Because whenever AU is picked to do well, we shite the bed (see last season), and whenever we're picked to do shitty, we surprise everyone. It's historical fact.

But to answer your question:
1. We have the deepest and most talented D line in recent memory. There's a chance we haven't seen this good of a D line since Tubberville was at AU.
2. We have some solid experience in the secondary, and again not sure the last time we had this level of talent and experience.
3. Yes, the QB race is murky at best. I believe if White is named QB, he surprise a lot of people. He has a lot of potential that he didn't get to showcase last year. He came in and was given a limited playbook and was injured the majority of the season. For anyone who doubts his ability, watch the Arkansas game. He played extremely well, but his receivers were credited with 10 or 11 drops that game.
4. Last year Peyton Barber was our starting RB and still managed to eclipse 1,000 yards. While we're thinner at the position than we'd like to be, K. Johnson, Pettway and the rest of the backs are more talented than Barber.
5. Our O-line will be better. Xavier Dampeer (last year's starting center who didn't play because Duke Williams broker his jaw) is back at center which allows Golson to move to left guard. Also, while I liked our former O-line coach, J.B. Grimes, I think Herb Hand is an upgrade. I've been following him since he joined Franklin's staff at Vandy.
6. Herb Hand. Hand and Malzahn coached together at Tulsa and Malzahn trusts him. Hopefully, he'll bring some fresh thinking to the offense and also challenge Malzahn.
7. Last year Duke was a distraction and toxic. Unfortunately, he hung around way too long. This year, Malzahn isn't putting up with the BS (see Jovon Robinson).
8. Special teams

With all that said, we could go 5-7 or have a ten win season. My hope is at least 8 regular season wins.

This post was edited on 8/12/16 at 2:56 pm