I can honestly say that I am more hopeful about this upcoming season than I have been since 2005. In only his second season, it seems as if Coach Chizik and his staff have dramatically improved the future of this program for many years to come. The Tigers went 8-5 last season with a nail-biting overtime victory over Northwestern in the Outback Bowl. There were statement wins, embarrassing losses, and even moral victories. The Iron Bowl was one of those "moral victories". The eventual National Champions were outplayed in almost every facet of the game, but the Tigers lack of depth proved to be the only difference maker in a heart-breaking loss. It's best not to dwell on such things.
This is a new year, and Auburn will start the season off with a respectable preseason ranking of #22. The return of healthy difference makers and one of the absolute best recruiting classes in the country should be enough to inspire optimism. Several recruits will see immediate action and add some much-needed depth. Junior college transfer Cameron Newton will start at quarterback, improving an already potent offense run by the genius Gus Malzahn. The dual-threat quarterback will have one of the most experienced offensive lines in the conference protecting him. Mario Fannin, Onterrio McCalebb, and Michael Dyer should have no problems finding a hole to run through. The running game will do wonders in opening up the passing game. Darvin Adams, Terrell Zachery, Quindarius Carr, Travon Reed, and Phillip Lutzenkirchen among others will find themselves wide open several times a game. The offense will probably rank near the top of not only the conference but the entire league. That's what they did last year, but what about the defense? Will they improve?
As the defensive coordinator for Auburn and Texas, Coach Chizik did not lose a single game in 2004 or 2005. His defenses were consistently aggressive, but this was not the case last season. Defensive coordinator Ted Roof did the best with the cards he was dealt. The problem was depth because of injuries. Unproven players were constantly being tested and worn out by good offenses. The secondary suffered the most with serious injuries to Michael McNeil, Aairon Savage, and Zac Etheridge. All three will make impressive comebacks this season. With adequate coverage, the linebackers will be free to blitz the quarterback more often. Josh Bynes, Eltoro Freeman and Craig Stevens have the talent and tenacity to make sure the ball stays in the backfield. While the defensive line has a lot of depth, most of these players have not proven themselves to be reliable pass rushers yet. Mike Blanc, Nick Fairley, and Michael Goggans have to show the young guys like Corey Lemonier how it's done and somehow fill the void that Antonio Coleman left after his departure.
The special teams should be solid if Wes Byrum and Ryan Shoemaker do their jobs as well as they have been in previous seasons. Phillip Pierre-Lewis is probably one of the fastest kick/punt returners on the team, but he is not reliable enough to play for an entire season. Darvin Adams, Mario Fannin and Quidarius Carr could potentially be great returners too.
Should be a great season! Here's their schedule.
2010 Intro Video
2010 AUBURN FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
09/04/10 vs. Arkansas State- W (52-26)
09/09/10 at Mississippi State
09/18/10 vs. Clemson
09/25/10 vs. South Carolina
10/02/10 vs. Louisiana-Monroe
10/09/10 at Kentucky
10/16/10 vs. Arkansas
10/23/10 vs. LSU
10/30/10 at Mississippi
11/06/10 vs. Chattanooga (HC)
11/13/10 vs. Georgia
11/26/10 at Alabama
