Jan 1, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Auburn Tigers head coach Gus Malzahn reacts against the Wisconsin Badgers during the second half in the 2015 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Wisconsin Badgers defeated the Auburn Tigers 34-31 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Auburn: 10-2 (6-2)
Losses: @ LSU, @ Arkansas
Breakdown: Auburn is being picked by many this offseason to be the SEC Champion and reach the College Football Playoff, which isn’t a bad pick.
Fly War Eagle
Auburn is overflowing with talent on both sides of the ball, however, much of that talent is unproven. Quarterback Jeremy Johnson, not to be confused with incoming Auburn outfielder Jeremy Johnson, is an early Heisman pick by many experts, but he’s only made one start in his college career, although he was very impressive in that start. Auburn also has to replace veteran center Reese Dismukes, tight end C.J. Uzomah, and tailback Cameron Artis-Payne.
However, Auburn has plenty of talent to go around at those positions, but they will need to quickly adjust to the big time, and I think that lack of experience will catch up to Auburn in their first big game of the year in week three at Death Valley against Les Miles’ Bayou Bengals.
Auburn will remain fairly unchallenged in their next few games, which are at home against a depleted Mississippi State team, against San Jose State, and at Kentucky, until they have to go on the road to play the team who I’m calling to be the dark horse of the year, Arkansas. I think the Razorbacks will get the upset in a game that will decide the SEC West.
After that game, Auburn will have four out of five games at home, including against rivals Ole Miss, Georgia, and Alabama, all of who I think the Tigers will beat in an attempt to salvage their season possibly get one of the last spots in the College Football Playoff.
Next: LSU Tigers