With two new coordinators, a new quarterback, a completely different look on offense and the loss of four NFL draft choices from the defense, it would be easy to dismiss Auburn from serious contention in the SEC West.
Coach Tommy Tuberville, now entering his 10th season at Auburn, is convinced his team has what it takes to win the division.
"This group has a great opportunity, but it all depends on the next few months," Tuberville said. "How hard do they want to work to get to Atlanta and win in Atlanta (for the SEC Championship Game)? There's a lot of other teams out there with a lot of talent.
"This could be a good group if they come together, continue to get better, do all their work in the offseason, come back and have a positive two-a-days."
The Tigers spent the spring continuing to learn the new spread offense run by offensive coordinator Tony Franklin. They got a crash course in the no-huddle attack in just nine days before the Chick-Fil-A Bowl and still rolled up a season-high 423 yards on 90 plays in a 23-20 overtime win over Clemson. The Tigers saw positive signs from their skill players, especially new quarterbacks Kodi Burns and Chris Todd.
"Everybody has the same type of athletes, everybody has good players, everybody works hard and everybody is well coached," Franklin said. "It's just a matter of are we going to be special? Are we going to go the extra mile? Are we going to be unselfish and pass up personal things for the team? That's how you win a championship."
A new defensive coordinator in Paul Rhoads doesn't mean a new defensive system for the Tigers, who return seven starters and numerous backups who saw significant playing time due to injuries to starters in 2007.
"I think this defense is more athletic than any defense I was associated with at Pittsburgh," said Rhoads, Pitt's defensive coordinator from 2000-07. "Without a doubt, there's enough talent here to win a lot of football games."
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Ryan Perrilloux has been kicked off the team for LSU. What are you're guys thoughts on this? I think it gives us a better chance at beating them this year. I dont know who the backup is though.
AUBURN CAN MAKE A GOOD CASE THAT THEY ARE THE TEAM TO BEAT IN THE WEST.ITS GREAT THAT THEY MIGHT SLIP UNDER SOME EXPERTS RADAR.TODD OR BURNS WILL BE A STRONG Q.B. IN FRANKLINS SYSTEM.AN IMPROVEMENT FROM COX..LESTER,TATE AND FANNIN ARE ALL S.E.C. QUALITY BACKS.OUR BIG LOSS ON DEFENSE WAS GROVES,BUT COLEMAN OUT PLAYED HIM LAST YEAR SO OUR DEFENSE WILL BE SOLID.AND WITH L.S.U. BEING WITHOUT PERRIL
On College Gameday, he was asked how he thinks the SEC West will be played out next year. I don't exactly remember the quote, and it's from yesterday, but I still know the basic gist of it.
He said that it will come down to LSU and Alabama to win the West, and that Auburn "will go after someone with their new spread offense." And that was pretty much all he said.
I sure hope that McFadden and Dorsey go high in the 1st round. I'm sick of seeing clips of them running and tackling against Auburn! Come on ESPN, find some new video clips!
The Bengals have a long history of taking Auburn players and they have panned out for them. Again this year the Bengals took another Auburn product in DT Pat Sims. I know he missed a year due to a death in the family and they say he as a lot of upside. What do you guys think of Pat Sims? Can be a a solid starter for the Bengals depleated defensive line? If so.. Will he need a year or two in your o
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This site rocks. You get a free starting balance to bet on any games. If you work it up to $10 or more, you can cash it out and get a check in the mail. There are no catches and NO DEPOSITING is even allowed on the site. If you lose your first bet, you don't even go to zero balance. They give you your starting kitty over and over again. This is a lot of f
I am a Foley high alum. and today I finally got to see with my on eyes the new Tahoe that Julio Jones recieved from mr. Saban.Or at least the brand new Tahoe his friends and family are going around saying Saban got for him.But Bamers shouldnt worry,they are telling me that coach Saban put the title in his uncles name.DOESNT SOUND LIKE SABAN IS BEING VERY SMART....Buy hey,it is a beautiful truck,jo
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