Auburn's O-line showing strides since Florida

AUBURN, Ala. - Florida&#39;s pass rushers were bullying Auburn&#39;s offensive line on their way to quarterback Brandon Cox.<br> <br> Five times, Cox was sacked in the first half against the Gators. Apparently that motivated his blockers, who haven&#39;t given up a sack in the six quarters since then.<br> <br> That helps explain why Cox had his most efficient passing game against Tulane, going 16-for-19 for 212 yards and three touchdowns.<br> <br> ``I don&#39;t know if he got hit,&#39;&#39; Auburn offensive coordinator Al Borges said. ``When you run the ball it enhances your opportunities to throw the ball, it enhances your ability to protect the passer. You can run the ball really well and still get hit but it certainly helps.&#39;&#39;<br> <br> The Tigers (7-1, 5-1 Southeastern Conference) had plenty of success running the ball against Tulane despite mostly relying on fourth-string tailback Ben Tate.<br> <br> They are hoping the offensive line keeps those trends going Saturday at Mississippi (2-6, 1-4). The team got a break when center Jason Bosley&#39;s knee injury turned out not to be serious enough to keep him out of this game.<br> <br> And the normal starter at the position, Joe Cope, also returned to practice Tuesday at least a week earlier than expected. Tuberville said Cope could see some action against the Rebels and will eventually work his way back into the starting role.<br> <br> Guard Tim Duckworth, tailbacks Kenny Irons and Brad Lester and fullback Carl Stewart were also back practicing on Tuesday after missing most or all of the Tulane game.<br> <br> ``If I have a smile on my face it is because we are getting close to getting to be as healthy as we have been all year long since the first game,&#39;&#39; Tuberville said.<br> <br> A number that wouldn&#39;t bring a smile is the 24 sacks Auburn has allowed three more than in 12 games last season. Mississippi State is the only SEC team whose quarterbacks have been sacked more.<br> <br> Cox has enjoyed the added protection lately.<br> <br> ``Since the first half of the Florida game, they have done a good job,&#39;&#39; he said. ``They really made some adjustments and stepped up and did a good job.&#39;&#39;<br> <br> Bosley has started the past three games in place of Cope, who has been out with a knee injury.<br> <br> Another positive sign for the Tigers&#39; line has been the improvement of left tackle King Dunlap, a first-year starter who was named the SEC&#39;s offensive lineman of the week following the Tulane game.<br> <br> Tuberville said his run-blocking has been strong but he has made strides in protecting Cox.<br> <br> ``King&#39;s effort was outstanding,&#39;&#39; Tuberville said. ``He played a lot more aggressive on the run game, coming off the ball. He was downfield blocking. He looks like he&#39;s having more fun. He understands a little more what to do, and his role.&#39;&#39;<br> <br> Meanwhile, Borges said the line has been ``getting a little chemistry going again.&#39;&#39;<br> <br> ``It took us a little while but we&#39;re starting to gel a little bit, starting to gain some confidence,&#39;&#39; he said.

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