2008 Auburn College Football Picks & Predictions
The Tigers have some questions to answer, but so does every other team in the SEC West. This makes winning the West a realistic goal since most of their critical SEC games will be played at home. Find out with our college football predictions if Auburn has what it takes to come out on top in SEC West play in Jimmy Boyd’s 2008 Auburn Tigers season preview.
Offense
New offensive coordinator Tony Franklin first employed his no-huddle spread offense in last year’s bowl game and the result was a season-high 423 yards. This will be the way Auburn will start the season offensively, but it does not look good that the Tigers are still in search of a QB. Sophomore Kodi Burns and junior college transfer Chris Todd emerged as the frontrunners in the Spring. Todd is a more polished passer and more experienced in a spread offense but Burns is a better runner and could be used similarly to the way Florida uses Tim Tebow. Don’t be surprised if we see a two QB system this season. The line returns all five starters and that is a big plus for this team as it goes after an SEC West title. There is a lot of excitement surrounding Mario Fannin. He is a versatile speedster who played tailback last season, but will likely see an expanded role. Expect him to be used similarly to how the Saints used Reggie Bush in his rookie season. The receiving corps is solid and will be able to get the job done if the QB’s can deliver the ball.
Defense
Auburn has speed for days on defense led by middle linebacker Tray Blackmon. New defensive coordinator Paul Rhodes has expressed his excitement over inheriting so much speed and overall talent. With Sen’Derrick Marks, one of Auburn’s best players and leaders moving down from end to tackle, the defense should be even stronger. Michael Goggans will take over his spot at end after having a nice spring and Antonio Coleman and Antoine Carter will share time at the other end. This kind of depth and speed on the outside is sure to disrupt their opponents’ passing games all season. The lack of nose guard will be the most glaring hole. There is great linebacker depth with seven guys capable of playing. The only potential concern is that six newcomers will share time in the secondary, but their transition should be made easier by Auburn’s stellar pass rush off the corner
Special Teams
Wes Byrum is a keeper. He made 17 of 23 field goals in his true freshman season including a game winning dagger at Florida. This season he will be asked to handle kickoff as well. Wide receivers Robert Dunn and Tristan Davis have shown big play ability in the return game as well.
Prediction – 2nd in SEC West
The SEC West title could be decided in a showdown with LSU, but I like the other Tigers at this point. Both teams are similar in that they will have to develop QB’s and that they have good defenses. LSU’s defense is a little more physical and better on the defensive line. Also, Auburn’s offensive scheme is still relatively new and might not be as potent as they hoped for. At least they will be better than Alabama, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, and Arkansas.
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