Over the course of the next several weeks, the SoBros Network crew will be going team-by-team through the SEC, previewing the upcoming American tackle football season. Up next, the 2019 Auburn preview!
2019 Auburn Preview
The 2019 Auburn Tigers are without a shadow of a doubt the most interesting team in the SEC West. There’s no greater distance on the pendulum swing for any other team than there is with these Tigers.
On offense, you figure that Gus Malzahn returning to play-calling duties is a good thing. But, honestly, who the hell knows who the starting quarterback is going to be? Malik Willis, Joey Gatewood, and Bo Nix will compete for the job – but, it is undoubtedly the biggest question mark looming over this team heading into 2019. The Tigers should have a loaded backfield (shocker, I know) with emerging studs. In the receiving corps, Eli Stove returns while Seth Williams averaged 20.5 yards per reception as a freshman. There should be play-makers out wide. And, the offensive line returns all five starters.
The Tigers have what could easily be considered the most dominant defensive line in all of college football this year. There’s been some turnover in the linebacking corps, but it should be another solid unit. The Tigers secondary should be one of the SEC’s best. I mean, it’s hard to spot a real weakness on this unit. Overall, this should be one of if not the best defenses in all of college football in 2019.
2019 Tigers Schedule
8/31 vs. Oregon (Arlington, TX) – It’s an early tone-setter early at a neutral site. The Ducks will have Pac-12 Championship aspirations and won’t just roll over. If the Tigers don’t win this game, it could put them behind the eight ball early. If you’re twisting my arm in August, I’d pick Auburn here, but I wouldn’t be shocked at all to see Oregon take this one.
9/7 vs. Tulane – An easy run-through to recover after what should be a tough season opener.
9/14 vs. Kent State – Yep. You know the drill.
9/21 @ Texas A&M – The Tigers could very well start the season 2-2, and if that’s the case, it could be a long season for Malzahn. I like the Aggies a lot this year and with this one going down in College Station, I think they take it.
9/28 vs. Mississippi State – The Bulldogs will be rebuilding a bit in 2019, but I like Joe Moorhead to surprise people. The Tigers win, but this one could be interesting.
10/5 @ Florida – As good as Dan Mullen was in his debut at Florida, I think the key to this matchup will be Feleipe Franks against that Auburn secondary. I like the Tigers in that one, but if the Gators are having a National Championship campaign, they won’t relent. This one could be fiery.
10/19 @ Arkansas – Poor Chad Morris. Having to rebuild the Razorbacks at a time like this in the SEC West.
10/26 @ LSU – If Auburn plays to the potential this could essentially be an elimination game for the College Football Playoff. Since it’s in Baton Rouge, though, I’m giving the edge to LSU, who is primed for a special year.
11/2 vs. Ole Miss – There’s just no way the Rebs can stand up to this Auburn defense after losing so much talent on offense. An easy win for Auburn at home.
11/16 vs. Georgia – This schedule really isn’t all that easy for the Tigers, is it? I like the Bulldogs big time in this one.
11/23 vs. Samford – A nice little tune-up for the Iron Bowl, but nothing more. Tigers roll.
11/30 vs. Alabama – So, they get the Iron Bowl at home this year. It depends on where this team is at come 11/30. If they’re the surprise many think them capable of being, this could be a tightly contested game with a spot in the SEC Championship on the line. If not, the Tide’s gonna roll. We’ve seen Tua Tagovailoa struggle against elite defenses, so that gives the Tigers a puncher’s chance. But, I like the Tide defense to starve the Tigers out on offense.
Prediction
If they can sort out the quarterback position ideally, they could be a legitimate contender for a spot in the College Football Playoff. Their defense stands to be that good. But, this schedule is tough – Auburn will have a large say in who wins the SEC with games at Texas A&M, at LSU, vs. Georgia, and vs. Alabama. But, I don’t expect them to be major contenders come November.
If they don’t sort out the questions at quarterback, then Tigers fans could be in for a long, long year, and maybe even a new head coach in 2020.
OTHER 2019 SEC SEASON PREVIEWS
Alabama Crimson Tide
Florida Gators
Georgia Bulldogs
Kentucky Wildcats
LSU Tigers
Missouri Tigers
South Carolina Gamecocks
Texas A&M Aggies
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD and #BeBetter. “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Nashville, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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