(Written in August 1999)
It is hard not to be a bit pessimistic as the season starts. I will make every attempt to be a true Auburn fan/alum and say that the Tigers will put a reasonable product on the field every week. Given everything that has happened over the last 10 months (a whole lot!) it is good to see September 4th approach with the knowledge that the slate is clean and we have a new coaching staff and a new attitude who will hopefully begin a several year journey back to respectability and annual bowl games.
Let me start by saying that this season, the Defense will have to play very well to keep Auburn competative. I hate to say this, but this team looks a lot like the 1997 Vanderbilt Commodores who had the SEC's best (or close to it) defense and a pathetic offense. When any team get's compared to Vandy, I know that is is a slam. But this is Auburn, a place where expectations are higher and the future looks brighter.
I have to say that I wonder who is going to score this season. I hope that some of the youth will shine early and often and that Gabe Gross, or whoever the QB will be, is given a chance to "let it all hang out". I also hope that Heath Evans stays healthy and is given a chance to generate some excitement as he plays FB abd some TB. The team has nothing to lose this year. It's time to test the youth and see if they respond. We are playing to build for 2001 and 2002,but maybe some good things can happen along the way.
Specifically, here is what I expect the Tigers to put on the field this year.
OFFENSE
The Offensive line will be improved over last year as returning starters only improve with time on the field. The injuries and team defections are hopefully in the past. Watch Jeno James mature into a leader this season. The skill positions will be a spot where improvement will need to happen quickly. Gabe Gross is the starting QB, but a once-heralded, now practically forgotten, Ben Leard, will make his best shot at getting his job back. Also look out for Allen Tillman, a true Freshman who could see some playing time, given that he is probably the QB of the future. Gross could decide any season to concentrate on baseball given that he wil probably play Major League Baseball upon graduation from Auburn. With the departure of Demontray Carter due to academic problems and Michael Burks to Tulane, there goes 90% of our rushing yards form last season - and we cannot afford to lose any, really. Long-suffering Rusty Williams and Cencade Pennington will be the place holder for the second rushing position to Heath Evans. Both have excelled in a flanker or roll out type of scheme where they take advantage of their speed on the outside. Heath Ecans, does not have as much speed, but he is an inside threat between the Tackles. He is not easily wrestled to the ground. Evans also has been a spark plug in limited action. At WR, Reggie Worthy and Ronnie Daniels are inexperienced but will be asked to step up to the challenge. The Tigers were countiung on Deandre Green to make an immediate impact, but he is now an Academic Ineligible. Our brightest Offensive position might be placekicker Robert Bironas. He had a near-perfect season as a freshman last year and look for Auburn to need a lot of field goals this season. He is also good at putting kickoffs into the endzone, which is a good defensive play against superior Offenses.
DEFENSE
Here is where the Tigers shine. Up front, the OL is anchored by the return of Jimmy Brumbaugh as well as Leonardo Carson and Marcus Washington. They should be excellent against the run. The Linebacker corps is still recovering from the lass of Takeo Spikes a couple of years ago, but should be improved as well. One anticipated recruit is Stanford Simmons, who was originally signed in 1996. He has played prep ball in Virginia and will probably start at Free Safety this season. He is known for his ability to intercept passes in large numbers. Even if the Defense can hold every opponent under 20 points, they will probably need a coupel of shutouts this year to help out the team.
Sacrificial Lambs: Appy State (although some predict an upset)
Auburn should be favored: Idaho, Central Florida
Even Money: Ole Miss, Alabama (just because it's home)
Opponent should be favored: LSU, Mississippi State, Arkansas, Georgia
Almost sure loss (Auburn the Sac Lamb): Tennessee, Florida
I see a 4-7 season (plus or minus one) in Tuberville's first effort...
WAR EAGLE!