Auburn Football: 5 bold predictions for the 2017 season

5. Auburn will have a top-10 defense

In head coach Gus Malzahn’s first season as the Tigers’ head coach, Auburn finished the season as the second ranked team in the nation and faced off against Florida State in the national championship game. The Tiger’s haven’t been in title contention since that season, but this could be the year that things return to form. And it all starts with the defense.

Last season, Auburn finished the year as the 24th ranked team in the nation. The had the 28th ranked defense in the nation. They’ll be better in both regards in 2017.

Auburn is returning the majority of their defensive starters, with the exception of starting linemen Carl Lawson, and Montravius Adams. These player’s absences will surely leave a void on the Tiger’s defense early on, but Auburn has a collection of young players who are eagerly awaiting a chance to fill these recently vacated spot.

Marlon Davidson, who started for Auburn last year as a true freshman at defensive end, could see his role expanded in 2017. He will become the focal point of the Tigers defense. In addition to Davidson, Auburn will also be returning starting defensive tackle Dontavius Russell, outside linebacker Tre’ Williams and cornerback Carlton Davis. The presence of these veteran players should alleviate any growing pains the new defenders will inevitably face, and should allow the defense to grow stronger as a unit from Week 1.