Auburn Football 2011: Game Preparation Begins with Utah State

Auburn will continue practice this week with another scheduled break over the weekend. They will return to the field the following week with their routine game preparation schedule.

For all practical purposes, the coaches have learned all that is needed to prepare for the season at this point. While some starting positions are still up for grabs, the three-deep is largely set at this point.

Auburn opens the season with a very tough Utah State team. In 2010, Utah State began the season playing Oklahoma in Norman and came within one score of upsetting the Sooners and ending their home winning streak. In 2009, they played Texas A&M to a one-score loss and looked better than Alabama did against a Utah team that beat both within months of each other.

The Aggies will not be intimidated when they arrive at Jordan-Hare Stadium to start the 2011 season. They will bring grit and a high powered offense to try and bloody the BCS champions' noses early and often.

This game will allow Auburn fans to see how solid the offensive and defensive lines are for this season. It will allow the Auburn offense to work out kinks and dial in their performance.

The biggest thing this game might reveal is improvement in the Auburn defense. There is little doubt that Utah State is a scrappier opponent than Arkansas State was to open the 2010 season. 

Tid Bits

What is the most improved unit over the course of fall camp?

This is strictly opinion, but it appears the interior defensive line has improved the most so far.

Should Auburn fans expect a large falloff in offensive production?

There is simply no reason to expect the Auburn offense to take a backward course this season. By all accounts, the offensive line is more than competent and the quarterback situation is very good. While there may be some falloff in offense for 2011, it is just as logical that fans could see this unit hold its own or improve this season.

Will the interior defensive line be a weak point?

Every indication is that this unit will be very solid this season. All reports have them as being much more than adequate at this point. 

Prediction

Auburn will likely make short work of a gritty Utah State team. Expect the offensive and defensive performance of this team to shock the conference and nation to start the season.