re: Will Pruitt do a better job than Saban / Smart at stopping Auburn's run game?

If they can do the following, they will have success:

1. Keep your offense on the field to limit their possessions and shorten the game.
2. Have good corners that can be left in single coverage when needed.
3. On the few occasions that Auburn throws the ball, take advantage of their right tackle who is often beat around the edge and forced to hold.
4. Take advantage of Auburn's secondary.
5. Avoid 3rd and long where Ford does most of his damage in obvious passing situations.
6. Discipline to stay with your assignment on defense is a must.

This is of course easier said than done.

ETA: It would be worth it hit Marshall very hard every time he tries to run. I know this isn't exactly the same, but when Nebraska was running their option offense, hitting the QB hard and often was a recipe for success. It would get in his head and he would be more willing to hand the ball off than run it himself.