The Auburn Tigers have the third best winning percentage over the last years (.868) in college football. It won’t be easy for the Tigers this season with a mean schedule to contend with and a porous offensive line that hasn’t been able to protect the quarterback. SportsBetting.com has made the Auburn Tigers 100 to 1 betting odds to win the 2008 BCS.
This is a physical running offense that also uses some West-Coast variations southpaw QB Brandon Cox, 6-2 210, took a step back in his sophomore season last year after a very good freshmen campaign. Cox still managed to throw for 2,198 yards and 14 TD’s despite being sacked 35 times. Fortunately for Cox he has some quality backs to hand off to with hard running Brad Lester, 5-11 190, expected to get most of the carries.
There is some depth at receiver with three wideouts that could be starters on most teams. Both TE’s also have solid hands and know how to get open. The O-line has a foundation to build on with gigantic Left tackle King Dunlap, 6-9 321, but overall is a weak link.
The Tigers like to attack with their front four with lots of speed. The D-Line has a first-round NFL prospect with lightning fast DE Quentin Groves, 6-4 254. Opposite DE Sen’Derrick Marks, 6-2 287, is a big DE that looked outstanding in the spring. DT Pat Sims, 6-4 305, is an anchor in the middle and should make things difficult for opposing running backs.
Get the strongest plays each week from College Football expert handicapper Brad Marchetti.
The linebacking situation is unsettled but troubled but mega talented Tray Blackmon. The secondary is led by a pair of senior corners in Patrick Lee, 6-0 195, and Jonathan Wilhite, 5-11 182. Lee is a physical corner that has good cover skills. FS Aairon Savage is a versatile player and a bone rattling hitter in the secondary. The tigers have athletic players on special teams but have no proven legs in the kicking game.
The Auburn Tigers have lots of talent on both sides of the ball but they must get some better production from the O-line to help Cox make big plays. I see this team finishing in the top 25 this college football betting season.
Brad Marchetti’s Opening Game Auburn Tigers Power Ratings: 20-80 Scale
20- Poor
30- Well Below Average
40- Below Average
50- Average
60- Above Average
70- Very Good
80- Great
Coaching: 70
Quarterback : 60
Backs : 65
Receivers : 65
Offensive Line : 50
Defensive Line : 70
Linebackers : 60
Secondary : 60
Special Teams : 60
