2009 Statistics

2010 OUTLOOK
This offense set school records in the first season under the direction of new offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn. This fast-paced, quick-strike version completed 29 scoring drives in less than two minutes last season. With the addition of mobile, strong-armed quarterback Cameron Newton the sky could be the limit for the next two years, which equates into an offensive minded Auburn team most fans dared dream could be possible. The JUCO transfer Newton is the sure-fire likely fit but do not count out Neil Caudle and Barrett Trotter who coaches have been very high on through the spring. Replacing running back Ben Tate out of this 13th nationally ranked rushing offense may be the biggest concern. Senior Mario Fannin has been the Mr. Everything up to this point whether blocking, catching passes and lining up at several positions, but never achieving the stardom that many had predicted for him. It's his job now to earn the status of the every-down back while returning leading rusher Onterio McCalebb is back from a great freshman campaign to push for more carries. And don't count out star recruit Michael Dyer who is going to find his share of time too in all likelihood. This new offense also enabled Auburn to locate a few newcomers in the receiving cupboard such as Darvin Adams and Terrell Zachery as both burst onto the scene in 2009. Former QB Kodi Burns has now moved to receiver and gives the Tigers a tough, dangerous match up in three wide sets as well as in the Wildcat formation. Plenty of the top recruits are also waiting in the wings like Philip Lutzenkirchen and DeAngelo Benton. What benefits this team will be an offensive line that has been SEC-tested and could turn out be one of the best in the league. Led by two NationalChamps.net Preseason All-Americans Ryan Pugh and Lee Ziemba this is pretty much an all-senior lineup.

Plagued by youth and a lack of depth, this historically defensive mindset in Auburn has taken a back seat. Defensive guru/head coach Gene Chizik is working to change this recent trend, as Auburn won't climb much higher without a reversal of fortunes. Defensive coordinator (and former Duke head coach) Ted Roof will now have some more able bodies to work into the rotation as opposed to what was being utilized a year ago. The move of safety Daren Bates from safety to linebacker might be an example of that increased creativity. The top cat on this side of the ball is 6-2, 239-pound linebacker Josh Bynes, who doesn't miss too many open field tackles and gives Auburn a sturdy presence in the middle. Up front, Antoine Carter hopes to become the next Antonio Coleman at defensive end, as the void left here is one of the biggest gaps to fill. Three veteran defensive backs (Savage, McNeil and Etheridge) are returning from significant injuries. If all were at 100% this could be a very formidable bunch, but don't expect this to be the case. So the fortunes of this secondary are still somewhat of an unknown.

The honeymoon is over for coach Chizik and his staff. The 5-0 start that saw Auburn finish 3-5 in conference won't work for long. The best news for Tiger fans is that a youth movement of super quality recruits now gives this team some depth; a sore issue that haunted this team last fall. There is some real young talent here waiting to explode. The offensive is primed for a great season. If the defense can follow suite and offer some improvement on the year gone by, Auburn could be one of the top surprise teams of 2010.