Auburn can run the dang ball.

The Tigers left Penn State with a lot of lessons for the rest of the season. One of the biggest positives, though, came on the ground.

RB Tank Bigsby (Todd Van Emst/Auburn Athletics)

Auburn learned a lot about itself in a 28-20 loss to Penn State last week.

The Tigers still have plenty of work to do to have a consistent passing game, from the experienced quarterback to the inexperienced wide receivers and the always-under-the-microscope offensive line.

Their defense can stop the run at a high level. But the pass rush struggled to get home in Happy Valley, and the coverage left a lot to be desired in terms of tightness and overall execution.

But there’s one clear-cut, unshakable truth that emerged from Auburn’s trip to Big Ten country — and it’s one that was largely expected, but needed verification against a quality opponent.

Auburn can run the dang ball.

In Week 1, Penn State held Wisconsin’s rushing attack to 3.1 yards per carry. The Badgers have long been known for their powerful running game, combining talented backs with elite offensive line play. And yet, the Nittany Lions won that matchup.

Two weeks later, in a game …