No. 21 | Auburn

By Charles Drake | 08.30.2010

Head Coach    2009 Record    Returning Starters

Gene Chizik         8-5 (3-5)       7 Offense, 8 Defense

Offensive Overview
Gus Malzahn works miracles on offense. Example A: the 2009 Auburn Tigers. An offensive unit that wasn't expected to be explosive proved to be just that (ranking 16th in the nation). Fast forward to 2010 and the Tigers have more depth, better talent, and more comprehension of what they're trying to do. Junior College transfer Cameron Newton will be the opening day starter at quarterback. The former Florida Gator will attempt to replace a less talented, but productive Chris Todd. Newton has all the ability to be an All-SEC type player, but consistency and accuracy are still questions. The offensive line will lead Auburn in 2010 with four starters coming back, including All-SEC candidate Lee Ziemba at left tackle. The receiving corps is deep -- Darvin Adams, Terrell Zachery, and true freshman Trovon Reed all have the talent to make plays on a consistent basis -- and filled with versatility. Running back Mario Fannin provides leadership and stability to a running back stable that any program would love to have. Speedster Onterio McCalleb returns, and highly-touted freshman Michael Dyer comes in with big expectations. Should Newton play to his potential, the Tigers could be special on offense.

Defensive Overview

Upgraded depth will make Ted Roof's job a lot easier this year as the Defensive Coordinator. Up front, Antoine Carter hopes to fill the hole Antonio Coleman left with his departure to the NFL, Redshirt freshman Nosa Eguae has a lot of hype coming out of practices and could provide even more pressure on the outside, and DT Mike Blanc remains an active big body in the interior. At linebacker, Craig Stevens could be poised for a breakout senior season with Josh Bynes adding more leadership and a bunch of tackles. The secondary has more depth, and is back to being fairly healthy. Former safety Daren Bates moves into more of a hybrid role as more of a linebacker, but Auburn has a nice veteran rotation led by seniors Aairon Savage and Zac Etheridge.

Team Superlatives
Most Likely to be a leader on offense: QB Cameron Newton
Most Likely to be a leader on defense: LB Josh Bynes
Most Likely to be a household name by December: RB Michael Dyer
Most Likely to make an instant impact: Newton
Most Likely to lead the team in tackles: Bynes
Most Likely to lead the team in sacks: DE Antoine Carter
Most Likely to lead the team in receiving yards: WR Darvin Adams
Most Likely to lead the team in rushing yards: RB Mario Fannin
Most Likely to win a national award: OT Lee Ziemba

Prediction

2010 Prediction: 8-4 (4-4)

The overall depth at Auburn has been upgraded, and that will help all phases of the Tigers team. The depth of talent in the Auburn program will have a trickle down affect not only in games, but in preparation and concentration. The scout teams will be better, and players will work harder to keep their jobs. Looking at the schedule, anywhere from 7 to 10 wins seem possible. The Tigers get the majority of their tough games at home with the exception of Alabama. Two games that could determine how far Auburn climbs in the polls might be a tricky second week match-up at Miss. State, and an October 30th game at Ole Miss.