re: Is Auburn underrated at #16?

The are either under or over rated.

We will not know...cause Auburn NEVER does what we expect them to do.

Underrated at 16?

If a 5 loss team should be rated 16 or higher, then yes.

You are full retard aren't ya?

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Let’s have this discussion when our serviceable defense is holding up the NC Trophy.

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I wasn't being critical of the D. I think that should be a strength, especially on the line.



I still think the OL will be much improved, with 5 returning seniors.

They are slightly overrated. 16 should be a 9 win team. They are more like 7 wins. So top 25 would be okay.

I believe the Pre-season ranking, FWIW, is about accurate. I believe it takes into account our incredibly tough schedule. I disagree with some of what you all are saying though.

For starters, We had a bad O-line for the first 6-7 games last year. They did improve the second half of the season and actually performed pretty well the last 4-5 games.After watching games for a second time, We started getting push on run plays and Stidham played scared and rolled out to his weak side when there was a clean pocket which made the line appear worse than it was. The Oline will be improved...it's just a matter of how much. I think the tackles are solid. The guards are ok and have potential...the Center position is where we struggled most last year and is where our success hinges this year.

Those saying Bo Nix throws too many interceptions, He is a true Freshman in Fall camp.. I think if he is the guy he will be more than capable of handling the call of duty and will have some growing pains, but he is a proven winner and a baller. Same goes for Joey G. I think Bo ends up being the guy. I just think he is too talented to keep on the bench but I also think Joey plays alot. Certain packages and maybe Redzone. JMHO

D-Line will be Elite. I think we have a guy step up to be an elite pass rusher. Maybe it's TD maybe its Big Kat..IDK but i think that element takes shape this season where it was lacking last year.

Secondary is solid and should be pretty good. Lots of experience in the 2 deep at every position.

Yes we lost our LBS. The guys we have coming in are no drop off though. KJ Britt and Chandler Wooten have PT experience. We also have Zacoby MCClain and The Fresh Phenom O. Pappoe in the mix. I think this group are superior athletes and have a higher ceiling than last years group. I also believe Pappoe is a full time starter by week 5 if not opening game.

All in all I think Auburn may have the most talented team overall since 2004. Yes I said it. I also believe that even with that talent, we could still lose 3-4. I predict 10-2 season

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Recruiting has been solid for years. Really good O-Line. Defense appears serviceable, at worst.

Is it the QB situation?

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Auburn will fly or die according to their OLine. Their line is experienced, but has not been very good. However, if they put it together the question mark at QB won't matter. If the Oline struggles it will spell trouble for an inexperienced QB.

Short answer? If the Oline improves they will have a big year. If the OLine struggles they might lose 4-5 games. You will not see them collapse, though. 16 is good place for them to start. I doubt they fall below that and could rise significantly.

We will know after September.
We play 2 teams ranked above us that month.

We will learn more in October when we play 2 more teams ranked above us and some conference foes who will be tough tests.

We will learn even more in November when we play two of the top 5 teams in the country.

It is what it is.

With this schedule, we get the chance to compete with the best. IF we win a bunch of games, we will be in the hunt.

IF we flop, we will go to Shreveport, Jacksonville, or Charlotte and “try to get our edge back.”

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Auburn will fly or die according to their OLine. Their line is experienced, but has not been very good.

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Their OL was much better at the end of the season. Just like every school in the SEC, Auburn will live and die with their QB play. That is how the SEC has worked the last 15 years.

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You are right...but I do think they will be elite.

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I would love for them to be elite, but (problem 1) we don't have a speed rusher that has shown an ability to play at this level consistently...(problem 2) that will make the lack of a known shut down corner more problematic in the back end. (problem 3) Our LB's are talented but young.

It isn't impossible to see each of those issues being figured out.

TD or Big Cat might become the speed rusher we need.

Iggy might take his talent and master the lock down CB thing.

Twill has shown an ability to coach people up.

However, it isn't hard to see one or all three of those being an issue all season and causing us problems in big games...oh yea, we have a bunch of big games.