College Football: 5 takeaways from April 7 spring games

2. Auburn Tigers (4pm, SECN)

The Auburn Tigers have high hopes for the 2018 season. They re-signed head football coach Gus Malzahn to an extension and have starting quarterback Jarrett Stidham back behind center. The Tigers also return four of their top receivers and a strong front seven on defense. What Malzahn and the Tigers need to figure out is a new feature back after the departure of Kerryon Johnson, and the defensive back situation that needs three new starters.

The Tigers have produced nine straight 1,000-yard rushers in their backfield. After losing Johnson and Kamryn Pettway to the NFL, Kam Martin, JaTarvious Whitlow and CJ Tolbert seemed like the possibilities as first-team backs while Devan Barrett took most of his reps in the Eli Stove wingback type position that will both run the football and serve as a receiver. Tolbert ran for 137 yards and two touchdowns while Whitlow ran for 100 yards. That battle will continue through the summer and in to fall camp.

The first team offense struggled behind a young passer in Malik Willis while Stidham recovers from surgery. Willis was 8-for-20 passing for only 45 yards. Freshman quarterback Joey Gatewood was 3-of-10 passing for 0 yards working with the second team.

Outlook: If Auburn finishes their schedule as a one-loss team they’re in the College Football Playoff. We didn’t learn a lot with Stidham on the sideline except that he must stay healthy.