2009 Auburn Tigers College Football Predictions

2009 Auburn Tigers Predictions
2008 Record: (5-7, 2-6)
Coach: Gene Chizik, 1st year (first year at Alabama, 5-19 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Gus Malzahn (1st year)
Def. Coordinator: Ted Roof (1st year)
Returning Starters: 16 (7 offense, 7 defense, kicker, punter)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Kodi Burns)

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Offense: Gene Chizik takes over the program from Tommy Tuberville after two not-so-impressive seasons at Iowa State. The cupboard is not bare as they bring back junior Kodi Burns (6-2, 209) at quarterback. He threw for 1,050 yards last season for a unit that finished 99th in the nation in passing offense. He’ll be guided by offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn, who runs a fast-paced offense, similar to the one he ran at Tulsa, who led the nation in total offense the past two seasons. Burns will have competition from junior Neil Caudle, who has been hampered by injuries during his career. At running back, they return senior Ben Tate (5-11, 217), who ran for 664 yards last season, who shared time with junior Mario Fannin (5-11, 226). At receiver, they have some experience but very little production. Up front, they return three of five starters including junior center Ryan Pugh (6-4, 280), one of the best in the SEC.

Defense: The defense returns seven starters from a unit that allowed just 18ppg (14th in the nation) and 317.8 yards per game (29th in the nation). Senior DE Antonio Coleman (6-3, 257) is one of the nation’s best pass rushers (six sacks) last year). They are strong at end and a bit questionable at tackle with two starters gone. At linebacker, they are thin but athletic. Junior Craig Stevens (6-3, 227) returns on the strong side, while athletic junior Josh Bynes (6-2, 233), who had three picks last year, is back as well. The secondary has great potential if they can keep everybody healthy. Junior S Mike McNeil (6-2, 205) and junior Zac Etheridge (6-0, 204), who had 75 tackles last year, are very solid.

Outlook: The Tigers face Louisiana Tech at home to start the season and also take on Mississippi State, West Virginia, Furman and Ball State at home. That’s the good news. The bad news is that they face LSU and Georgia on the road, along with Ole Miss at home. With a new coach and system, expect the Tigers to struggle some early on offense. Their defense should be good enough to keep them competitive.

This SEC conference prediction is courtesy of the ATS Sports Blog. If you are looking for winning college football betting picks be sure to choose ATS Consultants this year, A featured sports handicapping service on Touthouse.com