quote:
DL - State: I know Auburn fans aren't going to like this, but I think State's DL will have more of an impact on the game than Auburn's. Don't think for a second that the OL issues at Auburn have been fixed in two games. You just played two teams that couldn't expose them. Mercer has been playing football for 5 or so years and Mizzou has no defense. I think State can and will impact the game here. Auburn's D-Line will give State's OL fits as well being that they are built a little similar to Georgia's.

LB - State: With Stidham not being a running threat, Pettway only being able to go up the middle and Johnson only being able to go to the outside, Auburn's run attack may be easier to scheme against. State on the other hand may be able open some things up if their o-line can dominate the LOS which will be tough. Being that Fitz can pose a bigger threat with his legs, I think Auburn's LBs will have the tougher road

DB - Draw: With QB play potentially being pedestrian, I don't see either defensive backfield being in too much trouble. Both will be able to force picks with the aid of their respective front 7s.

This is where you are missing the boat completely. There are 3 elite defenses in the SEC this year: Bama, UGA & AU. I know it's weird for ppl to adjust to the fact that AU actually plays defense now but we do. State has a very aggressive attacking front 7 that I think is going to give us some fits especially in the run game. But their defense is not at the same level as AU's.

Between Auburn's defense and getting State at home, I think Tigers win by at least 10 in a hard fought game. State isn't as good as they looked against LSU but are better than they looked against UGA. I think they are the #3 team in the West and will give AU a great challenge. Mullen always plays us close (except for last year