Auburn running back Tre Mason (21) carries past Arkansas linebacker Braylon Mitchell (34) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Fayetteville, Ark.Auburn tailback Tre Mason became a 1,000-yard rusher last year on the final play of his sophomore season.
He’s way ahead of schedule this season, and he’s having way more fun.
After shredding Arkansas last Saturday for 168 yards and four touchdowns, Mason has 921 yards and 13 scores on 161 carries for the No. 8 Tigers entering this week’s game at Tennessee. His totals are being compiled in an up-tempo spread system orchestrated by head coach Gus Malzahn and offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee.
“There are just so many ways to run the ball and to find ways to get me the ball,” Mason said Tuesday in a phone interview. “I’ve been catching the ball out of the backfield, and we have so many different types of zone runs. The scheme is way different, and it’s like adding more bullets into your gun.”
Mason, the SEC offensive player of the week after his performance in Fayetteville, heads a rushing offense that has amassed 2,756 yards through nine games and averages a league-leading 306.2 yards a contest. A year ago, when the Tigers were enduring their worst season in 60 years, they rushed for 1,781 yards and 148.4 per game.