For those who weren’t aware, Tommy Tuberville’s Auburn Tigers have beaten the Crimson Tide an impressive six times in a row—including four times consecutively at Bryant-Denney Stadium.  This year, Alabama will be in much better position to beat Auburn with Nick Saban entrenched as the head coach in his second year.  Alabama may also be able to take advantage of the Tigers’ change of personnel with new coordinators Paul Rhodes from Pitt and Tony Franklin from Troy—each brings different schemes to his side of the ball.

Can any team in the Pac-10 finally supplant the USC Trojans?

Arizona State has a veteran squad, but aside from the Sun Devils, early indications show that the Trojans will most likely hoist the Pac-10 trophy for the seventh straight year.  Cross-town rival UCLA is a complete unknown this year with new head coach Rick Neuheisel and offensive coordinator Norm Chow.  Cal lost several key players on offense including DeSean Jackson and Justin Forsett.  Oregon also lost several offensive weapons (Dennis Dixon and Jonathan Stewart).  From the looks of it, USC’s biggest opponent will be itself.  Oh, and Jim Harbaugh.

Is Mark Sanchez the next great quarterback out of USC?

While Sanchez may not be as physically gifted as Carson Palmer or Matt Leinart, he has the confidence, charisma, and savvy that has typified the USC program ever since Pete Carroll stepped on campus.  Sanchez also performed admirably during the time he started in place of injured starter John David Booty.  Sanchez might not be the future first pick in the NFL Draft, but he should do very well as a full-time starter at USC.

Which coach is on the biggest hot seat?

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