Auburn Football 2009: A Look Ahead

I, like most fans of the Blue and Orange, await kickoff 2009 with much anticipation, but also with some fear and a touch of foreboding.  While one bad season does not necessarily signal a program downturn, this past season on the Plains was probably the most frustrating and confusing I have lived through in my 50+ years of being a die-hard fan of the Tigers from Auburn.

Can the Tigers rebound and have a respectable year under a new coaching staff?  Obviously, it is possible. Is it probable, though?  Say I’m drinking the Kool-aid if you like, but I for one think it is a distinct possibility.

Looking at the 2009 schedule, it would seem to be a Murderer’s Row.  This year, we play UGA, Arkansas, and LSU on the road.  The SEC West, top to bottom, is as good as it’s been in living memory. We have non-conference games with WVU and Ball State, both of which had great seasons last year.  Last, but not least, the Tide is back (at least that’s what I keep hearing).  Let’s break down the schedule and see where my rose colored optimism comes from.

Game One - Sept. 5 - La Tech (H)

Under second year coach Derek Dooley, the Bulldogs come off a seven-win season with a Bowl victory and a decent recruiting class coming in this fall.  This game is not a gimme opener for sure.  Jordan-Hare will be sold out and the fans will want to see their first real look at the new Tigers.  They won’t be disappointed.

Game Two - Sept. 12 - Miss St. (H)

With new head Coach Dan Mullen at the helm, this will be the first SEC game for two head coaches.  State had offensive line problems last year and those will continue in 2009.  Look for strong defense and a more diverse offense.

Game Three - Sept. 19 - West Va. (H)

The Mountaineers will invade the plains thinking of last years romp, but the same thought will be on the minds of the home team.  The weather will be hot and muggy, not cold and clammy.  There’s a new QB under center and he’s not Pat White.  This will be a close one, and very exciting.

Game Four - Sept. 26 - Ball St. (H)

The Cardinals had a dream season in 2008.  Promoted Coordinator Stan Parrish has taken over the top job and has to replace an outstanding QB.  The Tiger offense will continue to improve.

Game Five - Oct. 3 - Tennessee (A)

The Tigers' first away game will be against another team with a new coaching staff and something to prove after a nightmare 2008 season.  Auburn has an outstanding record of late against the Vols and will try to improve on that.

Game Six - Oct. 10 - Arkansas (A)

Coach Petrino is a true craftsman.  Offense is the name of the game and he’s had a year to work on it.  The Hogs are coming off a mixed year, but with some impressive wins.  The Tigers will need a strong pass attack to win this one, the toughest of the year so far.

Game Seven - Oct. 17 - Kentucky (H)

The Wildcats are a much better team than they were a couple of years ago.  They appear to make progress every year, and Coach Brooks has done a marvelous job of making his team competitive in the East.  This will be a close one, with turnovers telling the tale.

Game Eight - Oct. 24 - LSU (A)

What can you say?  Since Les Miles' arrival in Baton Rouge and even before, the Battle of the Tigers has been a classic matchup every year.  Last second eyelash plays decide the outcome and put the Orange and Blue Tigers just a shade out of the money.  This will be another one just like the other ones.

Game Nine - Oct. 31 - Ole Miss (H)

Houston Nutt had Coach Tuberville’s number, and he’s always good for a surprise or two.  But this is a new staff, and by week nine the teams should have their identities. Following a tough game at LSU, the Tigers may be in for a let down, but hopefully, there’s still gas in the tank.

Game 10 - Nov. 7 - Furman (H)

At last, a break in a grueling nine-week span.  Hopefully, the Tigers can rest some people to get ready for Amen Corner.

Game 11 - Nov.14 - UGA  (A)

Between the hedges, aww the memories.  The 2009 Bulldogs will be a tough and competitive team, as always.  Without the offensive stars from last year, this game is difficult to predict.  However, the Tigers have historically played well in Athens and this one will be tight.

Game 12 - Nov. 18 - Bama (H)

Coach Dye was asked when hired how long it would take to beat the Tide.  He said 60 minutes.  Well, it took him 120.  I’ll be honest here. Bama has a great football team, and a very good coach.  Will I admit defeat?  Not until and if the scoreboard is at zero and they have more points.

That’s my take on the 2009 season.  Lots of unknowns, and that makes it very hard to predict.  I will say that anything less than eight wins will be another disappointing year.  But this is only the beginning of a bright future.