Auburn Spring Game 2012: Date, Start Time, TV Info and More

After winning the national championship in 2011, the Auburn Tigers took a step back last season, finishing 8-5 after a Chick-fil-A Bowl victory.

The Tigers had trouble slowing down offenses last season, but they appear to be making some strides in that area this spring.

Here's a look at what to watch for in Auburn's spring game and beyond.

Where: Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn, AL

When: Saturday, April 14 at 2 p.m. CT

Watch: CSS (Tape delay - 8 p.m. CT)

Radio: Auburn Sports Network

Position Battle to Watch: Quarterback

Since Cam Newton's departure, the Tigers' quarterback position hasn't been quite the same. Barrett Trotter and Clint Moseley battled it out last season. Now, with Trotter gone, the battle comes down to Moseley, Kiehl Frazier and true freshman Zeke Pike, a 3-star recruit out of Kentucky.

Moseley completed 61 percent of his passes for 800 yards with five touchdowns to three interceptions last season. His biggest game came against Ole Miss, in which he went 12-of-15 for 160 yards and four touchdowns. However, his games against LSU, Alabama and Georgia were rough, to stay the least. Coming off a sore rotator cuff, he started throwing passes in last Saturday's scrimmage.

Asked whether he was still limited on Saturday, Moseley said, via Al.com, "No sir. I don't really think on my reps. Next question."

Well, that settles that.

Frazier, on the other hand, said he's feeling more comfortable as spring continues, via Al.com:

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"I don't think I can say how much better I am, but I'm definitely a lot more comfortable knowing the system and the reads and the checks we do."

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This battle will last well beyond the spring game, but both players have an opportunity to make some waves on Saturday.

Area in Need of Most Improvement: Defense

While the Tigers offense wasn't as good as when they had Newton, it was really the defense that let the team down last season.

Auburn allowed 28.9 points per game last season—79th in the nation. The defense was simply no match for most ranked opponents. The Tigers gave up 34 points to Mississippi State, 38 points to Arkansas, 45 points to both LSU and Georgia and, sorry to bring this up Auburn fans, 42 points to Alabama.

The good news is, the defense appears much improved in the spring.

Defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder said after the Saturday scrimmage, via Al.com:

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"Ball disruptions and takeaways were much improved, which means they're playing faster. The bottom line, they're more confident."

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Another good thing: Defensive end Dee Ford is completely healthy and will pair up with Corey Lemonier. The Tigers collected just 22 sacks last season. Ford will help in that area.

What to Expect in 2012

Auburn's success will have a lot to do with how Moseley and Frazier develop this season. The Tigers defense should be better, but the offense needs to answer the call, too. The Tigers averaged 25.7 points per game last season, 70th in the nation, and Trotter is now gone.

I could see Auburn being a ranked team, but to expect a national championship or even a BCS bowl may be far-fetched.

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