Gus Malzahn's fast-paced offense may be built around a multi-talented quarterback but dependable running backs that can rack up plenty of yards have been the key to his system's success.

Auburn had some success running the football against four non-conference opponents last year with 271.8 yards per game. It fell flat against SEC opponents averaging 86.75 yards per game, which ranked 118th out of 124 FBS teams. With that average, it's easy to see why the Tigers went 0-8 in conference play given the recent success SEC teams have had running the football. Since 2000 when SEC teams rushed for at least 175 yards they won 85 percent of their games. They have also won 80 percent of their games when rushing for at least 150 yards. Malzahn and position coach Tim Horton hope to revive the running game so the Tigers can at least be competitive in the SEC again. With their history, Auburn should see its rushing numbers improve in 2013. In seven years as a college coach, Malzahn's rushing attack has averaged 224.4 yards per game at 5.2 yards per rush and has produced nine 1,000-yard rushers. In his four seasons in the SEC, Malzahn’s offense finished no lower than No. 4 in the conference in rushing yardage. Horton spent the previous six seasons at Arkansas where he received a lot of credit for the Razorbacks' offensive success. He coached four different 1,000-yard rushers from 2007-10 and was recognized as one of the nation's top recruiters. Tre Mason (Photo courtesy of AUTigers.com) With Onterio McCalebb gone to graduation and Mike Blakely transferring, Tre Mason returns as the only tailback with proven experience. Mason carried the load last year rushing for 1,002 yards on 171 carries with eight touchdowns while averaging 5.9 yards per carry. Those numbers are impressive despite carrying the ball more than 20 times in only three games. Mason is excited to be back in the offense where he was recruited to play and should once again get most of the carries. He's also poised to rush for 1,000 yards again in an offense that will feature the ground game 61 percent of the time. Cameron Artis-Payne, who ran for 2,048 yards and 25 touchdowns at Allan Hancock (Calif.) Community College last season, adds more depth to a position that desperately needs it. Rated as the top junior college running back, Artis-Payne had a solid spring and delivered during the A-Day game with 18 carries for 117 yards and a touchdown. He should get plenty of carries, especially in short-yardage situations. Corey Grant had just nine carries for 29 yards in 2012. His speed makes him a good candidate to fill McCalebb's role as a threat to take it the distance. Depth was an issue during spring practice with just three scholarship players at the position. Johnathan Ford and Peyton Barber will provide more depth once fall camp begins in August. Ford rushed for 1,669 yards on 119 carries last season at New Hope. At Milton High last season, Barber had 1,713 yards on 225 carries and 22 touchdowns. Jay Prosch is a perfect fit at the H-Back position, a versatile blocker in the Tigers' hurry-up, no-huddle offense. Primarily used as a lead blocker, Prosch is also a threat as a receiver. Despite just five catches last year, he could see more passes come his way in 2013. Phil Marion Next week: Offensive Line Quarterbacks and Wide Receivers