As Auburn approaches the 2008 season, they're flying a little bit under the radar, but Tommy Tuberville wouldn't have it any other way. If there's one thing Tommy T. has taught us over the years, it is that he is most dangerous when he's, "flying low."
Two new coordinators, two new QB's, however, Auburn should be feared this year. Everyone speaks of Georgia, Florida, and LSU. However, Auburn is 6-2 against UF over the last eight meetings, LSU and UGA have to play Auburn in Auburn's backyard, and in the case of AU/LSU the home team has won the last several meetings.
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The sports world sees that Auburn has to play #2 UGA and #6 LSU (according to Pro Football Weekly's College football Preview) and assumes that they will lose, but I see an Auburn that has won 50 games in five years, 9-3 against top 10, and 6-1 against top five opponents.
Last time they flew under the radar, the 2004 season, they went 13-0 SEC champs and should have been national champs (in my opinion).
Why do I think Auburn could surprise the nation? Though we have a new QB, Chris Todd has been involved with the spread offense for his entire college career, and with Tony Franklin's spread too. In the only game Auburn used Franklin's spread, they hit a season high in first downs, and yards. That was with only a few weeks of practice and a QB that's not great at passing.
Imagine a whole spring to learn it.
Plus, Kodi Burns is still in the running for the starting spot, after showing improvements in the spring. Paul Rhodes also worked a wondrous defense at Pitt, now he's at a big name school, in a big name conference and you better believe he'll have one of the best defenses in the nation.
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4 months ago
Here's hoping! War (Spread) Eagle!!!
4 months ago
It will be a great year until a loss to the Gators in Atlanta on Dec. 6.
from 4 months ago
I agree that Auburn will have a GREAT year, but a loss to the Gators in the SEC Championship game...lets ask Tebow if he's as sure as you are. The last two meetings have shown that Florida can't win without Tebow's mobility and we all know the speed of Auburn's defense (a defense deemed by Tuberville and analysts as solid for the upcoming season) will limit his efforts to get outside the pocket or run it on third. I betcha Urban has nightmares about the possibility of facing Auburn in the Georgia dome.
from 4 months ago
Brian
Just guessing, I think you bleed Crimson & White!!!!!!!!!!.
from 4 months ago
Hey Jimmy, no doubt, it's not burnt orange and blue!
4 months ago
I'm not so sure we're flying low. Some preseason pubs have picked us in or around the Top 10 and the media picked to win the West at the SEC Media Fiasco last week.
Still I like our chances to win the West this year. Our offense doesn't need to be great, just productive, and I think that would propel us to the top of the West. Should be a fun season. That's the thing I like about this offense. Even if we finish 9-4 again (which I see as a worst case scenario for this season), it's going to be a lot more fun to watch than last year.
A Day was a blast and they were very vanilla on offense and played the touch rule on the QBs. Can't wait to see it live. Who would've imagined I'd be this excited to see AU plays ULM...
from 4 months ago
yeah i agree, i wouldnt say that being picked by media to win the west is flying low. that being said i think alabama, auburn, and lsu all have a legit shot at the west.
4 months ago
I've always thought that Auburn would win the West this year. It's scary too being a Gator fan, since they have been the kryptonite to Meyer and Co.
4 months ago
How do you figure Auburn is 6-2 against UF over the last 8 meetings? I wish it was true, but my math tells me that Auburn is 3-5 against UF in the last 8 meetings. Am I missing soemthing?
4 months ago
How are the Gator Fans so confident ? Tebow, a Quarterback that hasn't defeated a team that finished in the top ten. Losses to Auburn, LSU, Georgia and Michigan. I wouldn't put too much faith in the Gators until they prove they can beat top ten competition....
4 months ago
Getting a little full of ourselves aren't we Gators ? Imagine a Heisman Trophy winner that can't beat a team that finishes in the top ten. Auburn, LSU, Georgia and Michigan. Tebow can't win these by himself. It's too bad that Urban can't figure out how to recruit defensive players too.
4 months ago
also last time LSU won the national championship in the super dome(2003-04 season) AU got a new offensive coordinator(borges) the following year(2004) and AU went 13-0. heres hoping history repeats:)
3 months ago
Hey man, I just found your article and realized I pretty much wrote the same thing a few days after you did. We even have the same picture...and almost the same name...But anyway, great article. I'm exciting to see how the new offensive scheme plays out. Should be an exciting year! War Eagle bro!
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