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FPRC's 2014 Auburn Tigers Football Preview
Posted on 8/22/14 at 6:23 pm
Posted on 8/22/14 at 6:23 pm
The Football Power Rankings Committee presents to tRant:
2014 Auburn Tigers Football Preview
2013 Record 12-2 (7-1) SEC Champion
Coming off a season where their special destiny dust ran out about 20 seconds too early, Auburn is hoping to do something that has been out of their reach since the 80s, demonstrate staying power at the top. Auburn has yet to post consecutive 10 win seasons in more than two decades despite multiple SEC and National Championships (2004,2010 suck it). Standing in their way of getting to 10 wins and a potential spot in the inaugural CFB playoff though is one of the toughest schedules in the nation, multiple injuries to key players and the Georgia Police Department.
2014 Offense Preview
Projected Offensive Line-up (subject to change)
QB: Nick Marshall
RB: Cameron Artis-Payne, Corey Grant
HBack: Brandon Fulse
WR: Sammie Coates, D’Haquille Williams, Marcus Davis
TE: CJ Uzomah
LT: Shon Coleman
LG: Avery Young
OC: Reece Dismukes
RG: Chad Slade
RT: Patrick Miller
Auburn has multiple Preseason All SEC members projected to start on offense yet their offense is still an unknown. As the national leader in rushing and rushing yards per game, the prevailing thought is that Auburn will keep chugging along daring defenses to stop this running game freight train. What many people don’t know about Gus Malzahn though, is that Gus historically operates a more balanced offensive attack and even at one point favored the passing game. Looking towards 2014 though, something will likely work for Auburn and it is a safe bet that Gus will favor it. Unfortunately no one knows what that will be
The Passing Game
Considering Auburn is coming off their 2013 season as a team that made Georgia Tech’s triple option resemble Texas A&M’s Air Raid, Auburn is poised to have a dangerous passing game in 2014. With a WR who finished in the top 3 nationally in YPC in Sammie Coates and one of the most talented JUCO WR prospects in history in D’Haquille Williams, Auburn has the playmakers and potential to be one of the league leaders in passing. The limiting factor will be their quarterback Nick Marshall. There were times during the last football season where Marshall made Jordan Jefferson resemble Peyton Manning. Auburn fans remain hopeful though as reports suggest Marshall has significantly improved his accuracy and passing skills this offseason. Unfortunately for Auburn fans, they said that about Kiehl Frazier before the 2012 campaign and a national championship coach ended up fired for that season.
The Running Game
If you gave Bret Bielema a jelly doughnut for every yard on the ground Auburn got per game, Bret Bielema’s appetite would amazingly be satisfied; Auburn was that good on the ground. With Nick Marshall making the read option an art form, Jay Prosch bulldozing potential tacklers and Tre Mason’s incredible ability to maneuver through the lane, Auburn was built to be a dominant rushing attack. Unfortunately two out of those three guys are on NFL rosters. Auburn fortunately has talent to spare and should not see a significant dropoff. Despite losing the SEC’s leading rusher, Auburn is returning enough rushing yards to have been ranked in the top 10 in the SEC last year. Corey Grant is weighing in over 200 pounds and has the speed of an Alabama 100m track champion. Cameron Artis Payne has had dominating performances in big games such as the SEC championship. Additionally, Auburn has added 5* RB Roc Thomas and potential breakout star and starter Peyton Barber. Finally, QB Nick Marshall was ranked 7th in rushing in the SEC and his decision making, if anywhere near as effective as 2013, will make Auburn dangerous once again on the ground.
Offensive Line
Auburn's offensive line is looking to punch defenses harder than Ray Rice punches his girlfriend. Auburn is missing two key pieces: preseason All SEC OG Alex Kozan due to injury and former LT and the NFL's #2
overall draft pick Greg Robinson. While those would be crippling to most teams, Auburn has been able to shift their OL around to have 4 players with SEC starting experience and former 5* Shon Coleman at LT that has gotten high reviews.
2014 Special Teams Preview
In 2013 Auburn's Special Teams were definitely a strength. Unfortunately the punter (Steven Clark), the kicker (Cody Parkey), and the returner (Chris Davis) are all gone. Auburn will be replacing Clark and Parkey with Sophomore Daniel Carlson, and Davis with...a slew of contenders (I realize that's avoiding the question but you can't really get a good feel for a returner until you see them in a game).
It's safe to say that special teams will go through some growing pains and won't be as good as last year, but they should be a solid group when all is said and done.
2014 Auburn Tigers Football Preview
2013 Record 12-2 (7-1) SEC Champion
Coming off a season where their special destiny dust ran out about 20 seconds too early, Auburn is hoping to do something that has been out of their reach since the 80s, demonstrate staying power at the top. Auburn has yet to post consecutive 10 win seasons in more than two decades despite multiple SEC and National Championships (2004,2010 suck it). Standing in their way of getting to 10 wins and a potential spot in the inaugural CFB playoff though is one of the toughest schedules in the nation, multiple injuries to key players and the Georgia Police Department.
2014 Offense Preview
Projected Offensive Line-up (subject to change)
QB: Nick Marshall
RB: Cameron Artis-Payne, Corey Grant
HBack: Brandon Fulse
WR: Sammie Coates, D’Haquille Williams, Marcus Davis
TE: CJ Uzomah
LT: Shon Coleman
LG: Avery Young
OC: Reece Dismukes
RG: Chad Slade
RT: Patrick Miller
Auburn has multiple Preseason All SEC members projected to start on offense yet their offense is still an unknown. As the national leader in rushing and rushing yards per game, the prevailing thought is that Auburn will keep chugging along daring defenses to stop this running game freight train. What many people don’t know about Gus Malzahn though, is that Gus historically operates a more balanced offensive attack and even at one point favored the passing game. Looking towards 2014 though, something will likely work for Auburn and it is a safe bet that Gus will favor it. Unfortunately no one knows what that will be
The Passing Game
Considering Auburn is coming off their 2013 season as a team that made Georgia Tech’s triple option resemble Texas A&M’s Air Raid, Auburn is poised to have a dangerous passing game in 2014. With a WR who finished in the top 3 nationally in YPC in Sammie Coates and one of the most talented JUCO WR prospects in history in D’Haquille Williams, Auburn has the playmakers and potential to be one of the league leaders in passing. The limiting factor will be their quarterback Nick Marshall. There were times during the last football season where Marshall made Jordan Jefferson resemble Peyton Manning. Auburn fans remain hopeful though as reports suggest Marshall has significantly improved his accuracy and passing skills this offseason. Unfortunately for Auburn fans, they said that about Kiehl Frazier before the 2012 campaign and a national championship coach ended up fired for that season.
The Running Game
If you gave Bret Bielema a jelly doughnut for every yard on the ground Auburn got per game, Bret Bielema’s appetite would amazingly be satisfied; Auburn was that good on the ground. With Nick Marshall making the read option an art form, Jay Prosch bulldozing potential tacklers and Tre Mason’s incredible ability to maneuver through the lane, Auburn was built to be a dominant rushing attack. Unfortunately two out of those three guys are on NFL rosters. Auburn fortunately has talent to spare and should not see a significant dropoff. Despite losing the SEC’s leading rusher, Auburn is returning enough rushing yards to have been ranked in the top 10 in the SEC last year. Corey Grant is weighing in over 200 pounds and has the speed of an Alabama 100m track champion. Cameron Artis Payne has had dominating performances in big games such as the SEC championship. Additionally, Auburn has added 5* RB Roc Thomas and potential breakout star and starter Peyton Barber. Finally, QB Nick Marshall was ranked 7th in rushing in the SEC and his decision making, if anywhere near as effective as 2013, will make Auburn dangerous once again on the ground.
Offensive Line
Auburn's offensive line is looking to punch defenses harder than Ray Rice punches his girlfriend. Auburn is missing two key pieces: preseason All SEC OG Alex Kozan due to injury and former LT and the NFL's #2
overall draft pick Greg Robinson. While those would be crippling to most teams, Auburn has been able to shift their OL around to have 4 players with SEC starting experience and former 5* Shon Coleman at LT that has gotten high reviews.
2014 Special Teams Preview
In 2013 Auburn's Special Teams were definitely a strength. Unfortunately the punter (Steven Clark), the kicker (Cody Parkey), and the returner (Chris Davis) are all gone. Auburn will be replacing Clark and Parkey with Sophomore Daniel Carlson, and Davis with...a slew of contenders (I realize that's avoiding the question but you can't really get a good feel for a returner until you see them in a game).
It's safe to say that special teams will go through some growing pains and won't be as good as last year, but they should be a solid group when all is said and done.
This post was edited on 8/23/14 at 12:03 am
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Posted on 8/22/14 at 6:23 pm to The Nino
2014 Defense Preview
Projected Defensive Line-up (Subject to change)
DE: Gabe Wright/Davonte Lambert
DT: Montravius Adams/Jeffrey Whitaker
DT: Angelo Blackson/Ben Bradley/Devaroe Lawrence
DE: Ladarius Owens/ Elijah Daniel
LB: Cassanova McKinzy
LB: Kris Frost
CB: Jonathan Mincy
CB: Josh Holsey/Jonathan Jones
FS: Jermaine Whitehead
BS: Rudy Ford/Derrick Moncreif
Star: Justin Garrett/Robenson Therezie
Auburn runs a Base 4-2-5 with additional packages.
This could arguably be the biggest wildcard of any top ranked SEC team. Auburn's defense lost them a national championship last year as Jameis Winston treated this defense like an intoxicated Co-Ed. How much of that was due to being the first year in a system with young players? How much was due to a certain linebacker who is now graduated? Ellis Johnson has a lot to prove going into his second year and has a number of question marks that need to be addressed.
Defensive Line
This unit is the tale of two cities. At defensive tackle, there is talent and depth, returning every DT from last year
with significant playing time, adding JUCO players and returning Jeffrey Whitaker. Auburn experienced tremendous success with an extremely deep rotation that kept players fresh. While there may be only one dominant player in Monty Adams at defensive tackle, it is a strength due to depth and should provide as a formidable front.
Defensive end is in the exact opposite situation as DT. Missing are guys like Dee Ford (NFL) and Carl Lawson (due to injury). Missing is the depth provided by smart recruiting. Missing is the speed needed to get to the passer. Since 2011, the only bright spots for Auburn's DL has come from the DE position. Guys like Corey Lemonior, Dee Ford and Carl Lawson played above the level of a struggling DL. Guys like Gabe Wright, a converted DT, are poised to start at DE and there are no speed rushers that have stood out.
Linebacker
For the first time in 3 years, Auburn will not be starting Jake Holland. This unit will be vastly improved. Also of note, Anthony Swain has recovered from his devastating injury last year against Arkansas. Cassanova McKinzy
and Kris Frost should be able to hold their own out on the field. Freshman 5* Tre Williams has been making a strong push for a spot on the 2 deep. If he isn't redshirted, expect to see him getting some PT.
Cornerback
Following the theme of not knowing what you are going to get, Auburn's cornerback position is in a state of flux. Off to the NFL is a solid performer in Chris Davis but back are injured players Josh Holsey and Jonathan Jones, both who would have played significantly last year. With returning starter Jonathan Mincy and both Jones and Holsey, Auburn will have a solid defensive backfield but likely will not be considered "elite". Of note, former 5* Louisiana bred player Trovon Reed has moved in his senior year from WR to CB. Look for him to be on the field after rave reviews.
Safety
Auburn's safety position is the one position on defense that Auburn fans feel confident about. Multi-year returning starter Jermaine Whitehead is a rock at field safety. At the boundary safety, Rudy Ford and Derrick Moncrief are both ultra talented and highly praised. For the first time since the Tuberville era, Auburn will have safeties that will rank in the upper echelon of the SEC.
Star
Robenson Therezie came out of nowhere last year as an elite defender in the SEC. Unfortunately, eligibility concerns loom over his head and it appears that his backup Justin Garrett will get the nod. While this may seem like a downgrade for Auburn, Garrett was Ellis Johnson's first choice at Star last year before a freak injury sidelined Garrett for a medical redshirt. After being the Spring Game Defensive MVP, Garrett is looking to provide size and speed to the star position that should be scary for opposing defenses
2014 Schedule
Aug 30 vs Arkansas
Sept 6 vs San Jose State
Sept 18 @ Kansas State
Sept 27 vs Louisiana Tech
Oct 4 vs Louisiana State
Oct 11 @ Mississippi State
Oct 25 vs South Carolina
Nov 1 @ Ole Miss
Nov 8 vs Texas A&M
Nov 15 @ Georgia
Nov 22 vs Sanford
Nov 29 @ Alabama
Yeah, Auburn didn't catch much of a break with this schedule. Opening with a very hungry Arkansas squad then traveling to Manhattan, KS to face a solid Kansas State team on a Thursday night is not the ideal way to start the first month of the season. Unfortunately, that's the easiest month on Auburn's schedule. Auburn will have to face not only the full slate of SEC West opponents, but also the two front runners in the SEC East (Georgia and South Carolina). Just to top it all off, both Georgia and Alabama are away games this season. If the Tigers can navigate this schedule with only one loss, I don't see how they could be left out of the Playoffs.
Projected Defensive Line-up (Subject to change)
DE: Gabe Wright/Davonte Lambert
DT: Montravius Adams/Jeffrey Whitaker
DT: Angelo Blackson/Ben Bradley/Devaroe Lawrence
DE: Ladarius Owens/ Elijah Daniel
LB: Cassanova McKinzy
LB: Kris Frost
CB: Jonathan Mincy
CB: Josh Holsey/Jonathan Jones
FS: Jermaine Whitehead
BS: Rudy Ford/Derrick Moncreif
Star: Justin Garrett/Robenson Therezie
Auburn runs a Base 4-2-5 with additional packages.
This could arguably be the biggest wildcard of any top ranked SEC team. Auburn's defense lost them a national championship last year as Jameis Winston treated this defense like an intoxicated Co-Ed. How much of that was due to being the first year in a system with young players? How much was due to a certain linebacker who is now graduated? Ellis Johnson has a lot to prove going into his second year and has a number of question marks that need to be addressed.
Defensive Line
This unit is the tale of two cities. At defensive tackle, there is talent and depth, returning every DT from last year
with significant playing time, adding JUCO players and returning Jeffrey Whitaker. Auburn experienced tremendous success with an extremely deep rotation that kept players fresh. While there may be only one dominant player in Monty Adams at defensive tackle, it is a strength due to depth and should provide as a formidable front.
Defensive end is in the exact opposite situation as DT. Missing are guys like Dee Ford (NFL) and Carl Lawson (due to injury). Missing is the depth provided by smart recruiting. Missing is the speed needed to get to the passer. Since 2011, the only bright spots for Auburn's DL has come from the DE position. Guys like Corey Lemonior, Dee Ford and Carl Lawson played above the level of a struggling DL. Guys like Gabe Wright, a converted DT, are poised to start at DE and there are no speed rushers that have stood out.
Linebacker
For the first time in 3 years, Auburn will not be starting Jake Holland. This unit will be vastly improved. Also of note, Anthony Swain has recovered from his devastating injury last year against Arkansas. Cassanova McKinzy
and Kris Frost should be able to hold their own out on the field. Freshman 5* Tre Williams has been making a strong push for a spot on the 2 deep. If he isn't redshirted, expect to see him getting some PT.
Cornerback
Following the theme of not knowing what you are going to get, Auburn's cornerback position is in a state of flux. Off to the NFL is a solid performer in Chris Davis but back are injured players Josh Holsey and Jonathan Jones, both who would have played significantly last year. With returning starter Jonathan Mincy and both Jones and Holsey, Auburn will have a solid defensive backfield but likely will not be considered "elite". Of note, former 5* Louisiana bred player Trovon Reed has moved in his senior year from WR to CB. Look for him to be on the field after rave reviews.
Safety
Auburn's safety position is the one position on defense that Auburn fans feel confident about. Multi-year returning starter Jermaine Whitehead is a rock at field safety. At the boundary safety, Rudy Ford and Derrick Moncrief are both ultra talented and highly praised. For the first time since the Tuberville era, Auburn will have safeties that will rank in the upper echelon of the SEC.
Star
Robenson Therezie came out of nowhere last year as an elite defender in the SEC. Unfortunately, eligibility concerns loom over his head and it appears that his backup Justin Garrett will get the nod. While this may seem like a downgrade for Auburn, Garrett was Ellis Johnson's first choice at Star last year before a freak injury sidelined Garrett for a medical redshirt. After being the Spring Game Defensive MVP, Garrett is looking to provide size and speed to the star position that should be scary for opposing defenses
2014 Schedule
Aug 30 vs Arkansas
Sept 6 vs San Jose State
Sept 18 @ Kansas State
Sept 27 vs Louisiana Tech
Oct 4 vs Louisiana State
Oct 11 @ Mississippi State
Oct 25 vs South Carolina
Nov 1 @ Ole Miss
Nov 8 vs Texas A&M
Nov 15 @ Georgia
Nov 22 vs Sanford
Nov 29 @ Alabama
Yeah, Auburn didn't catch much of a break with this schedule. Opening with a very hungry Arkansas squad then traveling to Manhattan, KS to face a solid Kansas State team on a Thursday night is not the ideal way to start the first month of the season. Unfortunately, that's the easiest month on Auburn's schedule. Auburn will have to face not only the full slate of SEC West opponents, but also the two front runners in the SEC East (Georgia and South Carolina). Just to top it all off, both Georgia and Alabama are away games this season. If the Tigers can navigate this schedule with only one loss, I don't see how they could be left out of the Playoffs.
This post was edited on 8/24/14 at 2:33 am
Posted on 8/22/14 at 6:24 pm to The Nino
Analysis of the Coaching Staff
All the major pieces of the 2013 staff will be back in Auburn's 2014 campaign. Head to toe, it has to be considered one of the best staffs in the SEC. Coach Malzahn has proven he can and will adjust his offense to fit his players, and his gameday play calling was some of the best last year. You're supposed to see the most improvement in a team during their 2nd season with a staff...hopefully that saying holds true
Offseason Report
Auburn has had a busy offseason...which is rarely a good thing. OL Alex Kozan injured his back and will be out for the entire season. DL Carl Lawson injured his knee and will be out for at least 1/3 of the season. QB Nick Marshall and DB Jonathon Mincy are out for an indefinite amount of time (part of the Arkansas game) for trying to minor in horticulture. Robenson Therezie's near future on the field is hazy at best. Other than that, it's been a fantastic offseason for the Tigers
Ticket to the Playoff
Auburn's biggest obstacle is probably their schedule. Navigating it unblemished seems very unlikely.
I see the OL as an area that will make or break Auburn. Replacing 2 members of last year's line is no easy task. If this new line gels well, Gus' offense will run smoothy. If the line isn't up to par, then Auburn will have to rely on their defense to keep them in the game. That's probably not what Auburn fans want.
This Barner's Opinion
I really don't know what to expect this season. That schedule would be tough on any team. I think 9-10 wins in the regular season is a reasonable expectation. If the cards fall right again, 11 wins is obtainable. If the Tigers can get to 11 wins and then win the SECCG, Auburn has to be in the playoffs.
I see no better ending to this preview than Takeo Spikes infamous WFE...so here y'all go
All the major pieces of the 2013 staff will be back in Auburn's 2014 campaign. Head to toe, it has to be considered one of the best staffs in the SEC. Coach Malzahn has proven he can and will adjust his offense to fit his players, and his gameday play calling was some of the best last year. You're supposed to see the most improvement in a team during their 2nd season with a staff...hopefully that saying holds true
Offseason Report
Auburn has had a busy offseason...which is rarely a good thing. OL Alex Kozan injured his back and will be out for the entire season. DL Carl Lawson injured his knee and will be out for at least 1/3 of the season. QB Nick Marshall and DB Jonathon Mincy are out for an indefinite amount of time (part of the Arkansas game) for trying to minor in horticulture. Robenson Therezie's near future on the field is hazy at best. Other than that, it's been a fantastic offseason for the Tigers
Ticket to the Playoff
Auburn's biggest obstacle is probably their schedule. Navigating it unblemished seems very unlikely.
I see the OL as an area that will make or break Auburn. Replacing 2 members of last year's line is no easy task. If this new line gels well, Gus' offense will run smoothy. If the line isn't up to par, then Auburn will have to rely on their defense to keep them in the game. That's probably not what Auburn fans want.
This Barner's Opinion
I really don't know what to expect this season. That schedule would be tough on any team. I think 9-10 wins in the regular season is a reasonable expectation. If the cards fall right again, 11 wins is obtainable. If the Tigers can get to 11 wins and then win the SECCG, Auburn has to be in the playoffs.
I see no better ending to this preview than Takeo Spikes infamous WFE...so here y'all go
Posted on 8/22/14 at 6:24 pm to The Nino
Woo! Champs in the house! 
Posted on 8/22/14 at 6:25 pm to The Nino
Nick Fairley wouldn't be able to read all those words.
This post was edited on 8/22/14 at 6:26 pm
Posted on 8/22/14 at 6:25 pm to The Nino
You know there is an Auburn board, right?
Posted on 8/22/14 at 6:25 pm to Tiger n Miami AU83
thank god these things are over with.
Posted on 8/22/14 at 6:26 pm to The Nino
I enjoyed the Bert joke
Posted on 8/22/14 at 6:28 pm to geauxnavybeatbama
quote:I'll pass the message along to the writer
I enjoyed the Bert joke
Posted on 8/22/14 at 6:36 pm to geauxnavybeatbama
A write up about Auburn and still can't get Bert off your mind....
Not sure if funny or sad....
Not sure if funny or sad....
Posted on 8/22/14 at 6:39 pm to OSqueal
It's hard to get him off my mind when he was in the article, or did you not read it?
Posted on 8/22/14 at 6:51 pm to geauxnavybeatbama
So this is written about Bert?
Posted on 8/22/14 at 6:59 pm to OSqueal
Hey O squeal it might be time to change the tampon. 
PS Hope you are well
PS Hope you are well
Posted on 8/22/14 at 7:02 pm to The Nino
I found this to be a very well written piece and it touched on all of my curiosities about Auburn's upcoming season without a bunch of bullshite.
Posted on 8/22/14 at 7:11 pm to The Nino
Well done. 
Posted on 8/22/14 at 7:19 pm to wartiger2004
What ever help ya sleep at night princess...
Posted on 8/22/14 at 7:20 pm to K9
quote:
thank god these things are over with.
No shite. At least they aren't stickied so every s i n g l e time you click on the rant you don't see it again.
Posted on 8/22/14 at 7:24 pm to The Nino
quote:I lol'd
tried to minor in horticulture
Posted on 8/22/14 at 7:24 pm to crimsonsaint
quote:give it time
At least they aren't stickied
Posted on 8/22/14 at 7:26 pm to Landmass
quote:
You know there is an Auburn board, right?
You know they did this for every team right?
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