College Football: My Preseason Top 25, Part 3

Paul Rhoads, a decent defensive coordinator who spent the last eight seasons at Pitt, will replace the spectacular Will Muschamp (now at Texas) as the defensive coordinator.  The Tigers have seven starters returning from a unit that was ranked sixth in the nation in total defense last year.

Look for a deep defensive line, despite the fact that two starters are now gone, and watch for impact linebacker Tray Blackmon.  Auburn’s newfangled offense may or may not work, but anyone who knows their football would not bet against this defense.

Opponents: Auburn lost to Mississippi State on the plains last year.  I, for one, do not expect that to happen again when conference play begins for the Tigers on September 13.

Their first true test is on September 20 when LSU comes to town.  Like I wrote before, this is a great rivalry that can be a barn burner at times (it literally was a barn burner in 1996 when “The Barn,” the old Auburn Sports Arena, burned to the ground during the game).

Last year’s contest was epic and ended with a questionable (or courageous, depending on which brand of Tigers you root for) play call that resulted in an LSU touchdown with one second left on the clock.

I expect this year’s match at Jordan-Hare Stadium to be just as close, although I expect LSU to win.  I do not think Auburn will be able to score very many touchdowns against LSU’s tough defense, and Les Miles will have a trick call or two to put Trindon Holliday in the end zone.

I am just hoping I can take Friday classes off in Baton Rouge and score a ticket in Auburn.

Auburn should come off a close loss and beat Tennessee the next week in another tough pick.  The idea of Auburn losing two in a row at home does not seem like the Tigers or Tommy Tuberville.  As I wrote in my West Virginia writeup, I think the Tigers will also beat WVU in Morgantown on October 23.

I feel that as the season progresses, the Tigers will become more accustomed to the new coordinators and offense and will be able to have a few strong late season victories.

Along with the LSU and Tennessee games, I believe their game at Georgia on November 15 will be close.  Auburn has played the spoiler in a number of Georgia’s seasons before.  I do not see it happening this time, but I wouldn't be surprised if they won either.

I would be extremely surprised, though, if Tuberville does not pull out a seventh win over Alabama to close the season (fear the hand, thumb, and index finger?).

Prediction: 10-2

12. Wisconsin (Athlon No. 12, Phil Steele No. 21, SI No. 10, ESPN No. 16)

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