Auburn Tigers: 8 Reasons Besides Cam Newton the Tigers Can Run the Table

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The 2010 Auburn Tigers are led by the magnificent Cam Newton. 

There is no doubt about that. He is a special player with talents rarely seen on any level. The first time you see him play, it's similar to watching an EA Sports 100-rated player on NCAA 2011. 

Cam Newton's talent and athletic gifts are undeniable. His presence and leadership are foreboding to the remaining teams on the Auburn schedule—just ask the LSU defense. 

However, this young man is eager to admit and frequently acknowledges the teammates that have made this season what it is. Of course, the opposing fans love to say, "Auburn is a one man team!" 

Any uneducated guess or observation is no better than mine at this point...

No. 1: Ryan Pugh, Starting Center

Ryan Pugh is the leader of the "Big Nasties."
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The leader in the trenches and the signal man for the "Big Nasties." His role is undeniable and his experience is a beacon of SEC legends.

The senior has anchored the O-line for multiple years and plans on leaving the plains as an SEC and national champion. His tenacity in the huddle and on the sidelines is a key immeasurable to this amazing season.

No. 2: Mike Berry, Starting Left Gaurd

To be a successful pulling guard like Mike Berry, you have to love trucking people, and that is just what this senior leader loves to do. His style is in your face, and you will see him leading Cam Newton, Mike Dyer, Mario Fannin and Onterio McCalleb. 

He is regularly knocking the crap out of linebackers and defensive backs. 

By the fourth quarter, the opposing defensive "skill" players are so tired of him they are usually not to be found.

No. 3: Byron Isom, Starting Right Gaurd

The long-haired warrior, also known as "Jonesboro's Finest," has made a reputation for pounding defensive players into submission and sets the standard for run blocking during draws and dives. 

His affinity for destroying linebackers has made him a fan favorite. He regularly can be seen on Saturdays wrecking opposing defensive units (i.e. Arkansas, LSU, Clemson and Ole Miss, to name a few). 

Move, *(*)*&^()—get out the way!

No. 4: Brandon Mosley, Co-Starting Right Tackle

Brandon Mosley, a former tight end, has filled in nicely and consistently served notice that Auburn has returning depth for the 2011 season. His ability to immediately step in and fill the role of injured A.J. Greene's right tackle position has been a blessing in disguise for the Tiger's offense.

A team player with a menacing demeanor and deep understanding of Gus Malzhan's offense has ensured that the trenches remain where Auburn dominates opponents on a weekly basis.

No. 5: A.J. Greene, Co-Starting Right Tackle

The co-starting right tackle went down during the Clemson game with a season-ending ankle injury, but his role in "The Big Nasties" is nonetheless reduced. 

The JUCO transfer fought all summer long to earn the starting position and is a serious prospect to start at left tackle in 2011. His contribution to the team is and was as important as his injury was heart-breaking. 

Look for the junior to return in 2011 and push for All-SEC honors as a team leader and inspiration to his teammates by battling back.

No. 6: Lee Ziemba, Starting Left Tackle

Lee Ziemba all dressed up at the SEC Media Day 2010.

A stalwart on the O-line since his freshman season, Lee Ziemba epitomizes the definition of team mentality, as he passed up NFL riches to return for a "magical season" on the plains in 2010. 

He has consistently covered Cam Newton's blind side with first-round domination and held his teammates accountable on the sidelines in crunch time.

The country boy from Arkansas has a huge role in Auburn running the table to an SEC and BCS championship through his leadership, both vocally and on the field.

No. 7: The Wide Receiver Trio of Blake, Zachery and Adams

The wide receiver trio has made a name for themselves this season by consistently catching passes, breaking tackles, and most importantly, blocking in the run game.

The trio has sprung more long runs than "Montezuma's Revenge" and a Mexican spring break, and the benefactors get "six."

O-Mac, Newton and Dyer consistently get extra yardage downfield because these wide outs don't just run routes. They get downfield and play hard-nosed football to ensure the offense remains a well oiled machine.

No. 8: Team Chemistry

"Team Chemistry is something you can't buy at Wal-Mart."—Cam Newton after a game-winning drive against Kentucky that covered almost nine minutes and 95 yards.