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10. Close games: Many people don't remember Auburn only beat Washington State by 7. Sure it was the first game and they got better as the year went on. But then they beat Miss State by 4, Ole Miss by 8, Texas AM by 4, UGA by 6, Bama by 6. No doubt they were good at close games, but a few times the ball bounced their way when they easily could have finished 5th or 6th in the SEC west, yet fans act like they dominated everyone. 9. Flying under the radar: Later in the season everyone knew they were talented, but how many teams do you think circled the Auburn game on the schedule last offseason? 8. The team was hungry: Disrepected after going winless in the SEC and having their worst season of all time, they came out with something to prove. You are always the best on your climb to the top, and this hunger isn't easy to maintain. 7. New coach: You could sense nobody wanted to play for Chizik; Malzahn gave the players and university something to be excited and hopeful about. With the talent they already had, they were going to be a better team with any coach (not saying that Malzahn isn't good coach) 6. HUNH: His offense was something that most SEC teams were unprepared for. Every team will be studying film and spending time during the off season figuring out the best way to combat it (instead of sitting back and reading, teams must attack and penetrate the line of scrimmage like Florida State did in the second half) 5. The rest of SEC was down this year: Barners may argue against this, but the fact that FSU won the national title says something. 4. Miracles: Even though their luck ran out, they had two of their greatest plays in history. That doesn't happen year in and year out. 3. They thought they were the team of destiny. See above. 2. Pressure: Auburn had no pressure this year. Nothing to lose and no expectations. They will come into next season as the highest ranked SEC and be the ones with the target on their back. Auburn has always been an incredible team when they are underdogs and wet the bed when they are highly rated, playing up and down to their opponents. Expectations were lower than ever this year, but will be higher than ever next season. I think Auburn fans will come to realize how incredibly important this psychological factor is.

10. Early in the season AU was only running about 20% of their Offense due to Marshall late arrival. Remember they scored 43 against UGA, 34 against bama, 59 against Mizzu and 31 against the number one defense in the country. Marshall will get better and so will the Defense.

9. I do not think they were flying under the radar at the end of the season. Everybody knew about them. Their last three games were against the #1, #4 and #1 teams.

8. They are still hungry to win the NC.

7. This coaching staff had about 40 practices to evaluate the talent prior to the first game. This year will be much different. Gus's specialty is putting the right people in the right place for his Offense.

6. Gus was the OC for three seasons at AU before being hired as the HC. Most of those coaches they player were still around. Wait until Gus gets his passing game going and see how much that penetration helps. At Tulsa his Offense broke NCAA passing records. If you think his Offense is just running, you are a fool.

5. 7-3 in Bowls says otherwise. The only under performers were UGA and UF. Mizzu made up for both teams.

4. Up 21 points is not a miracle against UGA and the reason Saban tried the long FG was because he thought they would lose in OT. Bama's defense was gassed by the 4th Quarter.

3. The press called destiny, the team called it hard work.

2. This team was under pressure the last three games and handled it well.

1. Saban is gutting his coaching staff to keep up with Gus. As soon as they lose a few games with whoever the QB is, I do not think he will be thinking revenge. I am sure it helps you sleep at night.