Byrum Brown describes advice he received from former Auburn star QB

By Peter Rauterkus | prauterkus@al.comByrum Brown understands the struggles he and Auburn’s offense have faced this season.The offense often looks out of sync, with slow starts plaguing the group through five games. The Tigers run an up-tempo system under Alex Golesh and offensive coordinator Joel Gordon, meaning rhythm is everything for Auburn to move the ball.That starts on first down, where one productive play is sometimes all it takes for the offense to get moving.“When we get the first first down on our drives, and then we’re able to get into our tempo stuff, able to get a free couple yards each play, that’s the difference maker,” said Auburn offensive lineman Stanton Ramil. “And then just like keeping the defense on their toes doing that. That’s when we’re our best.”Brown reflected on the importance of first down when speaking to reporters on Tuesday and said he received advice from a former star quarterback at Auburn on those plays.“I’ve been able to talk to Jason Campbell. He came to the quarterback room and said, ‘Stay on schedule. That’s what you need to do,’” Brown said. “Hit the checkdowns whenever they give it to you. Second and short, third and short, that’s where we want to live. Keep gaining yards, play the play, and don’t let it go back negative.”Campbell played for Auburn from 2000-2004 and was the starting quarterback on the Tigers’ 2004 team, which claimed a national championship. He ranks second in program history in career passing yards and remains close to the program as a member of the Auburn Sports Radio Network.Negative plays, whether it be sacks or penalties, have hurt Auburn this season. Brown’s hesitancy in the pocket at times has factored into those problems.Taking Campbell’s advice could help eliminate some of that hesitancy, eliminating some of the negative plays on sacks.The next chance for Brown to implement those words will be on Saturday, when Auburn faces No. 1 Georgia in Athens. That game is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. CT and will be televised on ESPN.Peter Rauterkus is an Auburn Sports Reporter for AL.com covering football, basketball and all things Auburn sports. He joined AL.com in July 2024. Prior to joining the sports staff at AL.com, Peter spent time...