#14 Auburn Tigers

After ending the season with a dramatic Overtime Outback Bowl win against Northwestern, the Auburn Tigers have placed themselves on the “short list” of BCS Candidates in 2010. Head Coach Gene Chizik’s 2nd year has a ton of promise… but will his young team deliver?

The 2010 season starts and ends with the QB. Former Florida Gator (Tim Tebow backup) Cameron Newton is now the starter at Auburn. After being kicked off of the Gator squad for theft in 2008 and after spending a year in the Junior College ranks, Newton has rebounded to sign with and then earn the starting position. He showed a load of potential while at Florida. His athletic ability at the QB position will be 2nd to none in the conference. But regardless of his talent level, the fact that he is a first year D-1 starter will eventually come into play. How he handles adversity will go a long way in determining whether the Tigers sink or swim.

The Running Back position is stacked. Returning from last year are Mario Fannin and Onterio McCalebb. Both players are 4-star caliber athletes, but have had to sit behind NFL Draftee Ben Tate for 2 years. Now, they will get a chance to shine behind a very strong Offensive Line, that is highlighted by the return of 4 starting Seniors. They are by far the most experienced O-line in the SEC. Lee Ziemba and Ryan Pugh were All-SEC performers in 2009 and there is no reason to expect anything less in 2010. Auburn also landed the #1 RB Prospect in the 2010 recruiting class in Michael Dyer. While I don’t expect him to become a feature in the offense right away, expect him to become a contributor by mid-season, and his speed could spell trouble in defensive game-planning by the November push.

For years, the WR position at Auburn has left something to be desired due to inconsistentcy and a lack of game-breaking playmakers. This year, though, the Tigers bring back Junior Darvin Adams, whose 60 receptions, 1,000 yards, and 10 TDs gives me reason to believe they finally have that ever elusive Big Play threat. Senior Terrelle Zachary could provide a good possession-type target for Newton and former starting QB-turned-WR Kodi Burns should be able to earn significant playing time due to his knowledge of the offense.

A Key Player for the Tigers will be Kicker Wes Byrum. Arguably the front-runner for the Lou Groza award, Byrum connected on 94% of his field goal attempts and 100% of his Extra Point attempts in 2009. That type of consistency is few and far between for the collegiate level. It is a weapon that Chizik is sure to utilize.

The defense returns 9 starters to a unit that was formidable last year. Both starting safeties return, which should help Auburn avoid giving up the big play. All 3 starting LBs return, highlighted by senior Josh Bynes. The LB corps will be essential in providing leadership and more importantly stopping the run.

The Tiger’s schedule is tough, but manageable. Auburn will not go undefeated. The SEC West is simply too strong. But the key for the Tigers will be the ability to bounce back from tough loses and refocus for the following week, so that they don’t slip up and lose one that they shouldn’t. After week 1, the Tigers hit a gauntlet, playing Mississippi State, Clemson, and South Carolina in consecutive weeks in September. They end the season with back to back games against Georgia and of course the annual Iron Bowl against Alabama. A BCS game will be tough to reach, but with 1 upset either over LSU or Alabama, the Tigers might be knocking on that BCS door.


Key Players:
QB Cameron Newton
RB Mario Fannin
WR Darvin Adams
K Wes Byrum
LB Josh Bynes
S Zack Etheridge
DE Antoine Carter

Key Games:
Sept 9 - @ Mississippi State
Sept 18 - Clemson
Sept 25 - South Carolina
Oct 16 - Arkansas
Oct 23 - LSU
Nov 13 - Georgia
Nov 26 - @ Alabama