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OT
Marcus McNeill |
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2004
Statistics |
Coach:
Tommy Tuberville
51-24,
6 years |
2004
Record: 13-0 |
|
LOUISIANA-MONROE |
WON
31-0 |
at
Mississippi State |
WON
43-14 |
LOUISIANA
STATE |
WON
10-9 |
THE
CITADEL |
WON
33-3 |
at
Tennessee |
WON
34-10 |
LOUISIANA
TECH |
WON
52-7 |
ARKANSAS |
WON
38-20 |
KENTUCKY |
WON
42-10 |
at
Mississippi |
WON
35-14 |
GEORGIA |
WON
24-6 |
at
Alabama |
WON
21-13 |
vs. Tennessee |
WON
38-28 |
SUGAR
BOWL |
vs.
Virginia Tech |
WON
16-13 |
|
2004 Final Rankings
AP-2, Coaches-2, BCS-3
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2005
Outlook |
While
it was a travesty that the 13-0 SEC
champions (with the toughest schedule
- SOS - of the BCS teams) never had
a shot at a national championship,
Coach Tuberville, like he did with
2003's disappointing start (0-2) as
they headed into the last campaign,
will use their Orange Bowl exclusion
as motivation for 2005. He acknowledged
that they will never repeat that season
(even if they go undefeated) so why
make comparisons? It's unlikely everything
will fall into place as it did when
that Tigers squad avoided the injury
bug and any other distraction. That,
and inexperience at key skill positions,
makes a return to the top a tough
mountain, though not unclimbable.
Depth
could actually be improved because
there were few personnel losses; however,
those that did graduate were as critical
as any departees in America. No one
can compensate for the losses of Brown
and Williams. Without the ability
to dictate the clock on the ground,
Tiger faithful are at the mercy of
an inexperienced QB for offensive
continuity. While the offense purred
under the veteran Campbell, how (im)balanced
will the attack be in the hands of
Cox and a makeshift backfield? Scoring
will be down and that means more close
games (after the Tigers had more 18+
point victories than anyone in D-I).
When Cox eventually executes as Campbell
did under pressure, the defense is
good enough to get the win. However,
name the last first-year SEC QB that
went through a season without one
or two miserable games? After winning
18 consecutive times when scoring
first, Auburn must continue to jump
on opponents so the defense can attack.
Look
for aggressive play calling early,
even trick plays on opening drives,
to see if the Tigers can put up points
without asking too much of Cox. This
will, least of all, keep opponents
honest and flat-footed while Cox matriculates
into their more conservative offensive
schemes. The dangerous opener with
Georgia Tech (as 2003's opening losses
to USC and Tech did) will tell much
about this season. A win and Auburn
gains confidence, for the schedule
builds in difficulty from there. A
loss and finger-pointing at Cox &
Co. would affect the (budding) team
chemistry which was so necessary during
their perfect season. Nine wins is
reasonable; plus, the less Tiger faithful
expect, they more they seem to get
out of Tuberville, who has suddenly
become a beloved figure on the plains.
Starting them at 11th (NationalChamps.net's
2004 ranking for AU) did them wonders,
and with the Tigers at 10th this time,
looking up at the spots they intend
to climb will again light a fire there
in Jordan Hare.
Projected
2005 record: 9-2
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AUBURN
*POWER RATINGS |
Offense |
Defense |
QB
- 2.5 |
DL
- 4 |
RB
- 3.5 |
LB
- 5 |
WR
- 4.5 |
DB
- 3.5 |
OL
- 4 |
.. |
|
RETURNING
LEADERS |
Passing:
Brandon Cox, 34-22-2, 357 yds.,4 TD
Rushing: Carl Stewart, 39 att.,
184 yds., 2 TD
Receiving: Courtney Taylor,
43 rec., 737 yds., 6 TD
Scoring: John Vaughn, 12-15,
51-52 PAT, 87 pts.
Punting: Kody Bliss, 47 punts,
42.3 avg.
Kicking: Kody Bliss, 47 punts,
42.3 avg.
Tackles: Travis Williams, 80
tot., 58 solo
Sacks: Stanley McClover, Quentin
Groves, 7.5 each
Interceptions: Will Herring,
3 for -2 yds.
Kickoff Returns: Devin Aromashodu,
3 ret., 28.3 avg., 0 TD
Punt Returns: Lee Guess, 4
ret., 15.8 avg., 0 TD
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DE
Stanley McClover |
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AUBURN |
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OFFENSE
- 7 |
----RETURNING
STARTERS---- |
DEFENSE
- 6 |
|
KEY
LOSSES |
OFFENSE:
Jason Campbell-QB, Carnell Williams-TB,
Ronnie Brown-TB, Jeremy Ingle-C, Danny
Lindsey-OG |
DEFENSE:
Bret
Eddins-DE, Jay Ratliff-DT, Doug Langenfeld-DE,
Carlos Rogers-CB, Junior Rosegreen-S |
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2005
OFFENSE |
Quarterback
Replacing the SEC's most efficient passer
is RS sophomore Brandon Cox. The southpaw's
pinpoint accuracy earned him 2004 spring
game MVP honors and then early-season playing
time. Solid showings against non-conference
cupcakes proved Cox has talent (180.0 rating),
and he will run the offense under pressure
after watching the big games from the sidelines.
Based on his strong line and deep receiving
core, Cox will make a smooth transition,
assuming he doesn't try to match Campbell's
Heisman-caliber season. The most accurate
passer in Alabama prep history (69% career)
must master the play-action and take the
safe pass in this "Southern-fried West
Coast" offense, knowing the Tigers
don't have to dominate to win. Cox won't
elude the rush like the now-gone Campbell,
but he will protect the ball, meaning the
offense's training wheels will assuredly
be off by mid-season. If Cox goes down,
expect panic: there is zero game experience
behind him. Even though, strong-armed Calvin
Booker has the raw talent to win the back-up
job and push to start by mid-season. This
bodes well, but (post) spring developments
will tell more about this unit overall.
Running
Back
Al Borges has been hailed for successfully
balancing a two-back attack (Carnell Williams
and Ronnie Brown) and similar rotations
will again be needed. But this is only because
there's no clear-cut feature back at this
time. Sophomore Carl Stewart reminds Tiger
faithful of Brown with his combination of
size and elusiveness. In limited duty, Stewart
showed potential as a multi-dimensional
threat. Senior Tre Smith adds big game experience,
dating back to his legendary Iron Bowl as
a freshman. With a healed shoulder and no
longer behind two all-Americans, expect
the hard-working Smith to break out, especially
in the red-zone, despite being a bit undersized.
Speedy unknowns Kenny Irons and Brad Lester
have big upsides and with impressive springs,
either could emerge as a starter. (The veteran
Irons holds an edge right now.) Proven FB
Jake Slaughter will be relied on more often
to open holes for whoever's back there.
Receiver
As deep and veteran a receiving corps as
there is in the SEC, these four playmakers
will keep the passing game clicking, regardless
of Cox's inexperience. Junior Courtney Taylor
went from consistent freshman to sophomore
game-breaker, leading the Tigers in catches
and yards. Taylor bulked up without sacrificing
speed or leaping ability, making him a potent
target (as he proved against LSU) who always
holds on to the big catch (30 of his 38
recs. went for first down). A heralded trio
of seniors (Ben Obomanu, Devin Aromashodu
and Anthony Mix) combined for 13 TDs and
are each capable of 20+recs, 500+yd seasons.
Aromashodu is the burner (22.1ypc) who stretches
any defense. Obomanu's seven TDs led the
SEC while Mix's precise route-running and
6'5" frame make him a valuable target
underneath. Someone will always be open
in four-wide sets. Still, the group must
maintain focus as Cox adjusts and their
numbers dip slightly.
Offensive
Line
The core of a great offensive line returns
to continue its steady improvement. After
allowing only 10 sacks through the first
half of the season, the line dominated in
the second half by allowing a mere four
sacks while opening huge holes for the highest
scoring and most-balanced attack in the
South. Senior tackles Marcus McNeil and
Troy Reddick form the line's strength, and
along with LG Ben Grubbs, the three started
every game during the Tigers' perfect '04
run. McNeil's up from 322 to 340lbs, and
at 6'9", no opposing end can push around
this all-America (2005 NC.net first-team).
His dominance could move highly recruited
sophomore Leon Hart to center, yet that
job likely belongs to experienced fifth-year
senior Steven Ross. The big surprise could
be converted NG Tim Duckworth who has wowed
coaches at guard. The line is huge and two-deep
at every position.
Tight
End
Cooper
Wallace is a shoe-in for preseason all-SEC.
The senior has the footwork and strength
to block laterally, as well as the speed
to drag LBs and safeties deep over the middle
a few times a game for big gainers (15.9
yds per catch). As the Tigers run many sets
and formations, this position's versatility
looks complete.
OFFENSIVE
BREAKDOWN
The offense won't lead the SEC in scoring
again, but they won't be pushed around either.
Borges is a savvy coordinator and will simplify
the offense for Cox, who'll benefit from
a huge pocket and playmakers at WR. Still,
defenses won't have to load up against the
run until that dimension is proven, so Cox's
ability to make reads and check downs will
determine the Tigers' (both initial and
overall) success. The short passing game
will take advantage of the lefty's accuracy
and touch; however, his lack of arm-strength
means fewer deep shots. Until a go-to back
is established, which won't take long, field-position
will be almost as precious as points for
this rather conservative offense.
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WR
Courtney Taylor
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AUBURN
2005 DEPTH CHART
Returning Starters/Key
Players |
OFFENSE |
QB |
Brandon
Cox-So (6-2, 202) |
Calvin
Booker-Fr (6-4, 238) |
FB |
Jake
Slaughter-Sr (6-2, 241) |
Mike
McLaughin-Fr (6-1, 230) |
TB |
Tre
Smith-Jr (5-10, 199) |
Kenny
Irons-Jr (5-11, 202)
Carl Stewart-So (6-1, 207) |
WR |
Devin
Aromashodu-Sr (6-2, 202) |
Ben
Obomanu-Sr (6-1, 198) |
WR |
Courtney
Taylor-Jr (6-2, 204) |
Anthony
Mix-Sr (6-5, 248) |
TE |
Cooper
Wallace-Sr (6-4, 265) |
Cole
Bennett-Jr (6-5, 256) |
OT |
Marcus
McNeill-Sr (6-9, 337) |
King
Dunlap-So (6-8, 292) |
OG |
Ben
Grubbs-Jr (6-3, 302) |
Jonathan
Palmer-Jr (6-5, 319) |
C |
Steven
Ross-Sr (6-6, 292) |
Joe
Cope-Jr (6-0, 276) |
OG |
Tim
Duckworth-Jr (6-3, 326) |
Leon
Hart-So (6-5, 302) |
OT |
Troy
Reddick-Sr (6-5, 335) |
Antwoin
Daniels-Fr (6-6, 298) |
K |
John
Vaughn-Jr (6-1, 201) |
.. |
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2005
DEFENSE |
Defensive
Line
As on offense, Auburn will win the lion's
share of the trench battles. Sophomore ends
Stanley McClover and Quentin Groves form
a vicious pair, having both finished among
the SEC's sack-leaders (7.5 sacks each)
while receiving freshman all-America honors.
McClover, a 2005 NC.net third-team all-American,
changes momentum well (SEC leading four
forced fumbles), while the speed of Groves
and junior Marquies Gunn will force teams
to bag seven-step drops again in favor of
quick hitters and misdirection. In the red-zone,
this group will be downright nasty, thanks
to depth on the interior. Senior DT T.J.
Jackson leads a group that averages almost
300lbs and plugs holes so well that only
one RB in '04 found pay-dirt in the regular
season. Wayne Dickens has limited starting
experience but has played in every game
since redshirting as a freshman, so expect
him to bust-out as Jackson did. Despite
how high the bar's been raised, there will
be no letdown with this unit.
Linebacker
Tiger fans dreaded the departure of its
all-world linebacking duo a year ago, only
to find out that it was a much deeper group
than expected. With all juniors and seniors
leading the depth chart, this looks to be
as good a group as any in the nation. Senior
Travis Williams (NC.net second-team all-American)
causes havoc in many ways, and his ferocious
tackling (team high 80) sets the tone for
an intimidating bunch. Travis, along with
fellow-Williams Antarrious, disproved their
reputations as speedy but undersized defenders
by routinely taking on lineman and showing
remarkable strength. Watch how junior SLB
Kevin Sears will be pushed by Karibi Dede
all season, and either is an excellent run-stopper,
so this is good news. The dynamic of the
unit is safety-like speed and cover skills,
and, combined with hard-nosed hitting, this
makes finding weaknesses almost impossible.
And when top-recruit Tray Blackmon develops
quickly, watch out.
Defensive
Back
The only defensive unit that suffers major
losses to graduation won't sound the alarm
just yet. Junior FS Will Herring has started
24 straight and has developed into the "quarterback"
of the secondary. Second on the team in
tackles and INTs, Herring plays mistake-free
and will relax the strain on sophomore SS
Tony Bell as he continues to learn the position.
A former linebacker, Bell is the hardest-hitting
DB, and we predict his work-ethic wins him
the job this spring. The biggest improvement
will come from junior CB David Irons, who
may be the fastest Tiger on the field. Montavius
Pitts is a cause for greater concern after
getting picked on repeatedly as teams avoided
Thorpe-winner Carlos Rogers. That trying
sophomore baptismal will only make him better
(if he's a good DB, he'll have to have no
long-term memory), but he's still not yet
a shut-down corner. RS freshman FS Steve
Gandy could be the biggest surprise on a
thin but talented group that won't be exposed
often thanks to a dominating seven up front.
The deep ball early should be any opponent's
goal.
DEFENSIVE
BREAKDOWN
What can the nation's best scoring defense
(at a preposterous 11.3ppg) do for an encore?
Few people realized how dominant the '04
edition could be, so subdued expectations
in '05 should reinvigorate that intensity
level. The only major holes are in the secondary,
so - fittingly - Coach Tuberville brought
in ex-Denver Broncos' secondary coach David
Gibbs as the new defensive coordinator.
The Tigers have all the athletes to continue
to blitz and attack opposing backfields;
still, expect a few more blown coverages
as the youngsters gel. The speed is there
to play man-coverage, and with the experience
at linebacker, Gibbs can implement more
complex, NFL-type schemes. The defense remains
the heart and soul and will win the Tigers
more than a few close games.
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LB
Travis Williams
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AUBURN
2005 DEPTH CHART
Returning Starters/Key
Players |
DEFENSE |
DE |
Quinten
Groves-So (6-3, 245) |
Marquies
Gunn-Jr (6-4, 238) |
NG |
Tommy
Jackson-Sr (6-1, 305) |
Josh
Thompson-So (6-1, 301) |
DT |
Wayne
Dickens-Sr (6-1, 303) |
Neil
Brown-So (6-2, 264) |
DE |
Stanley
McClover-So (6-3, 247) |
Chris
Browder-Jr (6-5, 247) |
SLB |
Kevin
Sears-Jr (6-4, 247) |
Karibi
Dede-Jr (6-1, 216) |
MLB |
Travis
Williams-Sr (6-1, 207) |
Chris
Evans-Fr (6-0, 221) |
WLB |
Antarrious
Williams-Sr (5-11, 206) |
Merrill
Johnson-Fr (6-1, 201) |
CB |
David
Irons-Sr (6-1, 189) |
Kevin
Hobbs-Sr (6-0, 192) |
CB |
Montavis
Pitts-Jr (6-3, 206) |
Lorenzo
Ferguson-Fr (6-1, 206) |
SS |
Eric
Brock-So (6-1, 212) |
Steve
Gandy-Fr (6-1, 202) |
FS |
Will
Herring-Jr (6-4, 215) |
Tony
Bell-So (6-2, 218) |
P |
Kody
Bliss-Jr (5-11, 177) |
.. |
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2005
SPECIAL TEAMS |
Kicker
Though Auburn's SEC-record PAT streak fell, the
Tigers did find a kicker in John Vaughn. Vaughn
gives them consistency. He'll be one of the top
three kickers in the SEC. Freshman Zach Kutch
however, should be broken in via kick-off duties.
Punter
As rarely as junior Kody Bliss was called on to
punt, he made the most of his opportunities with
a 42.3avg, including a booming 61-yarder. His
placement will be even better as a senior.
Return
Game
The Tigers will miss Cadillac Williams on special
teams as well. Devin Aromshodu only had three
returns all season but the speedster averaged
28.3yds per and has all the makings of a dangerous
return man. Tre Smith has experience returning
punts, but also a low career average. The job
is open for junior Lee Guess and others. Kickoff
coverage was again abysmal; coaches need to find
guys who want to hustle.
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QB
Brandon Cox spent this spring learning to handle
an intense pass rush - he was up against a well-stocked
Tiger defense. Thus, Cox never had a spring scrimmage
that showed huge stats or a long TD pass, something
Jason Campbell did in every/any game. The lackluster
spring passing numbers are likely why Auburn is
sitting so low in the preseason polls as voters
were waiting to see how Cox is progressing. He has
shown an improved arm and has better zip, but perhaps
his biggest gain came in reading defenses. Offensive
coordinator Al Borges has said that Cox was the
most accurate passer he's ever been around. Not
bad for a rookie, so he just needs more protection.
Calvin Booker won the backup spot due to a better
knowledge of the offense. Neither he nor Blake Field
appears ready to push Cox and both have a long way
to go to be ready for SEC play. RB
The team's most experienced back, Tre Smith, won
the starting job. He has been a workhorse in practice.
Kenny Irons has shown explosiveness while managing
some long gainers, and he has won the Tiger's
off-season conditioning award. Carl Stewart was
named the team's most improved offensive skill
player this spring and will be used as both a
tailback and hybrid fullback. Each RB "excels"
in different areas, but none has resembled (the
departed) Brown and Williams. Although Smith currently
holds the top spot, the competition is very close.
Look for some sort of rotation to develop.
FB
Michael McLaughlin was one of the team's most
improved players in the spring.
WR
Def. Coordinator David Gibbs has stated that the
6-2, 204 Courtney Taylor made defensive backs
look like kids trying to tackle a professional;
he was that physical after he caught passes. This
is one of the most talented sets of WRs in the
country, and they are very unselfish. Taylor's
disposition bodes well for downfield blocking
assignments.
DE
Stanley McClover finished spring with 10 sacks
in four scrimmages, a sign of things to come.
Quentin Groves was honored as the team's most
improved defensive lineman and recorded nine sacks,
the same sign of those things to come. Needless
to say - beware, SEC QBs, of what Brandon Cox
witnessed first hand this spring. Marquies Gunn
is a bit undersized, but his toughness and strength
has made him a solid run-defender.
LB
Merrill Johnson has been called the most exciting
young stud on this team. Already one of the hardest
hitters, his summer strength results were outrageous.
He is surely a future all-SEC caliber LB. The
biggest surprise came from Chris Evans who was
a grayshirt last fall. He has won the backup job
at MLB and tackled everything in sight this spring.
Like Johnson, he hits extremely hard.
DB
Coaches are still waiting for Montae Pitts to
show he can be an every-down CB. Will Herring
continues to demonstrate the lapses that got him
burned occasionally last fall, so watch for foes
to pass on first-down(s) more often than initially
running into that powerful front-seven.
NOTES
Al Borges and his assistants traveled to Indianapolis
this spring to meet with the Colts offensive staff.
An examination was made on how the Colts use the
single-back set and play-action to put up such
huge passing numbers. Auburn is primarily a two-back
system, but with Williams and Brown gone, and
with Auburn boasting an enormous set of receivers,
do not be surprised to see a one-back set wrinkle
added in time for fall. |
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