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The analysts didn’t get much right about this Auburn season. The Tigers defense has been one of those surprising disappointments, but it could have been much worse if senior linebackers Cassanova McKinzy and Kris Frost hadn’t stuck around.
Both McKinzy and Frost could have left for the NFL at the end of last season. McKinzy finished 2014 with 91 total tackles, Frost 87. Both linebackers considered forgoing their senior year to enter the draft, but ultimately decided against it.
“I feel like we have some unfinished business,” Frost said back in January of this year, “and I feel like we can win a championship.”
While a championship is no longer possible, Auburn’s pair of senior linebackers still have a few games left to play like champions and impress NFL scouts. Frost and McKinzy have done their best to make Auburn’s defense disruptive up until now – and they looked great last week in a 26-10 upset of normally explosive Texas A&M. McKinzy and Frost are playing at a high level, and now that Carl Lawson has returned to the field, Auburn’s defense looks revitalized.
Even though Auburn’s defense is still last in the conference, Frost and McKinzy have made plays all season. So far, Frost accounts for 74 total tackles, two tackles for a loss, two interceptions, and one forced fumble. McKinzy has been able to break into the backfield more often this season, with 59 total tackles, nine tackles for a loss, four sacks, and one forced fumble.
On Saturday, Auburn faces Georgia, a team that has allowed the fewest amount of sacks in the conference. This contest could very well become a defensive battle, which would be the perfect time for Frost and McKinzy to shine.
Then comes a nonconference game against Idaho and the season finale with Alabama. That will be a real test, but also one that will be closely watched by fans and NFL scouts alike.
They only have three more games in the regular season left to impress. A big finish will help them both immensely.
Christine Wang is a contributing writer for Saturday Down South. She covers Auburn, Arkansas and Ole Miss.
