2013 record: 12-2 overall, 7-1 in SEC (1st in West division)
2013 postseason: BCS title game vs. Florida State (34-31 loss)
2013 final AP/coaches’ ranking: No. 2/No. 2
Head coach: Gus Malzahn (21-5 overall; 12-2 in one year at Auburn)
Offensive coordinator: Rhett Lashlee (second season); Dameyune Craig (second season as co-coordinator)
2013 offensive rankings: 1st rushing offense (328.3 ypg); 106th passing offense (173 ypg); 11th total offense (501.3 ypg); 12th scoring offense (39.5 ppg)
Returning offensive starters: 7
Defensive coordinator: Ellis Johnson (second season); Charlie Harbison (second season as co-coordinator)
2013 defensive rankings: 62nd rushing defense (162.1 ypg); 100th passing defense (258.6 ypg); 86th total defense (420.7 ypg); 48th scoring defense (24.7 ppg)
Returning defensive starters: 6
Location: Auburn, Ala.
Stadium: Jordan-Hare Stadium (87,451; grass)
Last conference title: 2013
THE GOOD
No one was able to control the Tigers’ powerful rushing attack and, even with the departure of its leading rusher, that’s expected to continue on into 2014 and the second season in Gus Malzahn‘s fast-paced, relentless offense. Having Nick Marshall, expected to be much improved in the passing-game aspect, in his second season as a starter should help soften the blow that was running back Tre Mason‘s departure for the NFL. As AU goes from the hunter to the hunted, it’ll be incumbent on Marshall to take that next step, one his head coach feels he’s ready to do.
THE BAD
When you have as magical ride as AU did last season there’s not a whole heck of a lot of bad going on, but the defense was, at the very least, suspect during that run to Pasadena. They were in the bottom half of the country in yards allowed per game, although they were in the top half in the most important stat: points allowed. That, though, was only good for eighth in the SEC. In fairness, it was the Tigers’ first season under coordinator Ellis Johnson, so the expectation is that just based on familiarity with the scheme the defense will improve. The good news is that there’s really nowhere for that group to go but up, especially as it relates to the rest of the SEC. There’s also the little matter of the schedule as AU has conference road games scheduled for Mississippi State (Oct. 11), Ole Miss (Nov. 1), Georgia (Nov. 15) and Alabama (Nov. 29) to go along with a non-conference tilt at underrated Kansas State. AU won’t sneak up on anyone this season, so they will get every team’s best, most concentrated shot, especially on the road.
THE UNKNOWN
(Writer’s note: pardon me while I repeat myself)
There’s no way around it, no way to tap-dance whilst whistling past the biggest question when it comes to AU football in 2014 -- did the Tigers use a couple of years (decades?) worth of luck in their magical, unexpected, inexplicable ride to the BCS title game? Even the biggest homer out on The Plains would have to admit that the Tigers were “fortunate” to end the season where they did. Of their 12 wins, six were decided by eight points or less. In four games -- Mississippi State, Texas A&M, Georgia, Alabama -- they were trailing with less than five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. The Georgia (“Prayer at Jordan-Hare”) and Alabama (“Kick-Six”) wins immediately earned nicknames for the sheer improbability of the endings. There’s little doubt that Malzahn has, very quickly, turned AU around from the three-win embarrassment that was the final season of Gene Chizik in 2012. How much was sheer luck, the kind of once-a-decade (or two) happenstance that simply can’t repeat itself? Regardless of the answer -- I’m guessing the talent is sufficient so as to make the question mostly moot -- Malzahn’s Tigers will be one of the more fascinating squads to watch throughout the 2014 season.
MAKE-OR-BREAK GAME: at Alabama Nov. 29
As Auburn and Alabama are expected to be the class of the SEC West, it only makes sense to put the season-ending Iron Bowl in this slot. Last year’s dramatic, last-second win over the Tide that propelled the Tigers into the SEC championship game and, ultimately, the BCS title game was one of the most exhilarating and improbable in the storied history of the rivalry. UA will have revenge on its mind as the Tide looks to get back on the national championship stage after its one-year sabbatical in 2013. More than likely, the winner of this game will claim the West’s spot in the SEC championship game and, perhaps, a spot in the four-team playoff. So, yes, this will be one of the more anticipated games of the year -- provided both teams can make it to the game unscathed, of course.
HEISMAN HOPEFUL: Quarterback Nick Marshall
Marshall’s first season as a starter wasn’t statistically overwhelming -- less than 2,000 yards passing, just 14 touchdown passes -- but it was deadly in its efficiency. Marijuana citation aside, Marshall is said to have had a very good offseason, improving his throwing mechanics and becoming more and more comfortable in Gus Malzahn‘s offense. If true, and if the passing aspect of his game improves -- as evidenced by his 1,068 yards rushing and 12 rushing touchdowns, he’ll continue to get his on the ground -- that could prove to be bad news for the SEC in general and the West specifically. Thanks to the departure of their leading rusher, the Tigers will likely lean even more heavily on both Marshall’s arm and legs; as far as his Heisman chances go, that’s certainly good news. Hell, one teammate has even already called his stiff-armed shot for Marshall, so he’s got that going for him. Which is nice.
(Click HERE for the CFT 2014 Preseason Preview Repository)