Optimism for Auburn in 2010: Depth on Defense Is Key

The 2009 football season was difficult for Auburn fans to comprehend.  The offense was tremendously successful, and the defense was the source of much anxiety.  This is a complete 180 from what Auburn fans have come to expect.  For the past 10 years, Auburn football has relied on a stout defense and a traditional "pound it up the middle" offense.  

Things have certainly changed, but if you look at it from an optimistic prospective, it could be the key to success in the future.

First, the offense is good, and it is looking better every day.  Auburn has some great recruits coming in, and some key players returning.  Most importantly is the experience on the offensive line.  

Everybody knows that success starts up front, and Auburn's offensive line is stacked next year.  Ryan Pugh, Lee Ziemba, Mike Berry, and company are going to be hungry for a successful senior season.  In addition, Auburn has a couple four- and five-star offensive lineman prospects to add to the mix, and the front line is looking good.

The next most important area on offense is the quarterback.  This could be a heated competition in the coming months, but I think Cameron Newton (Gus Malzahn's prize five-star recruit at 6'6" 250 lbs) may have the edge.  Senior Neil Caudle, however, will make Newton work for his starting job.  Either way, Auburn will have a reliable backup at the position.

The crux of Malzahn's offensive scheme comes at the running back position.  Once again, Auburn does not have much to worry about.  Auburn is deep in the backfield, and there is potential for at least five backs rotating in and out depending on the situation on the field.  

With the two bruisers returning, Eric Smith and Mario Fannin, Auburn will have enough power to run the ball up the middle.  Add the speed of Onterio McCalebb, and the offense has the potential to break it big on any given play.  Now mix in incoming recruit Michael Dyer, who has the deadly combination of speed and power, and you have a solid backfield.  

If Auburn manages to pick up Marcus Lattimore as well (which I am doubting more and more as we get closer to national signing day), then there will be five players who have big play potential in the backfield.

Finally, there seems to be some good targets for whomever gets the starting job at quarterback.  Darvin Adams and Terrell Zachary were big surprises last year.  Kodi Burns will also be back, and, with more practice at the position, could prove to be a real threat next year in some unique situations.  

Youngsters DeAngelo Benton and Emory Blake add some speed and depth to a position that could prove to be the difference maker next year.  Also, Auburn will have two tight ends, Phillip Lutzenkirchen and JuCo transfer Brandon Mosely, who will be great additions to an offense with a bevy of options.

Now to the real key to Auburn's success in 2010: the defense.  Never did I anticipate that the source of my stress in watching Auburn football would be the defense.  In recent years (let's just forget about 2008 shall we?), Auburn's main source of consistency has been it's defense.  

Auburn fans have grown to expect shutdown defensive backs, stingy defensive lineman, and defensive ends who sack Brodie Croyle 11 times in one game.  2009, however, was a year to forget for the defense.  Injuries, youth, and bad luck plagued the defense last year, and it made fans like me cringe while watching some of the games.  2010 will hopefully be a different story.

First, as I mentioned above, it all starts up front.  Auburn's defensive line may be the deepest position on the field next year.  Mike Blanc, Antoine Carter, and Michael Goggans will be the senior anchors on the defensive line.  Nick Fairley, Dee Ford, and Derrick Lykes will also look to contribute significant time on the defensive front.  

Auburn also has some very strong prospects that will add to the depth if they decide to stick with Auburn on Feb. 3.

Next up is the linebacker position.  Craig Stevens, Josh Bynes, and Eltoro Freeman are all coming back, but they will need some help.  Part of the problem last year was the lack of depth.  These guys played almost every snap of every game, and it showed in their tackling.  

Hopefully, Ted Roof will be able to develop some of the younger players, ward off the injury plague, and incorporate some of the young recruits like LaDarius Owens and Jake Holland.

Finally, the defense will have to rely on the secondary to shut down opponents' passing game.  Demond Washington, Daren Bates, and Neiko Thorpe all have experience, but the key once again is the depth behind them.  

Auburn does not have many prize recruits coming in for the secondary, so my guess is that they will hopefully incorporate some of the athlete recruits to the defensive scheme since the offense is well equipped with plenty of athletes already.  If Auburn can achieve depth in the secondary (linebackers included), then the experienced players will be better able to make the big plays towards the end of the game.

To summarize, Auburn has the potential to be a threat in the SEC west next year.  The offense has the leadership up front to make up for some potential inexperience in the backfield.

If Auburn can pick up some of the defensive players they want by national signing day, then the defense may have the depth it needs to survive the grueling SEC schedule.  With a potent offense and depth on defense, the Auburn Tigers will tough to handle next year.

WDE