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How Kewan Lacy's injury affects Auburn's defensive game plan for Ole Miss
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- How Kewan Lacy's injury affects Auburn's defensive game plan for Ole Miss
When the Auburn Tigers travel to Oxford, Mississippi, this weekend, one of the nation's best running backs will not be on the field. Ole Miss will be without their star running back, Kewan Lacy, after suffering an injury against Texas.
Ole Miss presents one of the best backfields with Lacy and quarterback Trinidad Chambliss when the duo is healthy. In 2025, Lacy ranked No. 3 in college football with 1,567 yards and 24 touchdowns. This season, he has been slowed down by injury. In six games, he has rushed for 388 yards and five touchdowns. His only game with over 100 yards was against Missouri when the Rebels won 31-3. In his weekly press conference, Auburn defensive coordinator was asked about Lacy not playing on Saturday.
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"Obviously, he's a phenomenal player," Durkin said. "I don't think it changes what they do offensively in terms of their scheme, their system, and what they do. He's a fantastic football player in a lot of ways, but we also have film of the guys behind him as well. He's been in and out throughout the year, and they have a really talented running back room. All of those guys have the capability to function the way they want in that offense."
Makhi Frazier has stepped in for Lacy, rushing for 301 yards this season, but he has not scored a touchdown. He has big-play ability, averaging 5.9 yards on 51 carries this season. With Lacy out in this game, more will be put on Chambliss against the Auburn defense.
Oct 21, 2023; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Auburn Tigers quarterback Robby Ashford (9) runs a play during the first quarter against the Mississippi Rebels at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
(John Reed, USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con)
Oct 21, 2023; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Auburn Tigers head coach Hugh Freeze talks to game officials while a play is reviewed during the second quarter against the Mississippi Rebels at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
(John Reed, USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con)
Oct 21, 2023; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Mississippi Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin talks to a game official during the second quarter against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
(John Reed, USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con)
Oct 21, 2023; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Auburn Tigers cornerback Kayin Lee (3) moves in to tackle Mississippi Rebels tight end Caden Prieskorn (86) during the second quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
(John Reed, USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con)
Oct 21, 2023; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Mississippi Rebels wide receiver Tre Harris (9) has his catch broken up by Auburn Tigers cornerback Keionte Scott (0) during the third quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
(John Reed, USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con)
Auburn Tigers quarterback Payton Thorne (1) dives forward for extra yards on a run in the first quarter Auburn Tigers take on Mississippi Rebels at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023.
(Jake Crandall, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
Auburn Tigers running back Jarquez Hunter (27) breaks free for a touchdown run in the first quarter Auburn Tigers take on Mississippi Rebels at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023.
(Jake Crandall, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
Oct 21, 2023; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Auburn Tigers linebacker Cam Riley (13) closes in on Mississippi Rebels running back Ulysses Bentley IV (24) during the fourth quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
(John Reed, USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con)
Auburn Tigers quarterback Payton Thorne (1) throws the ball as Auburn Tigers take on Mississippi Rebels at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023.
(Jake Crandall, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
Auburn Tigers running back Jarquez Hunter (27) is tripped up as he runs the ball as Auburn Tigers take on Mississippi Rebels at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023.
(Jake Crandall, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
Auburn Tigers wide receiver Jay Fair (5) drops a pass over the middle as Auburn Tigers take on Mississippi Rebels at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023.
(Jake Crandall, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
Auburn Tigers quarterback Robby Ashford (9) runs the ball as Auburn Tigers take on Mississippi Rebels at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. Mississippi Rebels defeated Auburn Tigers 28-21.
(Jake Crandall, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
Mississippi Rebels running back Quinshon Judkins (4) and Auburn Tigers running back Jarquez Hunter (27) shake hands after the game as Auburn Tigers take on Mississippi Rebels at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. Mississippi Rebels defeated Auburn Tigers 28-21.
(Jake Crandall, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
Mississippi Rebels quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) runs the ball as Auburn Tigers take on Mississippi Rebels at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. Mississippi Rebels defeated Auburn Tigers 28-21.
(Jake Crandall, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
Auburn Tigers quarterback Payton Thorne (1) looks to pass as Auburn Tigers take on Mississippi Rebels at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. Mississippi Rebels defeated Auburn Tigers 28-21.
(Jake Crandall, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
Oct 21, 2023; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Auburn Tigers punter Oscar Chapman (91) at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
(John Reed, USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con)
Auburn Tigers kicker Alex McPherson (38) warms up before Auburn Tigers take on Mississippi Rebels at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023.
(Jake Crandall, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
Auburn Tigers head coach Hugh Freeze and Mississippi Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin shake hands after the game as Auburn Tigers take on Mississippi Rebels at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. Mississippi Rebels defeated Auburn Tigers 28-21.
(Jake Crandall, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
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Photos: Auburn's 28-21 loss to Ole Miss in 2023
Oct 21, 2023; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Auburn Tigers quarterback Robby Ashford (9) runs a play during the first quarter against the Mississippi Rebels at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
(John Reed, USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con)
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Photos: Auburn's 28-21 loss to Ole Miss in 2023
Oct 21, 2023; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Auburn Tigers quarterback Robby Ashford (9) runs a play during the first quarter against the Mississippi Rebels at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
(John Reed, USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con)
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Photos: Auburn's 28-21 loss to Ole Miss in 2023
Oct 21, 2023; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Auburn Tigers head coach Hugh Freeze talks to game officials while a play is reviewed during the second quarter against the Mississippi Rebels at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
(John Reed, USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con)
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Photos: Auburn's 28-21 loss to Ole Miss in 2023
Oct 21, 2023; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Mississippi Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin talks to a game official during the second quarter against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
(John Reed, USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con)
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Photos: Auburn's 28-21 loss to Ole Miss in 2023
Oct 21, 2023; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Auburn Tigers cornerback Kayin Lee (3) moves in to tackle Mississippi Rebels tight end Caden Prieskorn (86) during the second quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
(John Reed, USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con)
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Photos: Auburn's 28-21 loss to Ole Miss in 2023
Oct 21, 2023; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Mississippi Rebels wide receiver Tre Harris (9) has his catch broken up by Auburn Tigers cornerback Keionte Scott (0) during the third quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
(John Reed, USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con)
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Photos: Auburn's 28-21 loss to Ole Miss in 2023
Auburn Tigers quarterback Payton Thorne (1) dives forward for extra yards on a run in the first quarter Auburn Tigers take on Mississippi Rebels at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023.
(Jake Crandall, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
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Photos: Auburn's 28-21 loss to Ole Miss in 2023
Auburn Tigers running back Jarquez Hunter (27) breaks free for a touchdown run in the first quarter Auburn Tigers take on Mississippi Rebels at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023.
(Jake Crandall, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
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Photos: Auburn's 28-21 loss to Ole Miss in 2023
Oct 21, 2023; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Auburn Tigers linebacker Cam Riley (13) closes in on Mississippi Rebels running back Ulysses Bentley IV (24) during the fourth quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
(John Reed, USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con)
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Photos: Auburn's 28-21 loss to Ole Miss in 2023
Auburn Tigers quarterback Payton Thorne (1) throws the ball as Auburn Tigers take on Mississippi Rebels at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023.
(Jake Crandall, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
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Photos: Auburn's 28-21 loss to Ole Miss in 2023
Auburn Tigers running back Jarquez Hunter (27) is tripped up as he runs the ball as Auburn Tigers take on Mississippi Rebels at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023.
(Jake Crandall, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
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Photos: Auburn's 28-21 loss to Ole Miss in 2023
Auburn Tigers wide receiver Jay Fair (5) drops a pass over the middle as Auburn Tigers take on Mississippi Rebels at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023.
(Jake Crandall, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
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Photos: Auburn's 28-21 loss to Ole Miss in 2023
Auburn Tigers quarterback Robby Ashford (9) runs the ball as Auburn Tigers take on Mississippi Rebels at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. Mississippi Rebels defeated Auburn Tigers 28-21.
(Jake Crandall, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
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Photos: Auburn's 28-21 loss to Ole Miss in 2023
Mississippi Rebels running back Quinshon Judkins (4) and Auburn Tigers running back Jarquez Hunter (27) shake hands after the game as Auburn Tigers take on Mississippi Rebels at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. Mississippi Rebels defeated Auburn Tigers 28-21.
(Jake Crandall, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
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Photos: Auburn's 28-21 loss to Ole Miss in 2023
Mississippi Rebels quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) runs the ball as Auburn Tigers take on Mississippi Rebels at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. Mississippi Rebels defeated Auburn Tigers 28-21.
(Jake Crandall, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
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Photos: Auburn's 28-21 loss to Ole Miss in 2023
Auburn Tigers quarterback Payton Thorne (1) looks to pass as Auburn Tigers take on Mississippi Rebels at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. Mississippi Rebels defeated Auburn Tigers 28-21.
(Jake Crandall, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
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Photos: Auburn's 28-21 loss to Ole Miss in 2023
Oct 21, 2023; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Auburn Tigers punter Oscar Chapman (91) at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
(John Reed, USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con)
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Photos: Auburn's 28-21 loss to Ole Miss in 2023
Auburn Tigers kicker Alex McPherson (38) warms up before Auburn Tigers take on Mississippi Rebels at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023.
(Jake Crandall, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
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Photos: Auburn's 28-21 loss to Ole Miss in 2023
Auburn Tigers head coach Hugh Freeze and Mississippi Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin shake hands after the game as Auburn Tigers take on Mississippi Rebels at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. Mississippi Rebels defeated Auburn Tigers 28-21.
(Jake Crandall, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
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This article originally appeared on Auburn Wire: How Kewan Lacy's injury affects Auburn's defensive game plan for Ole Miss
