23) rushes during the second quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images (Nelson Chenault, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 6 / 15 Photos: Auburn's 33-24 win over Arkansas in 2025 Oct 25, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Auburn Tigers quarterback Ashton Daniels 912) rushes during the second quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images (Nelson Chenault, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 7 / 15 Photos: Auburn's 33-24 win over Arkansas in 2025 Oct 25, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback Taylen Green (10) rushes during the third quarter against the Auburn Tigers at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Auburn won 33-24. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images (Nelson Chenault, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 8 / 15 Photos: Auburn's 33-24 win over Arkansas in 2025 Oct 25, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Auburn Tigers quarterback Ashton Daniels (12) scores a two point conversion during the fourth quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Auburn won 33-24. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images (Nelson Chenault, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 9 / 15 Photos: Auburn's 33-24 win over Arkansas in 2025 Oct 25, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Auburn Tigers running back Jeremiah Cobb (23) rushes during the fourth quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Auburn won 33-24. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images (Nelson Chenault, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 10 / 15 Photos: Auburn's 33-24 win over Arkansas in 2025 Oct 25, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Auburn Tigers head coach Hugh Freeze and his wife Jill Freeze celebrate after the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Auburn won 33-24. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images (Nelson Chenault, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 11 / 15 Photos: Auburn's 33-24 win over Arkansas in 2025 Oct 25, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks interim head coach Bobby Petrino during the third quarter against the Auburn Tigers at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images (Nelson Chenault, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 12 / 15 Photos: Auburn's 33-24 win over Arkansas in 2025 Oct 25, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks tight end Rohan Jones (88) catches a pass in the third quarter as Auburn Tigers cornerback Kayin Lee (4) defends at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images (Nelson Chenault, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 13 / 15 Photos: Auburn's 33-24 win over Arkansas in 2025 Oct 25, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Auburn Tigers running back Jeremiah Cobb (23) rushes during the fourth quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images (Nelson Chenault, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 14 / 15 Photos: Auburn's 33-24 win over Arkansas in 2025 Oct 25, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Auburn Tigers cornerback Rayshawn Pleasant (14) returns an interception during the fourth quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images (Nelson Chenault, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 15 / 15 Photos: Auburn's 33-24 win over Arkansas in 2025 Oct 25, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Auburn Tigers cornerback Rayshawn Pleasant (14) returns an interception during the fourth quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images (Nelson Chenault, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Auburn had the difficult task of slowing down two of the best quarterbacks in the SEC, Sam Leavitt (LSU) and Trinidad Chambliss (Ole Miss). The two signal callers combined for 651 yards and five touchdowns on the Auburn defense, completing 68% of their passes.
The secondary was not the only reason for the struggles against the pass. The Tigers' defensive line has not done a good job at creating pressure. They have only one sack in the two games.
The Tigers' pass defense ranks No. 15 in the SEC, giving up 252.4 yards per game. They are in the bottom five of the conference with just 17 sacks on the season. Arkansas quarterback K.J. Jackson has shown the ability to make some plays in the passing game this season. The Auburn defense will have the opportunity to show some consistency.
Contact/Follow us @ TheAuburnWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinions. Follow Phillip on X: @PJordanSports
This article originally appeared on Auburn Wire: DJ Durkin on Auburn's pass defense struggles 'We've been up and down'
Source: Sports
0 Comments