re: Why can't Auburn make it back to the NCG?

Well, they should be very good and challenging again. It could be possible if they have a star replacement for Tre Mason. But that dude got 300+ yards in the SECCG. He ran for 660+ yards in their three biggest games at the end of the season (Bama, Mizzou and FSU)and had 7 TDs combined to go with all the yards. He was the perfect RB for that system. And he actually had a higher YPC average in 2012 and over 1000 rushing in Chizik's offense (on a terrible team) - so he was a great player and not just a great system player. The dude had great endurance which was perfect for what Auburn does.