ESPN’s Brad Edwards has AU in the 2015 Playoffs

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Of most interest to SEC fans is Edwards’ prediction that Auburn will be one of the four playoff teams next season along with USC, Ohio State and Oklahoma State. Edwards places Auburn against Oklahoma State in the Cotton Bowl (the two semifinal games are hosted by the Cotton and Orange Bowls next year).

Edwards cites the fact that despite the QB change for Auburn, it is done so within a system that allows first-year starters to have success (similar to Ohio State and the Buckeyes’ 2014 run). Of course, many Auburn fans eagerly anticipate Jeremy Johnson as the starting quarterback in 2015.

On the defensive side of the ball, it’s all about the addition of Will Muschamp as defensive coordinator.

Lastly, Edwards makes the point that despite the usual tough schedule for any team in the SEC West, Auburn’s 2015 schedule is manageable, and manageable schedules are a key ingredient to getting into the four-team playoff.

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