Today we will preview the Auburn Tigers. Tommy Tuberville knows what many people are thinking. With a new offensive scheme, a new offensive coordinator, a new defensive coordinator and uncertainty surrounding the team's unproven quarterbacks, critics wonder if Auburn can contend for the SEC Western Division title. LSU is coming off a national championship. Alabama has put together two highly ranked recruiting classes. The schedule is loaded with traps. Meanwhile, Auburn is just crouching in the bushes. Throughout Tuberville's first nine years at Auburn, that's when the Tigers have been at their most dangerous. The Tigers have been pretty good the last four years, winning 42 times and 82.4 percent of their games, fifth best in the nation in both categories. The Tigers have also won five of their last six bowl games and six consecutive games against Alabama.
The Tigers started three freshmen on the offensive line last year. The best is yet to come from Ryan Pugh, Chaz Ramsey and Lee Ziemba, but this year will not be too bad either…especially with seniors Tyronne Green and Jason Bosley providing the leadership in the middle of the line. Another year of experience for the line will benefit the quarterback and running backs Ben Tate and Brad Lester. The defensive line has a few more concerns than the o-line, but should still be solid. Replacing Quentin Groves, Pat Sims and Josh Thompson will not be easy, but Antonio Coleman had a great sophomore campaign and Sen’Derrick Marks has been a starter for each of his two years at Auburn. With all three starting linebackers returning, the Auburn run defense should be fine as long as Raven Gray, Mike Blanc and Jake Ricks can replace Sims and Thompson in the middle of the line.
There is enough talent around for Auburn to win the SEC West. But in order for that to happen, the team will have to quickly adjust to having new offensive and defensive coordinators. Auburn broke in Tony Franklin during the bowl game and the offense responded quite well. Franklin immediately helped what had been a stagnant offense by implementing his spread attack offense. That should help the running game, but is Burns or Todd ready to run, and capable of running, this offense on a consistent basis? Even if it takes a while to get the system in full swing, it cannot be much worse than last year when the offense had a lot more talent than they showed. The bigger problem is probably on the defensive side of the ball where coordinator Will Muschamp left for Texas. Paul Rhoads should not have a problem keeping the defense effective, but losing a coach like Muschamp is not a good thing.
In order for the offense to be more than just the guys who are on the field to give the defense a rest, the wide receivers will need to play a bigger role. Rodgeriqus Smith is back after leading the team with 52 receptions for 705 yards and five touchdowns, but developing juniors Montez Billings and Robert Dunn into legitimate secondary options would be a big help to the quarterback. Look for Auburn to contend for the SEC West this year. Probally will fall short of getting to a BCS bowl game. But another year of 10 wins can't be too bad!
Craig Trapp
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