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Written by Dione Thrift
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Monday, 12 July 2010 00:00 |
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With kickoff just under two months away, Auburn fans have many reasons to be optimistic about this years season. Around this time last year, many people didn't know where the program was heading, but after an 8-5 season and a top five recruiting class, expectations are a bit higher. There are many reasons why Auburn could have a better season this year. Here's a quick rundown.
1. Veteran offensive line: Auburn returns one of the most experienced offensive lines in the country. They return all starters except for right tackle Andrew McCain, but McCain is expected to be replaced by either JUCO signees Roszell Gayden or Brandon Mosley, both of whom were here for spring practice.
2. Depth: This was one of the biggest issues that the Tigers faced last season. During the Iron Bowl, only three scholarship linebackers were on hand and played the entire game. This year that won't be the case. The Tigers have recruited a quality class, and the defense should have plenty of young talent readily available to come off the bench to address the depth issue. The offensive line will also have more depth opposed to last year, where not many guys were able to see quality time other than the starters.
3. Schedule: The Tigers schedule is very favorable. With a solid home slate, and a road schedule that isn't very daunting (Kentucky, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, and Alabama), the SEC West could see a darkhorse emerge if the little things go the Tigers way. The out of conference games include Arkansas State, Clemson, Louisiana Monroe, and Chattanooga, which isn't a mind blowing set of games, but Clemson will provide a primetime early test.
4. Offense: The Tigers offense improved greatly in the 2009 season. They threw for 2857 yards and rushed for 2756 yards to combine for 5613 yards of total offense. With a year under their belt, a quarterback that ideally fits the system, and more speed coming in, this could be a breakout year for the Auburn offense if they can find a consistent rushing attack.
Although Auburn is replacing their quarterback and running back from last season, it looks to be that the positions will be in great hands. Junior Cam Newton should give the offense something that was missing last year, which will really open up the offense on zone reads. Mario Fannin will be given the starting job at running back, but will have a great supporting cast with sophomore Onterio McCalebb and highly touted freshman Michael Dyer.
Other naysayers will bring up the defensive struggles from last season, but that should be improved too with more depth, which will translate into the ability to run some different schemes and blitz packages that weren't available last year. Going back to depth, having Mike McNeil, Aairon Savage, and likely Zac Etheridge back from injury will play an even bigger role as far as leadership is concerned. People can say or think what you want, but there are plenty of reasons to be excited about football on the Plains this year. Photo Credit: Todd Van Emst/Auburn University |
