Auburn Turns to Spread Offense to Carry Team to SEC Title Game

SEC West No. 1: Auburn Tigers

2007 Results and Offseason

Auburn started '07 at just 1-2 but quickly rebounded with a huge upset win at Florida.  A last-second loss at LSU was possibly the best game in the SEC last season.  The Tigers won their sixth straight over Alabama.

Before their bowl game, Auburn hired OC Tony Franklin, who installed his version of the spread in just a few weeks, leading to a 23-20 OT victory over Clemson in the Chick-fil-A Bowl.

2007 Record: 9-4 (5-3)

Ret. Starters: 16

Ret. Lettermen: 48

Off PPG: 19.5 (10th), RYPG: 164.9 (5th), PYPG: 154.8 (10th)

Def PPG: 17.3 (1st), RYPG: 126.8 (3rd), PYPG: 156.0 (1st)

Offense (Nine Ret. Starters, 23 Ret. Lettermen)

The QB situation is dicey right now at Auburn, where sophomore Kodi Burns and junior Chris Todd are duking it out.  Burns played a lot in the bowl game, but Todd played under a similar system to Franklin's in HS and is very familiar with the offense.  Either way, Auburn should see improvement over last year.

The Tigers will move to mostly one-back sets this year, with Ben Tate and Brad Lester both getting reps.  Auburn must do a better job of holding on to the ball though.  Mario Fannin will also figure into the mix.

The O-line went through some growing pains last season, but starting three true freshmen in '07 will pay off this year.  Only one starter is gone.

In the new offense, Auburn will need a lot more receivers.  The top two return from last year in Rodgeriqus Smith and Montez Billings.  Robert Dunn and Terrell Zachery are expected in many sets as well.

The one thing this offense will do is generate many more plays per game than last year, which should create more yards and points.

Defense (Seven Ret. Starters, 20 Ret. Lettermen)

Auburn has really made their mark in the SEC with their defense, but they have will to fight through another change in defensive coordinators with Will Muschamp moving on to the place where Auburn coordinators go: Texas (Gene Chizik left a few years ago for Austin).

Three of the top four tacklers return, including two starters from the SEC's number one pass defense in '07.  CB Jerraud Powers had four picks a year ago and five pass breakups.

Gone from the D-line are three starters, including leading tackler Josh "Stump" Thompson and DE/LB Quentin Groves.  Auburn will look to junior Sen'Derrick Marks to replace Pat Sims and his seven TFL in '07.

The linebacking corps should be led by MLB Tray Blackmon, but the junior has to learn to stay out of trouble to take full advantage of his talent.

New DC Paul Rhoads came from Pitt, who finished No. 5 in YPG allowed last season.

Special Teams

Both kickers are back, including PK Wes Byrum.  P Ryan Shoemaker was second team All-SEC.  WR Robert Dunn will return punts, and Fannin will likely handle kickoffs.

Recruiting—Link

Schedule

Auburn plays vULM, vSo Miss, vUT-Martin, and a big one at West Virginia.  From the East they get permanent opp. vGeorgia, along with vTenn and @Vandy.  They play seven straight games before a bye and then travel to Morgantown on Oct. 23.  They also have a bye between Georgia and Alabama.

Final Thoughts

Auburn is not getting a lot of press due to the expectations in Gainesville and Athens.  They have LSU at home, which has meant good things for them lately, having won the last four at home in the series.  Tommy Tuberville is replacing both coordinators for the second time, but that paid dividends in the past.

If the receivers can step up and be the game-breakers needed in the spread, Auburn could sneak their way into the national title race.

Prediction

Likely Wins: vULM, vSo. Miss, @Vandy, vTenn-Martin

Likely Loss: None

10-2 (7-1)

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