SEC Football Predictions 2011: Auburn Tigers

Coming off a BCS National Championship, many expect another trip back to a BCS Bowl for Auburn, but expectations are not sky high like they frequently are for defending champions.

The Tigers overcame a great deal in 2010 and managed every obstacle that was put in front of them. The defense had a bend-but-not-break mentality, with nose tackle Nick Fairley playing like a man among boys all season.  And Cam Newton won the Heisman, impressing voters with his superb play, despite controversy surrounding him on all sides.

But what is in store for 2011?

Next in Line

2010 was a dream come true year for Cam Newton, but now War Eagle turns to an unproven and inexperienced signal caller in either Barrett Trotter, Clint Mosley or redshirt freshmen Kiehl Frazier.

Trotter has the most experience though it is not much. Trotter has been named the starter though he has completed only six passes in his collegiate career. He did appear in a few games as a backup for Newton in five mop-up duty games. The 6’2”, 211 pound junior has a steep learning curve.

Note: Trotter has been named starter

A Better Backfield

Sophomore sensation Michael Dyer and Junior back Onterrio McCalebb will form one of the better one-two backfield punches in America in 2011.

Dyer eclipsed the one thousand yard mark in 2010 while reaching paydirt 5 times. He is a moving bowling ball at 5’9”, 215 pounds. He can run by you like he did to the Oregon Ducks or he may choose to run right through you.

McCalebb on the other hand is a smaller, quicker back at only 5’10”, 171 lbs. He has sprinter's speed and can get to the corner in the blink of an eye; he also boasted  8.5 yards per carry and his 12.3 average per catch in 2010.  

Developing Talent

The loss of Darvin Adams will be tough to overcome but the son of former NFL quarterback Jeff Blake, Emory Blake (Junior 6’1” 192 pounds) certainly will help.

Blake and Quindarius Carr will have to be able stretch the field and fight off double coverage to help out Trotter. Tight end Phillip Lutzenkirchen is a grinder and fights for everything on this squad.

The line will struggle a little bit until their great incoming recruiting class has time to develop.

Brandon Moseley is their lone starter and is a hoss at 6’6”, 299 pounds. He will protect the blind side of the Trotter.

Defensive Changes

Like most SEC teams, the Auburn defense is loaded with talent however they will take a step or two back from 2010. Their defense may have given up a chunk of yards last year, but they had some flat out studs up front.

Nick Fairley was dominant all season long and saved his best game for last in the BCS National Championship victory. 

They are however even deeper in the front four as they can throw as many eight or nine guys against opposing offenses. Corey Lemonier, Nosa Equae, Kenneth Carter, Jeffrey Whitaker and Dee Ford can all harass the passer.

Daren Bates and Jonathan Evans will man the linebacker spot with solid talent, leadership and experience.

Drama's Forecast

Overall, the schedule is brutal and may cost Auburn a bowl game if the youngsters cannot step up. The defense is completely different and will struggle to bottle up the run.

I like many others did not predict the Tigers to have nearly as successful a 2010 season as they did. Cam Newton carried the Tigers on his back all the way to the national championship. Which leader will carry this offense this season?

Losing Cam Newton and Darvin Adams will drop the offense down a few notches. If they cannot find a way to get a win either at Clemson or home against Florida, the SEC and BCS Champions will quickly forget how great things were in 2010.

PROJECTED RECORD: 5-7, 1-7

PROJECTED FINISH: Fifth in West, Tenth Overall

PROJECTED BOWL: None