I see the Tigers finally on the upswing after a couple of disappointing seasons. The cracks in the armor really started after Stephen Davis left the team and Dameyune Craig carried the team on his shoulders. But now I see several good quarterbacks folling close behind Ben Leard and I see a running game that will be the best in 5 years. The OL is healthier and more mature than in years and the receivers core is anchored by a potential superstar.
The defense, however must step up and grow up quickly. They are a young unit and will be challenged early by Heisman hopeful Deuce McAllister and a surprisingly talented and spirited LSU squad. Should Auburn sweep their September games (all five) it will be a very good season ending with a bowl. This is entirely possible, actually. However I doubt it will pan out that way.
Auburn is still the darling of ESPN despite their fiasco last year with Florida State and will open with the Wyoming Cowboys riding into Jordan Hare stadium. They will be the first team to use the new visiting team locker room under the North Endzone stands. Auburn expanded their home locker room to double the size and moved their exit tunnel to bhind the south Endzone uprights.
Specifically, here is what I expect the Tigers to put on the field this year.
Ben Leard is the catalyst for success for the offense. He must remain healthy and active and at least equal to last year's performance. He is beginning to catch the attention of NFL scouts. The addition of JUCO-transfer Rudi Johnson to Heath Evans at RB should present the Tiger's best rushing attack since 1995. This will allow the passing game to become even more successful as Ronney Daniels, Reggie Worthy and Clifton Robinson and the rest combine to make a formidable receiving corps. Look for Tuberville to really begin to utilize the TE in this years's offense through Lorenzo Diamond who has recovered from a gunshot injury. The Line is anchored by mosyly upperclassmen including Sears, Cubelic, Sears, Simmons, Pucillo and Castro. However becasue of injury, sophomore Ben Nowland will start at Center. This line should be able to open some holes form Heath and Rudi.
The defense took a hard hit last year, but defense is normally an easier position to teach and execute for inexperienced players. Hopefully this corps will mature in a hurry. SS Rob Pate is the most notable veteran and along with Larry Casher hope to intercept some passes this season. Pounds, Lincoln and Walker are a decent LB corps. The DL is going to have some freshman it appears as injuries have hurt in the off-season. Look for youngsters McNeil and Magood to challenge early.
Damon Duvall will start with all the punting and placekicking duties. He had an excellent spring, removed the blond color form his hair and the inmaturity that plaqued him last season. He has been nailing long FGs in practice. Phillip Yost will be called on to relieve Duval on Kickoffs as time passes.
Here is a summary of how Auburn matches up against this year's schedule:
Sacrificial Lambs: Northern Illinois
Auburn should be favored: Wyoming, LSU, Vanderbilt, La Tech
Even Money: Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Arkansas, Georgia
Opponent should be favored: Florida, Alabama
I see a 7-4 season (possibly minus one) in Tuberville's second season
As for the SEC as a whole here is a very brief analysis:
SEC West
1) Alabama - Odds on favorite. Have the best talent in the SEC and a good schedule. May be a national championship contender this year and next. Could be 11-0
2) Ole Miss - The Auburn game may determine second place in a tight race of 3 or 4 teams vying for this spot. Deuce is being promoted for thre Heisman, otherwise a solid team to be reckoned with at 8-3
3) Auburn - Have to put them this high. Will reverse with Ole Miss should they sweep the MS schools. Probably 7-4
4) Mississippi State - you never can tell but they were close in several wins last year. They will probably lose those this year - talent is there in places but not throughout. Also 7-4
5) LSU - Saban will have them interesting but still a year away from a good tiger war. 5-6
6) Arkansas - Cedric Cobbs is great but that's not enough. No experienced QB. 5-6
SEC East
1) Georgia - This is "on paper" what should happen. My gut says that they will choke...again. You just have to think that Quincy Carter is going to break out and beat the least talented UT and UF teams of the last decade. I'll say 9-2
2) Florida - Spurrier sputtered toward teh end last year. I think he's another year or two from getting his magic touch back. See another "down" year at 8-3.
3) Tennessee - Fulmer will do okay with this team. Other coaches might run this into a 5-6 year. They need a solid QB. Travis Henry is not enough. 7-4.
4) Vanderbilt - I have a spooky feeling about the 'Dores this time around. They have had high hoped dashed in the past. But last year they came close against some good teams and this year looks better. A scary thought.. 6-5.
5) Kentucky - Mumme blew the QB situ and may pay for it. Their new QB needs experience but has none. Maybe a return to their 5-6 ways.
6) South Carolina - There's no place ot go but up and The Citadel should break their losing streak if not earlier against New Mexico State. Any SEC win would be an accomplishment 3-8.
SEC Championship December 2, 2000
ALABAMA over GEORGIA
WAR EAGLE!