Midseason College Football Playoff Predictions
Oct 4, 2014; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers head coach Gus Malzahn walks off the field after the game against the LSU Tigers at Jordan Hare Stadium. Auburn won 41-7. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports
3. Auburn Tigers
Yes, Auburn already has one loss, yes they have arguably the toughest remaining schedule in the country, and yes they are my favorite to win the College Football Playoff this year. Why? Because no other team has Gus Malzahn. He is the most innovative offensive mind in all of College Football. Auburn’s struggles have stemmed from failing to establish a solid ground game in their match-ups with Kansas State and Mississippi State, which is primarily due to lack of experience on the Offensive Line. I fully expect Malzahn and company to adjust and go on a tear through the rest of their schedule.
The Remaining Schedule
- South Carolina
- The Gamecocks are not who we thought they were. The defense is playing horribly and the offense isn’t playing much better. With this game in Auburn, the Tigers should win with ease.
- At Ole Miss
- Ole Miss loses their first game of the season in this match-up of SEC juggernauts. After a statement game against South Carolina, Auburn will be coming out guns a blazing. Look for Auburn’s bigger receivers to dominate their match-ups against the more diminutive CB’s that Ole Miss has. If the Tigers can capitalize on that advantage and establish the ground game,
- Texas A&M
- A&M has one of the best passing attacks in the country and probably my second favorite coach in Kevin Sumlin. Their weak spot is their defense, especially their rushing defense. If Auburn is able to establish the run game early, this should be a close high scoring game. Auburn pulls it out though.
- At Georgia
- Georgia is my favorite type of football team. One of the best rushing attacks and defenses in the country but how far can Hutson Mason bring this team. Mason hasn’t been playing terribly, but he hasn’t passed for over 200 yards this season. Auburn wins by about ten points in low scoring fashion in Athens.
- Samford
- Cupcake Win
- At Alabama
- Last year, the Iron Bowl was one of the best games of all time, in any sport, ever. I doubt that the performance will be replicated but this game should be close. Alabama is great in every aspect of the game and one of the greatest college coaches of all time in Nick Saban. That being said, I think Auburn wins another close one. I don’t know if Blake Sims will be able to perform in the big game but we’ll see in the Iron Bowl.