Auburn Football: 10 Things Tigers Fans Want Under Their Tree

The holidays are here, and that means it's time to talk about some things Auburn fans would like to receive for their team. Here is a slideshow of 10 things they would like to see under the tree on Sunday.

The Tigers are set to wrap up their 2011 campaign next week when they face Virginia in the Chick-fil-A Bowl.

An Offensive Coordinator

The final destination was a surprise, but it's not a big surprise that Gus Malzahn has left to become a head coach. Now the pressure is on Gene Chizik to find a new coordinator who can help the offense improve on an inconsistent season.

It seems that a promotion may come from within, as running backs coach Curtis Luper has been running things when Malzahn's new job has taken him away from practice. Auburn could also opt to make a new hire if some solid candidates become available after the bowl season.

A Defensive Coordinator

The Tigers are also in need of a new defensive coordinator after Ted Roof's departure to Central Florida. Gene Chizik has taken over for the bowl game as both defensive coordinator and linebackers coach, so expect a hire to be made shortly after.

One name that various news outlets have mentioned for the job is Mark Stoops. Stoops is currently Florida State's defensive coordinator and seemed to be a good fit, but the Seminoles announced on Tuesday that he will be staying in Tallahassee.

Chizik will now need to go in another direction with his search, so expect further developments as the week goes on.

A Resolution for Michael Dyer

Dyer was the bright spot on offense in Auburn's season, but all that seems to be forgotten in the wake of his suspension. He will miss the bowl game, and it is not known if or when he will return to the program.

A resolution to his situation, preferably with his return to the team for spring practice, will be ideal. Auburn's offense will suffer in 2012 without Dyer chasing a third straight 1,000 yard season.

A Starting Quarterback

After Cam Newton's Heisman season, production from the quarterback position took a big drop in 2011.

Barrett Trotter began as the season as the starter, but faltered and was replaced by Clint Moseley. Kiehl Frazier saw plenty of time as wildcat quarterback, but is still unproven as a passer. A highly-touted recruit is on the way in the form of Zeke Pike.

Auburn fans hope that somebody steps up heading into the 2012 season. The offense will struggle in the SEC once again if the team cannot settle on a quarterback. Next week's bowl game could give us some answers, as both Moseley and Frazier should see plenty of snaps.

A Healthy Kris Frost

Linebacker Kris Frost was expected to be one of the impact recruits of the 2011 class, but he suffered a shoulder injury during the summer and had to take a redshirt.

Now healthy, Frost has been practicing with the team and looks like he will challenge for a starting spot in 2012. He's already been displaying his vast potential in practice, but hopefully he will stay healthy and be able to show it on the field next season.

A New Running Back Commit

Auburn fans weren't very happy last week when five-star commit T.J. Yeldon switched his commitment from Auburn to Alabama. Yeldon was rated as the No. 3 running back in the Class of 2012 by Rivals.com.

Yeldon's switcheroo leaves Auburn with just one running back so far in four-star Jovon Robinson. With Michael Dyer's status uncertain and Onterio McCalebb set to test the draft waters, the Tigers would be well served by picking up another running back in their recruiting class.

The Return of T'Sharvan Bell

Bell was having a solid season at cornerback before it was cut short by a serious knee injury. Bell is now undergoing rehab, but it's unknown how quickly he will be able to recover and get back on the field.

A healthy Bell will give Auburn some valuable experience in the secondary next season. Most of the defensive backfield should be back in 2012, as Auburn looks to improve their pass defense.

A Go-to Wide Receiver

Emory Blake had a solid senior year as the Tigers’ top wideout, but the passing game went into the tank when Blake missed a few games to injury. It’s imperative that Auburn finds a reliable downfield target in 2012 to keep defenses on their toes.

Auburn fans will be looking for a breakthrough from returning players like Trovon Reed or Travonte Stallworth, or perhaps a newcomer will emerge. JaQuay Williams and Ricardo Louis, two highly-touted receiver recruits, are expected to arrive on campus for the 2012 season.

An Alabama Loss in the BCS Title Game

Auburn fans can't be thrilled about two SEC rivals playing for the National Championship. However, if one team has to win, you can be sure that they would prefer if it wasn't Alabama.

This is the third straight year where either Auburn or Alabama has played in the BCS National Championship Game.

A Bowl Win over Virginia

The 2011 season has to be seen as a letdown compared to 2010, but the Tigers can end it on a positive note with a victory over Virginia in the Chick-fil-A Bowl. A win would extend the Tigers' bowl winning streak to four games.

Auburn will face the Cavaliers in Atlanta on New Years' Eve.