Suggest Team Slogan War Eagle Is Going Spread Eagle

What we learned in 2007 We learned that Brandon Cox had eight years of eligibility? Seriously, I'll still be surprised if we don't see him under center next Saturday against Louisiana-Monroe. Cox was a tough guy, but the offense just never seemed to hit stride with him under center. A slow, prodding offense that finished 98th in the country will now be replaced.

Part of last year's problem was the Tigers top tailback Brad Lester was suspended five games for academic reasons. Ben Tate performed well in his absence, but Lester needs to be the man in all 12 games as they adjust to the spread. One misconception with the spread is that running the football remains incredibly important, but it's just not so smash mouth.

Despite all of the last year's troubles, Auburn got their deck in order and finished with two strong wins against Alabama and Clemson to give the '08 Tigers some much needed momentum.

Expectations in '08 A whole new Auburn. Gone is the run, run, play action, run, run offense that has been terribly painful, yet effective, at times. Tuberville has brought in offensive coordinator Tony Franklin, formerly the OC at Troy, to install a spread offense attack. It's going to take some adjusting to be sure, especially with the quarterback job up in air as well, but with so many others using forms of the spread, this was a good move.

Auburn fans would obviously like an SEC championship, and team begins very highly ranked in both preseason polls, but I think that's a bit high. Having to make trips to West Virginia, Mississippi State and Alabama to end the season, I'd be stunned if they went 3-0 there. The good news is that LSU, Tennessee and Georgia all make the trip to Auburn.

Sophomore Kodi Burns may be the QB for now, but junior college transfer Chris Todd will get his opportunities. How well these two adjust to the spread will be the different between an SEC West title and another trip to the Gator Bowl. I expect something closer to the latter.

What could hold them back Aside from the questions at quarterbacks, the other continual question mark for Tuberville is his wide receivers. Whether is was Brandon Cox arm, or lack thereof, you couldn't watch Auburn for more than a minute without seeing a dropped pass. Fortunately, the offensive line will be strong and give Todd or Burn enough time, but can Tim Hawthorne, Robert Dunn, Rodgeriqus Smith make the big plays?

Big Men on Campus Going with the full defense here would be the appropriate thing to do, but if we're to narrow it down to just two, it's will be hard to miss Antonio Coleman and Sen'Derrick Marks (awesome name). Just look in the opposing backfield, and you'll likely find these two beastly ends. Both will make a lot of money on Sundays. Auburn's defense is good enough to make up for any errors at QB and always plays that tough, physical style that's fun to watch.

Cheerleader Grade



A. Like you expected anything different from an SEC school.

Schedule and Predictions

Aug. 30	Louisiana-Monroe W
Sept. 6	Southern Miss W
Sept. 13	at Mississippi State W
Sept. 20	LSU L
Sept. 27	Tennessee W
Oct. 4	at Vanderbilt W
Oct. 11	Arkansas W
Oct. 23	at West Virginia L
Nov. 1	at Ole Miss W
Nov. 8	UT-Martin W
Nov. 15	Georgia L
Nov. 29	at Alabama W

9-3 (6-2 SEC) -- While I'm tempted to pick an upset over LSU or Georgia, but equally convinced they'll blow one game to Miss State or Arkansas, so I think 9 wins is right on the spot.

Your thoughts and predictions?