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Auburn Football: Will Gus Malzahn avoid hot seat with bounce-back?

By Jake Mitchell

(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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AUBURN, AL – SEPTEMBER 2: Defensive lineman Marlon Davidson #3 and linebacker Jeff Holland #4 of the Auburn Tigers celebrate after sacking quarterback Shai Werts #4 of the Georgia Southern Eagles during the second half of an NCAA college football game at Jordan Hare Stadium on Saturday, September 2, 2017 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Butch Dill/Getty Images)
AUBURN, AL – SEPTEMBER 2: Defensive lineman Marlon Davidson #3 and linebacker Jeff Holland #4 of the Auburn Tigers celebrate after sacking quarterback Shai Werts #4 of the Georgia Southern Eagles during the second half of an NCAA college football game at Jordan Hare Stadium on Saturday, September 2, 2017 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Butch Dill/Getty Images) /

Defense will be team’s strength

While the offense has its unknowns, Kevin Steele’s defense faces very few questions. The front is elite, especially with Marlon Davidson and Derrick Brown holding off on the NFL and returning for their senior seasons. Nick Coe, the edge rusher, led the team in sacks a year ago.

This defense allowed 19.2 points per game a year ago, good for 14th in the nation. They also made big contributions to Auburn’s +9 turnover margin, which was good for 16th nationally and third in the SEC.

The secondary is also experienced, as it returns all four starters. The senior safeties, Jeremiah Dinson and Daniel Thomas, are the anchors of the defensive backfield. Cornerback Noah Igbinoghene is entering his junior season, and he could be set for a breakout campaign.

Auburn will have to replace all three starting linebackers from 2018. KJ Britt is expected to take control in the middle, filling the role of Deshaun Davis from last season. Owen Pappoe is a five-star true freshman, and he could be thrust into a big role this year.

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