2012-13 Football Previews – (SEC) – Auburn Tigers
Auburn fans weren’t thrilled when Gene Chizik, then from Iowa State, was hired to replace Tommy Tuberville, but Chizik has done an excellent job with the Tigers. He delivered the program’s second national title in 2010, its first since 1957.
SEC 2012-13 Football Previews: Auburn Tigers
Coach: Gene Chizik
2011 Record: 8-5
Auburn Gambling Odds from Bovada.lv to win BCS: 65-1
Auburn Team Page – Players Stats – Roster – 2012 Schedule –>
Last year, with only six returning starters, Chizik guided a team that many thought would just limp along in the SEC to a respectable 8-5 finish and a bowl victory over Virginia.
This year, the Tigers have 15 returning starters rather than six, so that bodes well, if nothing else. The SEC West division is an incredibly tough slog in 2012 (it seems to be getting nastier year after year), so it’s clear that Auburn has plenty of work ahead of it, in order for a strong campaign this time around.
Being entirely honest about it, a vast chunk of the credit for the 2010 National Championship belongs squarely in the lap of QB Cam Newton, now of NFL fame with the Carolina Panthers. Still, Auburn had a veteran offensive line and a defense that could be nasty in spurts. A couple seasons removed from that crescendo, the Tigers must look to other strengths to keep them in good stead.
The defense has speed to burn, and is led by DE Corey Lemonier. His 9.5 sacks made a statement last year and expect the highly-touted lineman to eat opposing pivots in his junior season. Hungry but undersized OLB Daren Bates will support Lemonier, as will rangy junior safety Demetruce McNeal. Yet, the Tigers “D” must be more consistently strong; though they can show flashes of brilliance, there were too many times where they got lit up in ’11. New defensive co-ordinator Brian VanGorder, formerly of the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons staff, will bring in size at LB, in order to boost the intimidation factor so sorely needed in this conference. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
Offensively, the QB play was pretty miserable last year. Departed Barrett Trotter, junior Clint Moseley and sophomore (then true frosh) Kiehl Frazier all had a kick at the can; they were all rather clueless. Hence, Auburn switches from a spread offense to a pro-style attack in 2012. The numbers should improve with Moseley or Frazier throwing to senior Emory Blake and senior TE Philip Lutzenkirchen, both notable talents at the skill positions. Moseley brings more with the arm, but Frazier adds a dynamic flavor thanks to his 4.5 speed. Auburn’s top four leading receivers return, with Blake and Lutzenkirchen joining Travante Stallworth and RB Onterrio McCalebb, who should have a strong senior season.
Auburn could have a top 10-ranked special teams unit, led by returning K Cody Parkey and junior P Steven Clark. Auburn’s impressive collective speed also really bolsters the ST units.
2012-13 Auburn Football Prediction: 7-6
The Tigers play their toughest games at home this season, which should be helpful. The 2012 campaign opens with a game against Clemson in neutral-site Atlanta (which is as good as a Clemson home game, with so many Georgians donning the Orange and Purple) and that should be a toughie. Auburn also must travel to Tuscaloosa to take on nemesis Alabama in the Iron Bowl on Nov. 24.
Auburn should make it to a bowl and should win it once they get there, but there are still tough tests versus teams like Mississippi State, LSU, Arkansas and Georgia, with the aforementioned Clemson and ’Bama mixed in there. A more veteran team will help and Chizik has weaved magic thus far, but I think it will be tricky for Auburn to match last year’s (rather impressive) eight wins.
2012 Schedule
9/1/12 7:00 PM ET CLEM
9/8/12 TBD @MISST
9/15/12 TBD ULMON
9/22/12 TBD LSU
10/6/12 TBD ARK
10/13/12 TBD @MISS
10/20/12 TBD @VAN
10/27/12 TBD TXAM
11/3/12 TBD NMXST
11/10/12 TBD GEO
11/17/12 TBD ALAM
11/24/12 TBD @ALAB
