Auburn Tigers 2015 Spring Game Preview: Five things to watch for
By Logan Shaw
Nov 15, 2014; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators head coach Will Muschamp looks up against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
5. Will Muschamp Takes Over Tigers’ Defense
For the first time in the Gus Malzahn era, the Tigers will feature a new defensive coordinator, Will Muschamp. Muschamp, who previously served as the Tiger’s defensive coordinator in the 2006 & 2007 seasons, is taking over a defense that struggled very much at times during the 2014 campaign.
Last season, Muschamp was the head coach of the Florida Gators, a position he held for the past four seasons. Muschamp had times of success, but apparently not enough, as the Gators fired Muschamp after the 2014 season.
Muschamp wasn’t the greatest head coach, not everyone is, but where he excelled most was his role as Auburn, LSU, and Texas’ defensive coordinator. That’s why when Muschamp was let go from Florida, Auburn was quick to snatch up his talents, as Muschamp was unemployed very briefly.
Last season, the Tigers allowed 340 points, averaging 26 points per game. The defense looked good at times, sure, but they also looked brutally horrific at the end of the season, allowing more points than most other SEC teams in that span. I mean, Vanderbilt could have scored on Auburn’s defense last season, and the Commodores were horrid on offense. You get it. They were bad.
However, with a new defensive coordinator and much young talent, the Tigers are hoping to improve on an abysmal 2014 defensive season. The Tigers’ defense will be a main focal point of viewing in this Saturday’s spring game.
Next: The Quarterback Situation