Mobile quarterbacks have caused problems for Auburn this season. Against Vanderbilt, the Tigers could 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 Navy’s game, crediting Vanderbilt’s ability to control the clock and shorten the game.

Pavie has had success against Auburn in the past, but with a different team. He helped New Mexico State to a 31-10 upset victory 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 doesn’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 running ability of Pavia.

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

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

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

“He says, ‘Gene, I’m excited to go out there and spy on the quarterback.’ Nobody’s directing me. I said ‘just keep going, proving yourself and trying to play.’

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

“Demarcus is young, but his energy speaks loudly, for himself and for his game,” Buck linebacker Keyron Crawford said. “He’s going to be a great player in the future.”

When asked what kind of value Riddick brought as a spy against Pavia, Asante called him “very valuable.”

“In any situation, if someone is spying on him, that’s going to be huge, being able to close space quickly because he’s an elite runner,” Asante said.

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

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

Peter Rauterkus covers Auburn sports for AL.com. You can follow him on @peter_rauterkus or send him an email to [email protected]m