Auburn Tigers: 10 Reasons They Could Repeat in 2011
Congratulations to the Auburn Tigers for their victory in the 2011 BCS National Championship Game over my beloved Oregon Ducks.
The last few months I've been writing articles on the BCS Championship, always pro-Oregon and, while respectful of Auburn's talent, more than a little snarky towards Cam Newton, the South, Alabama, Jim Crow, et al.
Today I was assigned this article to be written about whichever team won the big game, and some of the reasons that they would repeat.
Auburn won, so here I sit in Portland, Oregon about to do my best to outline how it could all happen again. I'll be totally honest with you: It feels like one of those old viking wars where the viking dudes would take over a town and after slaying the opposing army, totally rape and pillage the whole joint.
I know my writing this article is going to make many of the offended commenters on my pro-Oregon articles very happy, kind of like the spoils of war.
At the very least, this is a textbook case of what they call "insult to injury".
Here's how War Eagle could do it all again next year.
10. Cam Newton Could Follow Andrew Luck's Lead
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While it's almost a foregone conclusion, Newton hasn't officially announced his intent to enter the NFL draft this Spring.
After winning the SEC Championship, the Heisman Trophy and the National Championship (a "Cam Slam") it would be hard to imagine him coming back for another season to trudge through an SEC schedule for far less money than he would make in the NFL, but stranger things have happened.
If the insanely great quarterback were to return for his senior season, Auburn would be an easy pre-season No. 1.
9. Genius Coordinator Gus Malzahn
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Gus Malzahn turned down the head coaching job at Vanderbilt in order to stay with Auburn and with double the salary will be calling plays for the Tigers for years to come.
In 2010 under Malzahn, Auburn led the SEC in scoring offense, total offense, rushing offense, pass efficiency, first downs and first down conversions.
In addition to helping Auburn complete an undefeated schedule, Malzahn won the 2010 Broyles Award as the nation's top assistant coach.
8. Having a Running Back with No Wrists Will Prove Valuable
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NCAA rules: "The runner is down when something other than his hand or foot touch the ground."
The good news is if Dyer ever receives a minor (or even major in the SEC) infraction, there will be nothing to slap ;)
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
7. The SEC Doesn't Lose National Championships
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For all practical purposes, Auburn will be the team to beat next year in college football's toughest conference, a conference that doesn't lose many national championships, or any national championships, actually. Not since the BCS has been in existence.
6. Onterio McCalebb Will Be Part of Auburn's Monster Backfield
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Sophomore running back Onterio McCalebb will be part of the Tiger's two-headed monster ground attack along with the sensational Michael Dyer.
I like to think of them as the Southern version of Oregon's LaMichael James/ Kenjon Barner duo, only with more rings.
5. Michael Dyer: Better Frosh Than Bo Jackson.
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It's true. In 1985 Bo Jackson rushed for 829 yards. In 2010, Auburn freshman Michael Dyer ran for 950.
But can he hit the curveball...
4. Darvin Adams Could Return Next Year
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As an Oregon fan who could see the Ducks facing Auburn again next year I would like to personally suggest to Darvin Adams that he take his talents to the NFL.
It is so awesome to be in the NFL. You get cars, houses, diamond studded grills and even more money than Cam Newton made this year.
There are zero dorms, classes to take or any chance at all that you'll have to live in Alabama.
Go pro. If you get to choose, be a Seahawk. Thanks!
Your Friend,
Joel
3. 10 Words: Philip Lutzenkirchen
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If you catch the ball 13 times in a season and five of them are touchdowns, you're doing something right. If one of them is the game winner in the Iron Bowl, you're on your way to becoming an Auburn legend.
Lutzenkirchen's return means a veteran presence at tight end for the Tigers.
2. All's Fairley in Tackle Football
9 of 10If Nick Fairley decide to come back for another season, a couple SEC running backs and a handful of quarterbacks will consider quitting, redshirting or heading to the NFL.
Fairley is an absolute beast that gives the Auburn defense an edge against any opponent from any conference.
To those who say that Fairley is a dirty player who should probably be brought up on charges I say:
A. How dare you.
and
B. Look at the video above to see just what a kind soul Nick Fairley is. After crushing Oregon's LaMichael James, Fairley asks James if he's OK. Knowing that he just hit the Heisman candidate pretty hard, Fairley insists that James look him in the eyes to assure the defensive tackle of his fitness to continue.
He's like the fat, mumbling, mush-mouthed Mother Teresa. (Try saying that one, Nick.)
Anyone who lines up against Nick Fairley should be scared to death. Human beings that like to hurt people after the play and have that weird, hanging bottom lip are like terminators. They cannot be reasoned with.
1. Coach Gene Chizik, Confident, Gracious and Undefeated in Postseason Play
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From being booed upon arrival to hoisting up the crystal ball, Coach Chizik has proven to be a finisher, winner and championship architect.
He has the staff and players to repeat his success in 2011-2012 and hoist the Coaches Trophy again a year from now.
In fact, he is so fixated on next season that he chose to get busy planning for next year's title run immediately and skipped right past the part where you traditionally pay respect to your opponent and congratulate them on their effort. That's dedication!
With a go-getter like that in charge of the program, Auburn has an excellent chance of repeating as BCS Champions next year. If he makes a move to the NFL like so many great collegiate coaches before him, all bets are off.
All I can say is that Gene Chizik is eligible to coach Auburn next year.
Joel Bechtolt is an Oregon Ducks fan that lives in Portland, Oregon. Though usually mild-mannered, he is currently feeling bitter and caustic after watching his Ducks lose by a field goal ending what was a dream season. Deep down he respects the Auburn Tigers, the great State of Alabama, the SEC and the South.
Congratulations, War Eagle. You won fair and square.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
