Where I Come From: Expectations For The Season
by Jay Coulter on Jul 12, 2010 1:00 AM CDT
in EA Sports NCAA FB 11
36 comments
This post is sponsored by EA Sports NCAA Football 2011.
This summer certainly feels different from the last one. By last July, we'd learned that Gene Chizik knew a thing or two about recruiting. Sending your assistants out in white limousines around the state to visit high school kids was a stroke of genius. Asking many of those same kids to join you in rolling Toomer's Corner in the off-season was another sign of ingenuity. The only thing we didn't know was whether or not he could coach.
A year later, that question has been partly answered. Few fans or pundits gave the new Auburn head coach a snowballs chance in Tampa of winning eight games. Collecting more than six wins would take something of a miracle. In the end, Auburn was a few near misses from playing in a BCS bowl game. The results were good by most anyone's standards.
With season two looming, there are still some in the Auburn community who are taking a wait and see approach on Chizik. The first 17 months have been impressive, but now there are expectations. Unlike years past, few people have seen this Auburn team on the practice field. With spring practice more secure than Fort Knox, anyone who says they know this team is only speculating.
The possibilities for Gus Malzahn's offense are endless. Top-to-bottom this is an excellent unit - at least on paper. The million dollar question is how good will quarterback Cam Newton be in his first year on the Plains. With able receivers in Darvin Adams and Terrell Zachery, the question remains whether Trooper Taylor can find a capable third and even fourth receiver. To take things to the next level, Quindarius Carr, Emory Blake and DeAngelo Benton must step up and fill those roles - something they struggled with last season.
Another lingering question is whether running back Mario Fannin can endure an entire season of SEC contact. He's spent his career nursing a nagging shoulder. Look for Onterio McCallebb and freshman Michael Dyer to take some of the load off Fannin. If he stays healthy, Auburn could have a backfield that rivals that one in Tuscaloosa.
With the exception of Brandon Mosley, Auburn's offensive line will be an all-senior unit. Center Ryan Pugh and left tackle Lee Ziemba will headline a group that's among the best in the nation. Armed with capable backups, Newton should have plenty of time to throw the football.
New defensive coordinator Ted Roof caught grief in some circles last season for the number of yards surrendered. A closer look reveals that he did more with less than any coordinator in the country. Things should improve in 2010. But with a lightning fast spread offense, Auburn's defense will never rank among the conference's best statistically. It just can't happen.
That doesn't mean things can't improve drastically. It starts with the defensive line. Antoine Carter, Nick Fairley, Mike Blanc and Michael Goggans will bring much needed experience. Add in Nosa Eguae, Zach Clayton and Dee Ford and suddenly, Roof has a pretty good situation on the defensive line.
At linebacker things appear to be even better. Josh Bynes and Craig Stevens have a chance to be among the SEC's best. It will be interesting to watch how All-SEC Freshman Daren Bates makes the adjustment to linebacker from the safety position. Eltoro Freeman will add needed depth and will likely see as much playing time as the starters.
The defensive secondary was uneven at times last year. Experience should help correct this issue. It will be imperative that cornerbacks Neiko Thorpe and Demond Washington improve their craft. They will be tested mightily once they get into the meat of the conference schedule. At safety, it's the return of the starters. After battling injuries last year, Aairon Savage and Mike McNeil are expected to be a strength of this defense. How they do will go a long ways in determining the outcome of Auburn's season.
Like last season, there are a lot of toss up games. Noted prognosticator Phil Steele says it's possible for Auburn to grab 11 games. In his preseason guide, Steele writes, "They (Auburn) get four key SEC games at home and my main set of power ratings calls for an 11-1 season with an 11-0 vs. 11-0 showdown versus Alabama in game 12. The Tigers will top last year's eight win total."
While Auburn has a favorable schedule, it remains brutal. The only favorable parts are the number of home games against the competition. Chizik welcomes Clemson, South Carolina, Arkansas, LSU and Georgia to Jordan-Hare Stadium. Dangerous road games loom at Miss State, Kentucky and Ole Miss. The Iron Bowl is the last thing on this staff's mind heading into August. It will take a lot of work and some luck to roll into Tuscaloosa undefeated.
I can't wait to get started.
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9-10
I think 9-10 wins would be great. I dont really expect any problems on offense but I still dont think the D will be were it needs to be. We usaully have a better d-line, yes we have alot of talent coming in but its going take them a year to come along.However it is possible to get to bama at 11-0 if everything goes right. I just think a game like clemson,arkansas, lsu or uga might cause a slip up or 2. But if we can get to 10 wins say 10-2 and play in the cotton or capital one bowl itd be a really good year. Then if we win that bowl game and finish 11-2, with key parts coming back we could make a run at a title the year after. The biggest thing is auburn not beating auburn. arkansas,kentucky and uga were games that we gave away. limit our mistakes and we should have a great season
There's optimism, and then there's the other thing.
Another lingering question is whether running back Mario Fannin can endure an entire season of SEC contact. He’s spent his career nursing a nagging shoulder. Look for Onterio McCallebb and freshman Michael Dyer to take some of the load off Fannin. If he stays healthy, Auburn could have a backfield that rivals that one in Tuscaloosa.
…
…
For real?
Yes, I'll agree with that.
The numbers bear it out; both teams put up similarly impressive rushing numbers last year, with outstanding total yardage and YPC while avoiding fumbles. The only notable statistical difference was rushing touchdowns Alabama scored 7 more rushing touchdowns. To put that in perspective, I just invented a stat called “touchdowns per carry,” right now — in 2009, Alabama averaged a TD every 19 carries, while Auburn averaged one every 23 carries. Still, that difference doesn’t invalidate your claim.
But I don’t see how that gives any validity to the supposition I quoted above. Auburn loses a senior running back who accounted for just about half of their total rushing yards last year. McCallebb performed in the backup role; in fact, his 2009 numbers more or less match those of Alabama’s Richardson.
But Alabama returns Ingram AND Richardson, as a junior and sophomore (respectively). I haven’t seen any evidence that leads me to believe Fannin (if and when healthy) and McCallebb will compare. Fannin hasn’t cracked 300 rushing yards on the season since he put up 450 his freshman year. And if we’re counting five star chickens before they hatch, while Auburn adds true freshman Dyer to the rotation, Alabama adds Eddie Lacy (who’s had a year to prep as a redshirt). Your supposition therefore assumes a tremendous amount of progress and success from Auburn’s returning backs — someone has to account for Tate’s stellar numbers — and significant regression or stagnation from Alabama. None of the football I watched last year gives me reason to believe the latter will occur, and I’m simply not sold on Fannin.
Of course, I suppose you’re correct that anything can happen. McCallebb or Dyer could have a breakout season, even in a spread offense. Still, I’m wondering whether the backfield in Tuscaloosa will rival Auburn’s from 2004. (Hmm. Actually, both Auburn and Alabama rushed for more yards last year than Auburn’s ’04 squad, and Ingram and Richardson outperformed Cadillac and Brown.)
What you fail to mention or realize......
is the fact that McCallebb was injured for the majority of the season last year and not only missed games but was limited in his carries as a result. You have also failed to realize that the significant amount of Fannins touches last year were on pass plays and that he gained a significant amount of yardage after contact. Dyer may be the best thing since sliced bread or he may not time will tell…but I don’t think AU having a backfield that rivals Ingram and Richardson depends on him having a breakout season. Your off the cuff comment “McCallebb and Dyer could have a breakout season, even in a spread offense” shows some of your ignorance. Do you not realize that Malzahn’s offense was as evenly balanced between run and pass plays as any in the country? And to say that Bama’s backfield last season rivaled AU’s ’04 backfield is a little like comparing apples and oranges since they faced different defenses and had different team dynamics….I dare say that having an NFL calibre QB in ’04 that AU could rely on made a pretty big difference in offensive strategy. Very few times did bama ask McElroy to do anything other than manage the game and not make mistakes last season.
I would have gone to bammer if my grades hadn't been good enough to go to AU
Well, that makes two RBs to coming off injuries.
I didn’t mention Fannin’s 400-some odd receiving yards for the same reason I didn’t mention Mark Ingram’s 350-some odd receiving yards. But, there you go. Tate also had 100, and Trent Richardson had 125. Again, similar numbers.
And yes, I know I oversimplified Malzhan’s offensive philosophy — the ludicrous speed anti-run-and-shoot — I just meant to imply that, from what I’ve seen of it (esp. when all the personnel is in place), that offense passes to set up the run. That is, it’s pass first, not pass only. I should’ve been more careful with my diction and syntax: “…even in Mahlzan’s offense, which looks like a spread offense and functions like a spread offense in many ways, but is different in that it will still offer them plenty of opportunities.” But hey, if my comments reveal ignorance, I’d ask you to go back and see how many situations Greg McElroy was asked to be way more than a game manager and ditch that sorry meme. If I recall correctly, Mr. Ingram didn’t so much beat Auburn.
And as for comparisons becoming invalid because of different opponent, dynamics, and circumstances… well, I responded in the first place because of a supposed comparison. Which, granted, is silly, but hey, this is the silly season.
You are correct.......
not only did Ingram not beat AU he was a non-factor and yes after Bama was down to the last effort they did turn to McElroy and Jones to win the game and they pulled it out but let’s not go crazy and say that Bama game planned for McElroy to win the game with his arm or that McElroy is depended on to win games rather than manage them. And yes this is the silly season and I am ready for it to end.
I would have gone to bammer if my grades hadn't been good enough to go to AU
But then, let's get sillier.
Hey, look at how similar these apples and oranges are! In 2004, 56% of Auburn’s offensive plays were runs. In 2009, 57% of Alabama’s offensive plays were runs.
Let’s not go crazy and say that teams don’t depend on their starting quarterback to win games.
Bama certainly did in the Iron Bowl with their backs against the wall....
but that was the only bullet left in the gun. I somehow doubt that was Bama’s gameplan….even coming out after halftime they still thought they would win it on the ground. I’m not saying McElroy is a bad QB but I don’t think bama wants him to have to win the game and most Bammers that I know don’t either.
I would have gone to bammer if my grades hadn't been good enough to go to AU
The only bullet left in the gun was... passing?
Maybe, maybe not… I don’t speak for all “Bammers.” (Discourse!) My point is that you maybe shouldn’t, on one hand, imply that Cadillac and Brown’s numbers were hampered by a designed “offensive strategy” that asked… nay, demanded their NFL-calibre (sic) quarterback pass 44% of the time, while Alabama’s backs in 2009 picked up the slack for a lowly “game manager” who passed 43% of the time. That’s not comparing apples and oranges… that’s saying apples are a delicious fruit, but granny smith apples are an igneous rock.
Campbell had good numbers his senior year: 70% completion rate, 2700 yards, 20 TDs, 7 Ints, 173 rating. McElroy’s, as a junior in 2009: 61%, 2500 yds, 17 TDs, 4 Ints, 141. Not as stellar, but not bad for a year behind. (And McElroy ran for more yards, with higher YPC! Yes, I know, this is sniping.)
Hey, another neat comparison: Richardson ran for 51 and Ingram for 30 in the 2009 Iron Bowl. Brown ran for 55 and Williams for 41 in the 2004 Iron Bowl. Yet each pair ended up on the winning side of a one-score game. Let’s hear it for the NFL caliber and game managers alike!
by woolf on Jul 13, 2010 7:26 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
hmmm.....
let’s think about it: Bama’s down to the bottom of the clock without much chance to try and run the ball down the field because a) it hasn’t been effective the first 57 minutes of the game and b) they were down to less than 3 minutes left on the clock….so yeah passing the ball was their last bullet. And that bullet could be described as having a diameter or caliber or calibre…..but if you insist on using your little “(sic)” designation that’s fine as well…..although it is a bit pretentious.
I would have gone to bammer if my grades hadn't been good enough to go to AU
Fair enough.
Pretension noted and dispensed with… I don’t mean to slip into rootin’, tootin’ flamewar snark. Furthermore, I freely grant that ‘Bama was down to passing thanks to rank incompetence in the ground game (with all due credit to Auburn’s rush D). I merely meant that its not like ‘Bama hadn’t been passing in the game already. Hardly a gold-star offensive effort from either team, statistically, but McElroy went 21-32 for 218 yds and 2 TDs.
But enough about that game. That game is part of a tangent that spirals from my initial point, and now that I’ve actually dug up some numbers, I think I can rephrase that point as a question to you. Bear with me, because it all comes back around to my question, “For real?”
Here goes: statistically, Alabama’s backs in 2009 were at least equal to, and perhaps better than, the heralded duo of backs that led Auburn to their first undefeated season since 1957 — certainly, the best Auburn team I’ve seen in my lifetime, sometimes referred to as the “People’s National Champion.” (Not meant with malice, and I’m not sure where you fall on the issue.) The numbers I’ve cited bear this out — remarkably, both duos posted similar numbers in their WORST game (their respective Iron Bowl appearances). I’m not getting into strength of schedule or opponents’ defensive rankings — I’ll go there if need be. Otherwise, love or hate either team, both had great backfields similar in ability and results.
So… finally!… my question to you. Can Auburn’s 2010 backfield equal or surpass Auburn’s 2004 backfield?
If your answer is “yes,” we’ll kindly agree to disagree pending 2010 results, because even as a stonehearted, slack-jawed, limp-wristed, cross-eyed Bammer drunk on Crimson Kool-Aid and emboldened by internet anonymity, I strongly believe that Cadillac and Ronnie were, collectively, human badasses worthy of utmost respect, and that your guys now aren’t quite your guys then.
If your answer is “no,” then I’d politely ask you to reconsider the facts and your bold conclusion that Fannin, et al. (two players coming off injuries, one of whom has never rushed for more than 450 or so in a season, and a true freshman) will equal the returning backfield in Tuscaloosa that did, as underclassmen, what Caddy and Ronnie did as seniors. That’s what I meant when I asked, “For real?” Seems… highly suspicious, is what. At least, a smidge premature.
Or don’t. I’m not the boss of you. I’m just enjoying talking about football, and thanks for entertaining my opposition. Next, I’ll probably argue Ryan Pugh should have to play with a tripod taped to his chest so he can’t people block low. (Kidding! Curse you, worst instincts!)
There is no doubt that Ingram and Richardson.....
combined to have a stupendous season and I am not and cannot compare them to the ‘04 backfield which is difficult to do because of the vast number of variables that change from year to year in college football. The question was "can AU’s ‘10 backfield be as good as the Bama ’10 backfield?" And my anwer is simply yes they can…….Fannin has shown incredible atheletic ability as a runner with a huge upside……McCallebb has also. McCallebb was a five star reruit who before being injured showed us why he was given that designation. And while I don’t nessecarily agree that Malzahn’s offense passes to set up the run I could see why you would think that especially with limited time watching the offense work…. the offense is actually built on misdirection and flexibility to go in in direction from most every set, but again that was a tangent of the original question. The duo of Fannin and McCallebb are set to prosper for several reasons….talent not being the least of them….. Malzahns offense is set to allow for multiple backs to plenty of carries, add to that a very experienced, very talented OL.
I would have gone to bammer if my grades hadn't been good enough to go to AU
Do you think...
…AU’s 2010 backfield can be as good as AU’s 2004 backfield, or do you think such a comparison is also prohibitively complex?
I understand that Malzahn’s offense at Auburn is, as Smart Football calls it, a “smash-mouth spread operation” — that fits Auburn personnel. Perhaps I’m granting too much weight to Malzahn’s pre-Auburn predilections (he claimed that Tulsa was run-first, too, but regardless of balance, I never bought it). Certainly, neither of us is disputing these guys will have ample opportunity.
No I can't compare AU's '04 Backfield....
to this years tiger backfield due to the same complexity. I will say that they have the opportunity to put up similar statistics to the ‘04 team with the most important statistic being in the win/loss column. Our Schedule sets up nicely for another special season and while I don’t think the depth is comparible to the ’04 team I do think that the 2 deep is very close to being as good…….last season I was correct in my prediction and said I expected at least a 7 or 8 win regular season for the tigers….some scoffed and thought that was crazy (especially some of the bammer trolls) but what I saw was a team that had something to prove and the talent in the first 22 to play with pretty much anyone….this season I see a team that still has that chip on their shoulder and even more talent and depth, much like the ’08 Bama squad who overachieved and nearly won an SEC championship. This season anything less than 9 wins in the regular season will be a dissappointment to me and I fully expect to win more and challenge for the west. Nothing would excite me more than for the Iron Bowl to be for the West.
I would have gone to bammer if my grades hadn't been good enough to go to AU
1993 was Auburn’s first undefeated season since ’57, not 2004.
As far as comparing the 2004 AU backfield with the 2009 UA backfield, Auburn only played 11 regular season games in 2004. Bama played 12 in 2009, giving them 1 more game to to help amass statistics. But I agree with you basic premise that both were very good and worthy of much respect.
Anyway, carry on.
by Jumpn_JackFlash on Jul 14, 2010 5:26 PM CDT up reply actions
I voted 9 wins, but 10 is certainly possible.
I just see us beating a team or two that we shouldn’t and also losing to a team or two we shouldn’t.
The Arky game is going to be huge. Along with SC. The Miss St. game worries me as well. Really, there a lot of ‘trap’ games on the schedule. The better we start the better chance we stand towards the end of the season.
War Eagle
Im not
Over-hyping next years team, but we could possibly post 11 wins. If our offense pans out the way it is expected to, it could easily be top three in the SEC. Cam Newton will do big things this year.
If hip hop is dead, then it happened the day that Dilla died.
-Akrobatik
Most will agree.
Cam Newton is our biggest wild card. If he pans out, our offense should do very very well. It’s a wait and see game at this point. That’s what makes predicting w-l’s for this team very difficult.
War Eagle
I think most Auburn fans are a little too optimistic about this year's team
I say we win 8 games, maybe 9. I just hope that the people who expect us to win 10+ games don’t turn on the coaching staff if we don’t reach that goal.
Also, we need to beat LSU and/or Georgia. We’ve lost to those two teams too much lately, and they both come to Jordan-Hare this season.
what is going to happen when they win their first 8 or 9?...going to revise your optimism?
curious… what 8-9 Ws?
ok, a different question…
what of the first 8 or 9 games don’t you think Auburn will be favored in?
reminder:
Arky will have already lost to bama. (wk 4)
LSU could have 2 losses before they come to Auburn (wk1-UNC, and wk6-UF)
my thinking is,… Auburn will be favored in its first 10 games…and i do not consider the away games threats at all.
wappa
Just because we'll be favored doesn't mean we'll win
We only have three sure wins on the schedule this year. We don’t get Vanderbilt. Clemson will be good as usual. The Thursday night Miss St. game scares the bejesus out of me. We may be favored in almost all of our games but that doesn’t necessarily mean anything. We were favored on the road last year against an Arkansas team that was 2-2. We lost at home to Kentucky 21-14 when we were favored last year. I know they’re not the old Kentucky but they’re hardly a team we should lose to at home and only gain 315 yards against.
by jd is legend on Jul 15, 2010 11:16 PM CDT up reply actions
covered all the bases in the article...
there is still the potential for some position battles that could reshape some of the starting line-up for sure, but i agree with pulling out QB and safety as position play that has to show up to push AU into that 10 or more win category of things.
i think otherwise…we look more at 9 Ws. 9 Ws may or may not meet expectations. that would be interesting to discuss.
i think we all know what teams we are talking about right now …
Arkansas, LSU, UGA, and bama. having 3 of the 4 at home, i am going to first lean that Auburn will take at minimum… 2 of those 4…for a 10 win season. 11 Ws…is certainly possible. LSU would currently be on my list as the team of those 4 who could come into Jordan Hare and have already 2 losses and play with nothing to lose. That game scares me the most because for that reason…and that it will follow the war with Arky.
i still think that the 11 game run without a break is just too brutal for Auburn when facing this kind of schedule.
still, there is great improvement here…and a really, really exciting season ahead.
what i like about this team roster is the sense that there are leaders & upperclassmen well spread throughout the different positions. when you add to that the reality of a year where many underclassmen on this roster got a ton of playing time/ experience last year (even though they don’t return as starters)…this team is a ton more experienced than it shows on paper. don’t be surprised if we see a few surprises in the starting line up…
this is a really dynamic group coming in. i think that is why AU has been hesitating on the recruit trail with regards to our 2011 class… they want to see these guys on the practice field and get a sense of what we’ve got for the future.
i say…lets open it all up…a big CAN. both sides of the ball. WIDE F’N OPEN.
great comments… enjoyed all the thoughts.
wappa
Your highly optimistic attitude is refreshing Buddy Ro.
I want so badly to feel the same way as you, but at this point I am seeing too many red flags. Now, with that said, I think those red flags could disappear and we pull through and win 10-11 games.
Cam Newton still has everything to prove. As he goes, our offense goes. If he plays well, look out SEC. Our offense to be very explosive this year.
Darren Bates moving to LB has me not as much concerned about him as it does about our three returning safeties from injuries. One if not all three of these guys have to be able to perform to make the Bates move worth it.
Our secondary concerns me, because it looks to be our biggest weakness on D. A couple of guys will have to step up and make this unit more stout.
What do you think about this Buddy? I’d like some positive counter points.
War Eagle
I disagree......
on the statement you make about Cam Newton……sure if he comes in and lives up to the hype it will be stupendous but at the same time I think that Malzahn can gameplan enough to compensate for Newton’s strengths or weaknesses just like he did with Chris Todd. Chris Todd wasn’t a superb QB but was an able QB within the system. I expect the same out of Newton at worst……to be an able QB within the system and get the ball to the playmakers and this season we should have many more playmakers. As far as the move of Bates to LB that doesn’t decrease the depth for Safety because he can move back there fairly seamlessly if need be…….but it does put more speed and pass coverage ability into the depth chart at LB and certainly gives opposing QB’s more to think about when he is in the game. We also don’t have to worry about whether Bates will sacrifice his body to stop the run because the dude lays the wood on people without regard to his own health….I see plenty of reason for optimism this season. As far as our secondary I see the corner position being solid with Thorpe and Washington as long as they stay healty. And if they don’t Bell and Gulley will hopefully be ready…..I know the coaches had very good things to say about them in the spring. It also want surprise me to see Chris Davis or Trovon Reed see early playing time in backup roles at CB. Safety is busting at the seams with talent with Savage and McNeil back in the fold….not to mention if the doctors clear Zack Etheridge. Concerning Savage I don’t think he would be one of the Media Days representatives were he not ready to play. So drink some kool-aid it’s refreshing.
I would have gone to bammer if my grades hadn't been good enough to go to AU
Good points on Todd and the Malzahn system.
I do think he was a better passer than some wanted to give him credit for.
What I worry about the most with Newton is his ability to throw the football effectively. If he can deliver the ball down field and get it in to the hands of our receivers effectively I think our offense will be scary good.
I agree that without him being great we will still have potentially a good offense. But I am hoping for our offense to reach its full potential, and we all can agree that its very high.
If Newton can deliver the goods, I think its safe to say that we will have most of our opponents outmatched on that side of the ball.
War Eagle
I agree WarEagle86 with all four of your points.
Especially # 2 and # 4. I’m certainly looking forward to that type of season. Now if we can just see marked improvement on the defense, the sky could be the limit.
AubTigerman
"The reason you come to Auburn is because of Auburn people.This is a special place, from the coaches all the way to the fans" - Andrew McCain OT
by aubtigerman on Jul 14, 2010 11:01 PM CDT up reply actions
Chris Todd was hit or miss
If he had it, he was pretty good. If he was off (3-game losing stretch last year), he was awful.
by jd is legend on Jul 15, 2010 11:18 PM CDT up reply actions
there's a difference between optimism and confidence...
hope that AU will turn the corner in september and prove me right.
wappa
there is no doubt, the secondary is a piece that i need to be sold on.
i completely agree with the article that the safety positon is one of those… loose ends
left in the spring. for sure, that is the case.
i was not a complete fan of the bates move early. i assume,… assume,… that if the injuries still impede the players coming back, moving forward…what not… that bates will lose his “hybrid” status and get back to what he did so well last year.
i think the arkansas st wk1 game will prove a real time testing of this position for the coaches…and we might learn a bunch more by then also.
my sense is that we’ll see savage and mcneil early and it will shake itself out soon enough… etheridge seems to be a bit behind in his recovery…though his return could be HUGE for this secondary. i wonder a bit if he is being kept a bit of a secret for a reason. what a motivational return and crowd pleasing moment it will be for him to take the field again.
i think thorpe’s size and his maturity through the year (09) has him in a good place to assume a lock down assignment in the secondary…and take on key leadership if the senior is missing at safety.
demond washington will be solid with bell, mcneil, savage, & slade
i don’t like the idea of counting on any of the freshman in the secondary. that is scary.
especially when i think that it is going to be clearly the weak link. the advantage of getting those seniors playing CB and S and leaving bates in a LB would be obvious… we would have a real effective cover guy against the short to mid range pass game.
slade is a guy with size that can step in and fill in when thorpe needs a breath or we need to focus on a special match up.
newton is an unknown… but NOT like so many other new QBs in the SEC. this is a guy who is bringing in starts, stats, and confidence. the latter of which is the most imortant for this team in ‘10. others on the team will guide him into the SEC, others will provide the stats…
the unknown that newton brings to the table…is the reason that i think he was named starter…
cam has got to establish himself as a LEGIT threat to run … against miss. st., clemson, and s. carolina.
the other teams down the road have to honor it. we’ve got to force them to spend time defending his running ability.
if they do, it is going to open up play calls that we haven’t seen at Auburn all over the place. at that point,…cam will just have to get the ball in the AU playmaker hands.
if not, then he better be a damn good passer. if he can’t pass, we’ll have somebody else starting by week 3. we had around a 61% completion rate last year. i’m pretty sure malzahn won’t settle for less than that. in fact, i think this is expected to go up this year.
off subject… did anyone find it interesting that A.C. wasn’t in the SEC media team?
he has been very quiet this offseason it seems…anyone else get this impression.
with the potential of some young guys rotating at DE, i am hopeful he is the guy that can lead/mentor well this year. we need him so bad.
wappa
I agree that Newton is not exactly an "unknown"....
and I don’t think that it’s his passing accuracy that is the crux but rather his added threat of tucking it and running that will be the difference. You got it right his running ability will force the safety’s to cheat toward the line for containment on the QB and that puts the corners on an island and if you put Darvin Adams or Terrell Zachery one on one with most corners in the league……well then I like our chances for the jump ball. And that is why I don’t think it is Newton’s accuracy that will be the crux….now if he has good accuracy then look out and holy shyte we will be a juggernaut on offense.
As far as A.C. and the media days team rep thing…..I have always gotten the feeling that A.C. wasn’t the extravert type but I could be wrong. Either way I feel like AU is well represented by those that were chosen.
I would have gone to bammer if my grades hadn't been good enough to go to AU
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