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Our Football Package Launches : August 17, 2010 @ 9:00 A.M.
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#24 Auburn Tigers
Offense
The key for Auburn Tiger success in 2010 is whether Cameron Newton can be successful running Guz Malzahn’s spread offense. I am a big fan of Malzahn, and I believe he has been the key to the early success of Gene Chizik at Auburn.
Malzahn could have his hands full with new QB Cameron Newton. Newton is multi-talented and has the potential to achieve greatness. He was the #1 player out the state of Georgia when he signed with Florida, but was stuck behind Tim Tebow. The biggest concern with Newton is his judgement. While at Florida, Newton was arrested for and charged with federal burgerly for stealing a laptop. Newton then transferred to Blinn JC. While it appears Newton he has turned a corner, you have to be concerned with a player with this type of past leading your offense.
However, the overall offense is talented and is capable of success. The Tigers lose RB Ben Tate but return freshman star Onterrio McCalebb. Newton will have some targets as 1st Team SEC WR Darvin Adams are back as well as Terrell Zachary. The strength of the offense lies with the Auburn offensive line which should rank among the nation’s best with an average size of 6’5 313 lbs.
Defense
Auburn should be better on defense in 2010 after allowing 27.5 points per game last year. The linebacking corps returns their top two tacklers in Josh Bynes and Craig Stevens, and they add former safety Daren Bates who was the nation’s 4th leading tackler last year.
The concern I have with Auburn’s defense is DC Ted Roof. He was a flop at Georgia Tech and has struggled so far at Auburn. Auburn does returns an experienced D-line and LB corps so their is no excuse for Auburn to not improve. If Auburn struggles again Roof should be on the hot seat.
Prediction
Gene Chizik was one of the surprising successes in 2009 guiding his first team to a New Year’s Day Bowl win. Early achievement often brings high expectations and that will be the case for Auburn in 2010.
The schedule sets up good for Auburn as four of their five biggest toughest conference games will be at home (South Carolina, Arkansas, LSU, Georgia) with a bye week before their toughest road game at Alabama. However, Auburn must be wary of an early season Thursday night game at Mississippi State. The Bulldogs are riding high after blowing out Ole Miss to end the 09 season, and they have will one of the best young coaches in college football in Dan Muellen. An early season loss here, and the people who questioned the Chizik hire will start to raise their heads.
Look for Auburn to improve among their 8-5 season in 2009, but they won’t have the success that many anticipate. Auburn will finish 3rd in the west with a 9-4 overall record.
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