Auburn Football: A Look at the First Half of the 2010 Season Games
For the tried and true college football fan this is the worst time of the year. Spring practice is still a month away and the football season is seven long months away. We can either watch reruns of games past or educate ourselves on games to come.
First things first, A-Day is April 17 and is a guaranteed win for Auburn fans. I suggest we all flock to Jordan Hare for a family get together to remember. For those fans that have not laid eyes on the team lately it will be an eye opening experience.
Game No. 1 is on Sept. 4 against Arkansas State. In 2009 they were ranked 95th in offense and 41st in defense in the nation. This is a typical beginning season game to get the rust and kinks worked out. Here is their 2009 statistics:
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The second game is only five days later on Thursday Sept. 9. Mississippi State is the opponent. They ranked 65th in offense and 58th in defense in 2009. They will be improved in 2010 and will be a tough competitor for every team on their schedule. I expect them to be a bowl team in 2010. This is also the first away game. Here are their 2009 statistics:
The third contest of the year comes against Clemson on Sept. 18. This team made it to the ACC Championship game in 2009. This team was 9-5 in 2009 and beat Kentucky in their bowl game. They were ranked 74th on offense and 20th on defense in 2009. Here are their 2009 Statistics:
For game four Auburn host South Carolina on Sept. 25. They were 7-6 in 2009, but pounded Clemson. Many are predicting South Carolina to contend for the SEC east in 2010. They were ranked 82nd on offense and 15 on defense in 2009. Here are their 2009 statistics:
Game five finds Auburn playing Louisiana-Monroe on Oct. 2. They were 6-6 and ranked 48th on offense and 44 on defense in 2009. Here are their 2009 statistics:
October 9 takes Auburn to their second away game against Kentucky. They were 7-6 and finished 93rd on offense and 53rd on defense in 2009. Their 2009 statistics can be found here:
With four home games and two away games the first half of Auburn's 2010 schedule is ideal to get the team on track for the tougher second half of the season. A loss in these first six games will be disappointing and unexpected by most Auburn fans.
The Clemson and South Carolina games promise to be exciting in Jordan Hare Stadium. I would suggest the entertainment value will be unequaled in the SEC for Auburn's home games in 2010. Kentucky, Clemson and South Carolina were bowl teams in 2009.
It is likely that Auburn will finish the first half of the season ranked in the top 20 on defense and the top 5 on offense. While the Auburn offense will be improved for 2010 and the play pace should hit 90 plays per game, that will not be the most obvious improvement.
The special teams looks to improve greatly for the 2010 season. This will give Auburn better starting field position and help keep Auburn's opponents on their side of the field. Look for this to be the biggest and most obvious improvement for 2010.
The Auburn defense will look to climb back into the top 20 nationally and stay there for 2010. I think all Auburn fans would be disappointed if the defense did not improve drastically over the 2009 version. Look for a more aggressive and exciting defense for 2010.
Auburn final 2009 statistics can be found here:
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
