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SEC Power Rankings: No quarterback, no problem for Alabama?

By Hunter Kinniburgh

Sep 19, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) breaks a tackle by Auburn Tigers defensive back Jonathan Jones (3) during the second quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) breaks a tackle by Auburn Tigers defensive back Jonathan Jones (3) during the second quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 11, 2016; Hoover, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers head coach Gus Malzahn speaks during SEC media day at Hyatt Regency Birmingham-The Wynfrey Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 11, 2016; Hoover, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers head coach Gus Malzahn speaks during SEC media day at Hyatt Regency Birmingham-The Wynfrey Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports /
  • 2015 Record: 7-6, 2-6 (SEC)
  • Season Opener: Sept. 3 vs. Clemson

To say that the 2015 season was a disappointment for Auburn, might be the biggest understatement in the world.

A season that was built around the hype of Jeremy Johnson being the “next Cam Newton” ended early after the now junior quarterback threw six interceptions in the first three games of the season. Johnson was benched and in came Sean White to try and reverse the season for Auburn. While Auburn did finish the season with a bowl win, it was far cry from what was expected.

The 2016 season presents much of the same for Auburn, uncertainty at quarterback, and really no proven weapons on the offensive side of the ball. John Franklin III is expected to be the guy this year for Auburn. Franklin III is a junior college transfer from East Mississippi Community College. The Tigers do return Johnson and White at the position as well.

Jovon Robinson figured to be the central part of the offense at running back but he was recently dismissed from the team due to “not meeting team standards.” To go with the uncertainty at quarterback and running back, Auburn also does have a proven wide receiver group.

If Auburn is going to get back to a bowl game then they will have to rely on their defense, which at times can be very dominate. Carl Lawson’s return at defensive end is an enormous boost along with Montravious Adams at defensive tackle and Carlton Davis at corner.

Malzhan’s group probably won’t challenge for the SEC west crown in 2016 but they have young players of which they can build off of for the future.

Next: No. 8 Arkansas Razorbacks

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