Season Preview (Special Edition Issue)

            Auburn Football: Season Preview 

*written specifically for freshmen orientation*

(Published in The Auburn Plainsman on May 17, 2007) 

             How does a team reload after losing a senior class with the best winning percentage ever in school history? It recruits some of the best high school seniors each year, but only signing the reputable players that resemble their predecessors. This will be no easy task after a school record was set for forty-one victories over a four year span.

            Last season didn’t live up to expectations, but it was one to remember nevertheless. Auburn was the only team to beat both Florida and LSU during the regular season, who would eventually become the National Champions and Sugar Bowl Champions respectively. The blocked punt against the Gators was voted the Pontiac Game Changing Play of the Year. The Tigers would also go on to win its fifth straight Iron Bowl too, sending Alabama into a humorous tailspin. With a 10-2 record, Auburn was invited to the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. Nebraska proved to be a formidable opponent, but the “good guys” won 17-14.

            This season starts against the Kansas State Wildcats on September 1. The home schedule features big games against conference opponents. Mississippi State, Vanderbilt, Ole Miss and Alabama will all make the trip to the Plains. The Jordan-Hare experience should be much improved this season with the addition of the first true high definition video display board in the SEC. The screen is 30 by 74 feet, and exceeds 2,200 square feet.

            The Tigers have to make four trips into enemy territory to keep their BCS Bowl bid alive. There’s a big rematch against Florida, and back to back away games against Arkansas and LSU. The road schedule concludes against the Georgia Bulldogs. The Iron Bowl is two weeks later, occurring the Saturday after Thanksgiving for the first time ever.

            Before the season starts, there are a lot of questions that need to be answered. Who will be the starting running back? Juniors Brad Lester and Tristan Davis, sophomore Ben Tate and redshirt freshman Mario Fannin are all vying for the job. Senior fullback Carl Stewart could see more carries as well. This competition should be fierce with all the talent, speed and strength these players possess.

            The offense as a whole should be much improved this year. Senior quarterback Brandon Cox is healthy and has two years of experience as a starter. “There is always room for improvement but if Brandon stays healthy, he will be one of the better quarterbacks in the country,” head coach Tommy Tuberville said.

            The receivers also have a lot of potential, but haven’t proven themselves to be reliable yet. Senior Prechae Rodriguez and junior Rod Smith should stand out over the course of the season.“We have a lot of young guys this year who are inexperienced,” Smith said. “Once they learn the playbook better and get more action on the field, we will have an offense to be reckoned with.”   

            Cox has to get rid of the ball quickly with such an inexperienced offensive line. Senior Cole Bennett and sophomores Gabe McKenzie and Tommy Trott can help block and provide a target for Cox to throw to. Some consider them to be one of the best groups of tight ends in the conference.

            The defensive side of the ball should be just as strong as it has been in past. Defensive end Quentin Groves will return for his senior season. This is a good sign for defensive coordinator Will Muschamp, who needs all the aggressive and experienced playmakers he can get.

            If the spring practices and scrimmages are any indication of how the defense will perform when it counts, there won’t be much to worry about. The defensive line, linebackers, and secondary are a talented bunch, eager to learn from their coaches and each other. 

           Watch out for defensive linemen like redshirt freshmen Mike Blanc, junior Octavious Balkcom and senior Josh Thompson among others to stand out. Linebackers like juniors Chris Evans and Steve Gandy, sophomore Patrick Trahan and redshirt freshman Craig Stevens should fill in nicely for the departed starters. The secondary will be almost the same as it was last season. Defensive backs like sophomores Jerraud Powers, Aairon Savage and Walter McFadden and seniors like Jonathan Wilhite, Eric Brock and Zac Etheridge will use their talent and experience to shut down receivers.

            This should be another great season for the Auburn Tigers. Make sure you get your mini-season ticket packages as soon as you’re able to. If you’re not able to, don’t panic. There are always going to be other students who are willing to sell theirs. Whether it’s on Facebook or on the bulletin boards you’ll find a ticket to any game. Big games may mean more money than you’re willing to spend though. Most games will be televised, so instead of cramming into the student section, you can just watch the game from the comfort of your dorm, apartment or even an RV. Hope you enjoy the season, it should be one to remember fondly.