The Auburn Tigers were always going to struggle replicating their dream first season under Gus Malzahn in 2013, when they went oh-so-close to winning the national championship. Malzahn’s team did eventually go through a sophomore slump in 2014, losing four of their last five games to finish 8-5.
But even with a significant bit of turnover on offense during the offseason, things are looking up for the Tigers, who made some big moves on defense that are expected to once again make them major contenders in the highly-competitive SEC. Let’s take a closer look at Auburn and examine its chances of success for the upcoming season.
Don’t forget to check out our previews of college football’s other top contenders, the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Alabama Crimson Tide.
[sc:NCAAFArticles ]2015-2016 Auburn Tigers College Football Preview
Overview
[sc:NCAA240banner ]Malzahn must replace six starters on his offense, including their quicksilver quarterback Nick Marshall. Malzahn expertly tailored their offense to Marshall’s unique strengths, and he must now do the same for the team’s new starter, Jeremy Johnson. The junior definitely has ability, and he’ll still have a lot of weapons at his disposal with senior receivers Duke Williams and Ricardo Louis, as well as highly-touted junior college talent Jason Smith.
The biggest difference with the Tigers this season will be on defense, though, as Will Muschamp returns to Auburn to become the highest-paid defensive coordinator in the FBS. He’s already earned a bit of that cash by convincing 2015’s No. 1 overall prospect Byron Cowart to spurn his home state of Florida for Auburn. Muschamp will also have Carl Lawson back after a torn ACL, as well as last season’s top three tacklers – Johnathan Ford, Cassanova McKinzy and Kris Frost.
With a more complete team on both sides of the ball this season, the Auburn Tigers are priced at +1,200 to secure another national title.
Key Player – Jeremy Johnson
Nick Marshall’s shoes are going to be tough to fill, but Jeremy Johnson has shown in flashes that he’s capable of stepping up to the challenge. Johnson started Auburn’s 2014 season opener against Arkansas after Marshall was suspended for the first half. Johnson was brilliant in that game, as he went 12-of-16 for 243 yards and two touchdowns before giving way to Marshall in the second half.
Johnson is a more conventional quarterback, so don’t expect all the zone-read runs and improvised scrambles that captivated fans with Marshall at the helm. But Johnson can be great in his own right, and if the defense improves as expected, Auburn’s run toward a national title will rest squarely on his shoulders.
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Key Game – Iron Bowl vs. Alabama (Nov. 28)
There was no repeat of the dramatic Kick-Six for the Tigers as they were tamed, 55-44, by Alabama in Tuscaloosa last year. But the Iron Bowl returns to Jordan-Hare Stadium this season, where a new and improved Auburn will be waiting to greet the Crimson Tide.
Being in the cutthroat SEC West, Auburn will have a tough road to the College Football Playoff. But any hope the Tigers have of making it to the final four will be highly dependent on their ability to beat ‘Bama at home.
Best/Worst Case Scenario for the Season
Best Case Scenario
Muschamp’s defensive prowess comes as advertised as Auburn’s defense improves by leaps and bounds. Meanwhile, Johnson emerges as a dark horse Heisman candidate – he’s currently priced at +2,500 to take home the trophy – and leads the Tigers to the SEC championship, not to mention a place in the CFP.
Worst Case Scenario
Johnson struggles to live up to the expectations of succeeding Marshall as Malzahn is unable to recreate the magic that made his offense one of the most potent in the nation. Muschamp also falls flat in his face amid sky-high expectations and fails to solve the Tigers’ defensive woes.
Complete Schedule
| DATE | OPPONENT | TIME |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday, Sept 5 | vs Louisville (Neutral Field) | 3:30 PM ET |
| Saturday, Sept 12 | vs Jacksonville State | 12:00 PM ET |
| Saturday, Sept 19 | @ LSU | 3:30 PM ET |
| Saturday, Sept 26 | vs Mississippi State | TBD |
| Saturday, Oct 3 | vs San Jose State | TBD |
| Thursday, Oct 15 | @ Kentucky | 7:00 PM ET |
| Saturday, Oct 24 | @ Arkansas | TBD |
| Saturday, Oct 31 | vs Ole Miss | TBD |
| Saturday, Nov 7 | @ Texas A&M | TBD |
| Saturday, Nov 14 | vs Georgia | TBD |
| Saturday, Nov 21 | vs Idaho | TBD |
| Saturday, Nov 28 | vs Alabama | TBD |
Writer’s Prediction
Auburn experiences the expected drop-off from Marshall to Johnson, but Muschamp makes his presence felt by sorting out the defense. The Tigers take a step forward, but not quite enough to reach the CFP. Auburn goes 10-2.
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