Auburn Defense Solid Heading Into Week Two

By Don Hawes
Sports director
Published: September 4, 2008

    AUBURN, Ala. (AP) - Say, did anyone notice that 9th ranked
Auburn’s defense pitched a shutout?
    That performance against Louisiana-Monroe was overshadowed by
the offense’s lack of a passing game, but first-year defensive
coordinator Paul Rhoads said the 34-0 win gave his players
something to celebrate.
    He found plenty to like about the performance, from the players’
hustle to being able to let freshman cornerbacks D’Antoine Hood and
Neiko Thorpe play the whole second half.
    What Rhoads didn’t like: Eight missed tackles.
    Thorpe, who also played in the first half when the Tigers had
extra defensive backs on the field, led the team with seven tackles
and also broke up two passes. Hood had three tackles.
    The Tigers had six first-time starters - three on defense - and
19 players see their first college action.
    Auburn will play host to Southern Miss on Saturday at Jordan-Hare Stadium.  Kickoff is set for 11:30am.