In 2010, when Gene Chizik and his Auburn Tigers won the National Title, I firmly believed Chizik was a complete product of a lucky find in QB Cam Newton, and, consequently, went along for the ride of his life in seeing his Tigers win it all.
Then last year, with a new QB, an almost completely rebuilt offensive line, an almost completely new receiving corps, and only 3.5 starters back on defense, I was thoroughly convinced Auburn would get their butts kicked throughout the '11 season. It didn't happen. They admittedly had some bad losses, but, they went 4-4 in the SEC( wins vs. Fla. and So.Caro), and defeated Virginia fairly easily in the Chick-fil-A bowl game. I believe Chizik did a better job last year with nothing back, then he did in Auburn's momentous, championship season.
Auburn's offense will be serviceable with a new QB, albeit a highly rated one in Frazier, and decent talent at the other areas of the offense.
Chizik, who made his rep on the defensive side of the ball, will see the strength of his team on that side of the ball. They have 9 starters back on defense, including all of the two-deep on the defensive line, and, both cornerbacks.
Gene Chizik did such a good job with his team last year, I have to give his squad a decent chance to have another pretty good team this year. Here is Chizik's problem: he may have a better team this year and his record may not show it. They play Clemson, Miss St., LSU, and Arkansas in four of the first five games on their schedule. If they can go 3-2 in their first five games, this could be a pretty good year for Chizik and the Auburn Tigers.
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