Auburn’s season could go one of two ways this year. As a team with grand ambitions and a steep hill to climb, the season could either go up in flames for the Tigers or it could result in an SEC East run that surprises everyone. After the blowout of Purdue in the Music City Bowl, though, Auburn is sure to get a mid-teens spot in the first AP Top 25 release of the season.
Jarrett Stidham is no longer the quarterback for the Tigers, but things should be fine on the Plains with the freshmen tandem of Bo Nix and Joey Gatewood offering hope for both next year and several more years to come. Kam Martin looks ready to step up and star in the backfield, but Auburn did lose a lot on offense.
They will lean heavily on a defense that looks to once again be among the strongest in the country. Last year’s unit ranked 14th nationally in points allowed, and the group should play near that level once again despite losing linebacker Deshaun Davis and defensive tackle Dontavius Russell as late-round NFL Draft picks.
The season opens out of the gate with a neutral-site showdown against Pac-12 hopeful Oregon at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. If the Tigers take down the Ducks, they will set the tone for what could prove to be a surprising season from Gus Malzahn’s program.