SEC Championship Game: 10 Reasons Why Auburn Will Have an Alabama Hangover
The Auburn Tigers have been tested more than once this season, and with all the off-the-field distractions, you would think a slip-up is inevitable.
Well, each week Cam Newton finds a way to come out on top. Question is, "Can they do it again versus South Carolina?"
If there was one team that should have beaten Auburn before they got rolling, Steve Spurrier's Gamecocks are the team.
In turning the ball over four times in the first meeting, South Carolina still managed to be in the game.
The 35-27 final showed that Auburn knew early in the year that they could play 60 minutes and finish games, much like they did last week versus Alabama.
But, the Gamecocks are out to avenge their loss early in the year, and here are 10 reasons in that favor.
1. Off-The-Field Distractions
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This is a problem for what Auburn wants to accomplish whether they like it or not. But I'm putting this in the beginning of the list to get it out of the way.
Regardless of what people think of Cam Newton, and whether or not he should be eligible to play, it still needs to be recognized.
Auburn has done an exceptional job of isolating the issue and keeping it in-house in terms of discussions between the Athletic Director, Coach Chizik, and Mr. Newton.
And I wouldn't be surprised if South Carolina came with some smack talk on the field to try to get inside Cam Newton's head.
2. Close Calls
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Six of Auburn's 12 wins have been by eight points or less, with three coming within the first four weeks of the season.
This does show that Auburn does not panic and can remain focused to come back/hold-off in the fourth-quarter.
That is to their credit, however, it's not easy to do it against a team that should have beat them earlier in the year.
Expect South Carolina to come out even more aggressive and intense than the previous meeting, especially since the Tigers have beaten the Gamecocks five consecutive times.
3. South Carolina Offense Vs Auburn Defense
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The South Carolina offense averages 33 points per game in arguably one of the most difficult schedules in the SEC.
When they play Auburn this Saturday, the Tigers will be the sixth ranked team the Gamecocks have faced this season.
The Auburn defense, on the other hand, allows 25 points per game, which ranks them 57th overall.
And for as hyped as the Tigers offense is, the D is the weak point. At times, the D has been stellar, but moreso inconsistent if anything.
26 to Arkansas State, 34 to Kentucky, 43 to Arkansas, 31 to Mississippi, and 31 to Georgia. Had it not been for the offense, Auburn may be 8-4 or 9-3 as opposed to 12-0.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
4. The Stakes
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South Carolina has almost as much to play for, but not nearly as much to lose.
For starters, Steve Spurrier's old team, the Florida Gators, were the SEC East preseason favorites. Especially after only a 7-6 campaign in 2009, the Gamecocks have definitely improved, but the chance for a BCS Bowl-bid has to be exceeding expectations.
Auburn, on the other hand, like I previously stated, has much more to lose, but more to gain.
And after an 8-5 season a year ago, the Tigers have drastically improved as well as exceeding expectations.
But with that being said, the SEC Championship game is theirs to lose.
They're going in as the favorites, and with a date in the National Championship game as the main prize, expect the Gamecocks to come in playing the spoiler role.
5. Potential Success
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Not too many people who like making college football predictions could have had Auburn at this point, unbeaten and playing for a potential National Championship.
But in addition to that, Cam Newton is a potential Heisman Trophy winner.
So to recap the Auburn season for potential success:
1. A chance to win the SEC for the first time since 2004
2. Not since Bo Jackson has Auburn had a player win the Heisman Trophy. Cam Newton has the opportunity to do so.
3. Win the NCAA College Football 2010 BCS National Championship for the only the second time, the sole championship coming in 1957.
6. The Previous Meeting
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As you can see in the photo, a fumble. Turnovers defined the previous meeting.
Six altogether (four by the Gamecocks, and two by the Tigers) made for an interesting game.
South Carolina had a 20-7 lead at one point during the game, but it was squandered away by the third-quarter.
Not to mention the Tigers put up 14 points in the final quarter while shutting out the Gamecocks during that time to win 35-27.
Expect Steve Spurrier's team to play a full 60 minutes and cause a lot of problems for Cam Newton and the Tigers.
Plus, this leads into the next reason about the toughness that is the SEC.
7. The Brutal SEC
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Currently six of the 12 teams are ranked, and five of them come from the SEC West.
And if you dig a little deeper, you will notice that 10 of the 12 teams are bowl eligible.
But if you're an ACC fan reading this, you're probably wondering why most of America considers the SEC a much more difficult conference. Well, it's because only two teams in the ACC are ranked (Florida State No. 22, and Va-Tech No. 12).
With that being said, a hangover loss this week to South Carolina is not really a true upset.
It is technically just because South Carolina is the underdog and ranked lower.
But this is the SEC, and a true upset should only count if a team like Vanderbilt (2-10) or Mississippi (4-8) were to upset a team like Auburn.
8. Spurrier's Experience
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This Saturday, Gene Chizik will be coaching against a college football legend.
Steve Spurrier (a college football hall of famer) has had arguably the most successful career in SEC history.
One national championship, six SEC championships, eigher SEC-East division titles, and six times SEC coach of the year.
Not to mention a college football coaching record of 184-71-2; a 72 percent win percentage, which is ridiculous, especially in the SEC.
9. Auburn's Experience
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It's more so a lack of experience, because have previous success usually bodes well for the future.
Now that doesn't mean that Auburn can't win the SEC and/or a national championship, but how you play in specific situations comes from experience.
Gene Chizik still has a lot to prove as a coach because one year doesn't dictate a career, but he is on his way nonetheless.
Cam Newton, on the other hand, still has to prove to everyone (EVERY WEEK) that he can overcome anything thrown his way on and off the field.
Not to mention with only six completions in 12 attempts through his first two years of FBS college football, he has much big game experience to gain.
And I'm sorry, but winning a junior college football national championship (although impressive), doesn't compare to SEC football or playing for an FBS national title.
One final thing would be the fact that Auburn has only played in three SEC title games, with a record of 1-2, winning in 2004.
With that being said, I think it's safe to say that no one on this current team was playing on the 2004 Tigers.
10. Exposure
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Let's face it, with everything that has occurred off the field with Auburn this season, a giant bulls-eye has been targeted on their chest.
The media has exposed every possible angle of Auburn football on and off the field.
As for South Carolina, who has somewhat gone under the radar as opposed to Auburn, they are looking for recognition as the Tigers opponent.
Even as animated as Steve Spurrier can be, Cam Newton has taken over the college football spotlight, and the Gamecocks are looking to prove the skeptics wrong (especially with the early season loss).
Thus leading to more pressure on Auburn as opposed to South Carolina, which I would want if I was playing or coaching for the Gamecocks.
Summary
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1. Off The Field Distractions
2. Close Calls
3. South Carolina O vs Auburn D
4. Stakes
5. Potential Success
6. Previous Meeting
7. Brutal SEC
8. Steve Spurrier
9. Auburn's Experience
10. Exposure
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
