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Auburn College Football Predictions 2009

Written June 15, 2009 by InfoPlays

2009-auburn-tigers-football-preview After initial skepticism over the departure of Tommy Tuberville, fans are enthusiastic once again. Former defensive coordinator Gene Chizik will try to right this ship after leading the Tigers to an undefeated season a few years back and then leading the Texas Longhorns’ defense to a national championship. It could be a surprising year, but several things would have to happen. A quick start, offensive line consistency, better QB play, emerging playmakers and an improved kicking game. Maybe that’s too much to hope for, though. According to the college football odds to win the 2010 NCAA Championship, the Tigers are listed at +20000 odds to win it all.

Offense: Auburn fans had mixed reactions to the hiring of new head coach Gene Chizik. They remembered how good their defenses were under Tubervill’s staff before going to Texas. But they also knew how bad his record was while leading Iowa State. Auburn Tigers fans were won over by the end of spring, largely due to the promise of their defense and a good recruiting class. Heralded guru Gus Malzahn, whose Tulsa teams led the nation in total offense the past two seasons, is the new offensive coordinator. The starting QB job is still undecided, and whoever can run a fast-paced game will get the nod. Either Kodi Burns, the ‘08 starter, or fellow junior Neil Caudle will be under center.

The backfield features powerful senior Ben Tate and versatile Mario Fannin, a threat to score every time he touches the ball. Newcomer Onterio McCalebb, the nation’s top prep school runner, has a chance to be special. The receiving corps at Auburn has underachieved the last few years, and that must change. Tim Hawthorne, Terrell Zachery and Montez Billings bring experience. Several first-year guys bring speed. Senior tight end Tommy Trott will try to rebound from knee surgery. A bigger, stronger line will be crucial. Ryan Pugh is the SEC’s best center and junior tackle Lee Ziemba could be all-conference, but there’s not much depth here.

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Defense: The Auburn defense has been one of the best in the country for years now. Will that change in 2009? Nine letterman departed, including two on the defensive line, five linebackers and the team’s best cornerback. Key injuries in the spring made matters worse. Start with the line. Senior end Antonio Coleman, a pre-season second-team All-American, is one of the nation’s best pass rushers. Juniors Michael Goggans and Antoine Carter at the other end make this a strong point. Senior Jake Ricks, and juniors Mike Blanc and Zach Clayton figure to man the defensive tackle positions.

Linebacker is very thin, but potentially dominating. Athletic Josh Bynes is loaded with talent. Craig Stevens, a starter in ‘08, will again be on the spring side. He’ll be supported by Marcus Jemison and Da’Shaun Barnes. Auburn is secure with Eltoro Freeman as their weakside starter. Spencer Pybus, a 2008 Freshman All-SEC honoree, also returns. The secondary figures to be a strength if everyone is healthy. Walter McFadden will be one corner. Neiko Thorpe should start opposite McFadden. Aairon Savage will push him for playing time, though. Safety is solid if Mike McNeil feturns from a broken bone, and back-up Mike Slade can shake off a spring injury.

We’ll see you back this fall if you want winning NCAA football picks this year. If you follow our expert football picks, you’ll be walking from the upcoming season a winner.