Could a freshman linebacker be the key for Auburn's defense against Vanderbilt?

Mobile quarterbacks have caused issues for Auburn this season. Against Vanderbilt, the Tigers might face their most unique challenge yet.

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia leads all Southeastern Conference quarterbacks in rushing yards, leading a run-heavy offense. Hugh Freeze compared Vanderbilt's offense to playing Navy, crediting Vanderbilt's ability to control clock and shorten the game.

Pavia has had success against Auburn in the past, albeit with a different team. He helped lead New Mexico State to a 31-10 upset win last season, throwing for 201 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for 35 yards.

"I don't forget. And I'm going to make sure this team don't forget," Auburn linebacker Eugene Asante told reporters Tuesday.

While Auburn has faced issues containing mobile quarterbacks at times against New Mexico, Arkansas and Oklahoma, one of its many freshmen could be a potential counter to Pavia's running ability.

Demarcus Riddick saw significant playing time for the first time against Oklahoma, and once he was utilized as a quarterback spy, helped keep Michael Hawkins Jr. quiet with his legs.

He had six tackles and a sack in that game, often keeping Hawkins from extending plays.

"I always joke with him that he's the perfect QB spy. He's the best QB spy in the country," Asante said of Riddick. "Coach Durkin does a great job of telling him when to trigger and when to sit back. He's doing a great job in that role and embraces that role.

"He says 'Gene, I'm excited to go out there and spy the quarterback. Nobody is out running me.' I said 'just continue to go out there and prove yourself and try to make plays.'"

Riddick has earned praise from Freeze and his teammates throughout the season for his potential and the impact he has already had as a freshman.

"Demarcus is young, but his energy speaks loud, for himself and his game," said Buck linebacker Keyron Crawford. "He's going to be a great player down the road."

When asked what kind of value Riddick brings as a spy against Pavia, Asante called it "very valuable."

"It's going to be big in any situation if anyone is spying him, being able to close the space fast because he's an elite runner," Asante said.

Auburn may need a similar performance to Riddick's six-tackle game against Oklahoma to keep Pavia in check and prevent Vanderbilt's offense from taking control of the game.

It'll take more than just the freshman linebacker, but his unique skillset could be a good place to start.