Keep In Mind.

[guerra aguila 0]

I cant recall a national championship football team suffering the  loss 25 seniors at once.

Wow, even looking back at 2010... that number still seems outrageous.

I have glanced at a few articles from the writers, and a few on here. People continue to remind that Auburn lost most of their games a year ago in blow outs.

Most of those games were on the road, and at one point, between Arkansas, Alabama, and LSU... through mid season, they were a combined 22-1 record for Auburns opponents... and three of them were in the top 5.... in the same division.

yall see where im going with this?

Auburn returns more experienced players who have been through the mud... We have the best Tight End in the country,(Lutz) perhaps the best big play receiver in the SEC in Emory Blake, one of the best All- Purpose RB in Onterrio McCalebb. Whoever the qb is... (Frazier)... will have plenty of help around him and a better blocking offensive line. Not to mention... Reed and Bray could be nasty.

Auburns defense will be much improved and I think they could be a top 10 unit nationally in scoring defense and total defense.

I like the fact that nobody respects this team... they are going to be better than people think.

Geez, they won 8 games last year with a brand new football team. that counts for something.

[dpwspringer 0]

I cant recall a national championship football team suffering the  loss 25 seniors at once.

...

It was worse than that.  In addition we also lost 3 of our best players because they left early for the NFL.  Then it got worse with the 4 home invaders and finally we lost Eric Smith to off field problems.  So that was 25 seniors + 3 earlier NFLers + 5 with legal problems.  Those were catastrophe losses in the face of the huge senior class.  On top of that we had a huge target on our backs being the defending BCS champs... so we got everyone's A+ game.

[Elephant Tipper 431]

2001 Hurricanes.

[wareagle13 88]

2001 Hurricanes.

That team had 19 eventual draft picks but I don't think they lost em all at the same time. I could be wrong though.

[AUwent 3,913]

2001 Hurricanes.

That team had their Heisman candidate QB returning. Nuff said.

[AUbritt 627]

I cant recall a national championship football team suffering the  loss 25 seniors at once.

Wow, even looking back at 2010... that number still seems outrageous.

I have glanced at a few articles from the writers, and a few on here. People continue to remind that Auburn lost most of their games a year ago in blow outs.

Most of those games were on the road, and at one point, between Arkansas, Alabama, and LSU... through mid season, they were a combined 22-1 record for Auburns opponents... and three of them were in the top 5.... in the same division.

yall see where im going with this?

Auburn returns more experienced players who have been through the mud... We have the best Tight End in the country,(Lutz) perhaps the best big play receiver in the SEC in Emory Blake, one of the best All- Purpose RB in Onterrio McCalebb. Whoever the qb is... (Frazier)... will have plenty of help around him and a better blocking offensive line. Not to mention... Reed and Bray could be nasty.

Auburns defense will be much improved and I think they could be a top 10 unit nationally in scoring defense and total defense.

I like the fact that nobody respects this team... they are going to be better than people think.

Geez, they won 8 games last year with a brand new football team. that counts for something.

I tend to agree with you, AG. The one thing you haven't mentioned, though, is the new coordinators on offense and defense. That's a factor that I think most people interpret negatively (as in, this will take some time to adjust to and my hinder Auburn's progress). But it could just as easily go the other direction and be something that spurs us to greatness. Bringing in Lefty and CBVG could have a Cam-like impact on the team.

[t.c._nomel 0]

This is why people were saying before the season that Chiz should win COTY with 8 wins. They seemed to forget that in November, though.

[DyeEraTiger 0]

This is why people were saying before the season that Chiz should win COTY with 8 wins. They seemed to forget that in November, though.

Because of our 2010 situation that we suffered through, Chiz may have a hard time winning the SEC coty... even if we win the conference this year. There is so much jealousy and ill will over  imagined wrong-doing that other coaches seem to refuse to recognize him as an elite coach. They apparently believe that he's a 5-19 coach who caught lightening in a bottle. We will find out over the course of the next two seasons, imo.

[HardcoreAU79 0]

What a roller coaster ride in the last two seasons !

The AU bashers had a  lot of real and imagined ammunicion last year and were

not about to give Coach Chizik any respect for a remarkable job in 2010.

Even when national figures predicted 5 wins at best for us, he got no credit for the results last year.

And  in one respec.t rightly so in my opinion, the  blow out losses revealed how poorly prepared our D

was and that was a three year trend that was obvious to any  observer much less  to the Head Coach.

Personally, except for a five minute window, I thought Jay made a great hire and believe Coach Chizik is the

man for the job and the one we need.

I believe his record after the next two years will tell us the truth of his coaching value.

He has done too much foundation building and made too many smart moves  to not succeed

I would be shocked if we don't exceed expectations in both of them.

WDE

[Pablo 0]

the big O has to play better, period-that is where it starts!!!!!!!!

[aubfaninga 16]

Our depth at defensive line will arguably be the best in the nation and they are all still cubs!!! I have Auburn fans tell me that I am way too optimistic about this year, and maybe I am, but everything I base my optimism on is what I see. I really feel that our D-line along with VG's aggresive coaching will be enough to carry us through 4 of our first 5 games. People give me the funny eye when I tell them that Auburn will beat Clemson pretty soundly. Again calling what I see. Our D-line will be causing havoc for any team. NOw, before the negative thinking comes out about "Clemson beat us last year and they are so good" stuff, I ask this. I will give anyone a free meal at 5 guys if they can predict the starting offensive line for Clemson in Atlanta accurately. If you attempt to try also note their combined starting experience. Against LSU we will need a little help from the offense and special teams. I can't beleive how many "Auburn fans" fail to even acknoledge that we play special teams. We will have the most experieced, sound, consistant, and dangerous special teams in the SEC. In the top 10 nationally. With a sound kicking game (do I need to say anything about punting?) and returners that can score on any touch of the ball, we have 1/3 of the game locked down. Again this is only the way I see things.

Yes, the blow out losses last year were heartbreaking but what did we expect. The chalkboard had been erased and we had to start over. I still to this day can't understand why and how so many "so called, ALL IN, Family" fans walked out on probably one of the youngest Auburn teams ever against a very experienced Utah St team in JH stadium. Auburn fans like to say that we know a little something about football but we don't show it. The comments made from Tiger fans after that win (THAT WIN by the way)   :banghead: was so disheartening. Utah St. was the 6th best rushing team in the nation last year. Their 2 deep depth chart on offense was 7 seniors and 9 jrs. They started only 3 underclassmen but 2 had started the year before as freshman(both was flirting with 300lbs). Every starter on their offense had started the year pryor with the exception of their freshman QB, Chuckie. Who by the way finished the season with 1200 yds passing, 11 tds, 2 picks, 283 rushing yards, and 4 rushing tds before he got injured and missed the last 5 games. Their defense had 5 seniors and 9 juniors and all had alot of experience. Utah St lost 6 games by an average of 4.3 points. Almost all of them were lost in the end of games. Very heartbreaking season for a team that was one play away in 5 games from having a 12-1 year. Compare that to what Chiz took on the field that day. 6 total returning starters (3 off, 3 def ), alot of players with only garbage time experience, and too many players that had never even ran out on a college field. Chiz needed a trophy just for that.

What does all this mean. 1st- If you read this entire post you are a true Auburn fan whether you agree with my thoughts or not.   2nd - We have to replace Aj Greene, Brandon Moseley, Eltoro Freeman, and Neiko Thorpe from last years team. We lost 18 starters from the 2010 team and went 8-5 the following year. I think we will have a great year and one of the many reasons is we only have to replace 4 this year. But I guess that I am pumping to much sunshine for some people.

[dpwspringer 0]

... But I guess that I am pumping to much sunshine for some people.

With closed spring practices and what Chizik puts out for a spring game, which is really a glorified and scripted scrimmage that we have no clue as to what he is trying to show... or not show, it is way too early to judge our team.  Then there is this little matter about all 5 of the opponents we lost to last year being on our schedule again with some pretty high preseason rankings. 

We have to improve by leaps and bounds to do much better in the won/loss column... have we?  Say we are 2 touchdowns better per game than we were last year and our opponents stay the same, how much does our record improve? 

Hint: We lost those 5 games by an average of 4 touchdowns.  Can we improve by that much... sure we can, but have we?  I can visualize our offense being 2 tds or more better this year and I can visualize our defense being 2 tds or better this year.  And it isn't too hard to see it because there is a lot of room for improvement on both sides of the ball and we have more experience and talent this year.  But that is a lot of improvement and I haven't seen it yet.

[bird36 5]

It has been my observation that fans who predict 10+ wins and SEC Championships every year AND give  fans who do not have similiar predictions a hard time make up the group of people who turn on the coaches and players when things do not go well. 

This is not a Auburn observation but a sports observation. 

I definately do NOT have anyone on AE in mind,  this is what I see in my community. 

[AuburnGrad97 37]

I am one of those that think that the new coordinators are a huge POSITIVE for us!  I think we have the playmakers on offense, and Coach Lefty will get those guys the ball.  Slants and wheel routes should hopefully return to our playbook, and the jet sweep should go back to being used as a "catch em off-guard" type of play, instead of an "every other down" play.  Frazier (or whoever our QB is  ) will have so many weapons around him, he won't have to win the game by himself.  Honestly, if we do see Mosely get the starting nod at QB, I think he will pleasantly surprise a lot of people, because he is a good QB.  Last year he just didn't have time to get settled.

Our defense will be greatly improved, and will be NASTY again.

Lots to look foward to!!!  WDE!!!

[TheBlueVue 177]

Theres one thing Ive learned from years and years of being a die hard Auburn fan...its nearly impossible to know from one season to the next what to expect....1984 and 2003 spring immediately to mind when expectations were very high. My perspective is realy quite simple. I want Auburn to win as much as anyone on the planet but I dont bet on the games and I have certainly learned, I hope, to not let the outcomes affect my ability to enjoy being a part of the Auburn family. In other words, Im not going to whine when we have to endure seasons like last year. In retrospect it was a perfect storm losing so many experienced players not to mention the Heisman winner and defensive player of the year....making things worse was the 5 players including Eric Smith that were dismissed from the team. This year will be better but I have no idea what shape better takes at this point. IMO, should Auburn win 9 games, I'd have to say that'd be pretty dadgum good but regardless Im all in no matter what!

[Barkchevious 87]

This thread has me excited about this fall.  I think last year AU's 8 wins were absolute best case scenario considering the losses with personnel.  Also- the 5 teams we lost to last year by an average of 4 touchdowns?  None of those teams were better than AU by 4 touchdowns.  Once we lost momentum in those games, things obviously went downhill quickly.  We had some young guys that looked like they were overwhelmed at times, but we have some incredible athletes that now have incredible experience!  So what is the best case scenario win total for this fall?  I know I'm a sunshine pumper, but I'm going with 12.  Sorry, just going with my gut.

[Rednilla 5,469]

... But I guess that I am pumping to much sunshine for some people.

With closed spring practices and what Chizik puts out for a spring game, which is really a glorified and scripted scrimmage that we have no clue as to what he is trying to show... or not show, it is way too early to judge our team.  Then there is this little matter about all 5 of the opponents we lost to last year being on our schedule again with some pretty high preseason rankings. 

We have to improve by leaps and bounds to do much better in the won/loss column... have we?  Say we are 2 touchdowns better per game than we were last year and our opponents stay the same, how much does our record improve? 

Hint: We lost those 5 games by an average of 4 touchdowns.  Can we improve by that much... sure we can, but have we?  I can visualize our offense being 2 tds or more better this year and I can visualize our defense being 2 tds or better this year.  And it isn't too hard to see it because there is a lot of room for improvement on both sides of the ball and we have more experience and talent this year.  But that is a lot of improvement and I haven't seen it yet.

News flash: we weren't 4 touchdowns worse than all 5 teams last year. Maybe 2, but even then I don't believe we were really that much worse, I just think the players realized they were beaten and let up. Yes, that is disheartening in and of itself, but it is an entirely separate matter.

This year, every single one of those teams lost more than we did, and with the exception of LSU, they lost a fair amount more than we did. I will be disappointed if we don't win 9 games this year, and I won't be particularly happy with less than 10.

[Stripe 5]

After all the players we lost after 2010 season, winning 8 games was an excellent year, especially with our ever declining defense the last 3 years. I was very happy with the win total. That's not saying I was happy with performances from our guys, and the previous poster was right in that once we were down we were pretty much done. It just seemed like the players gave up. I remember one of the upperclassmen being quoted as saying as much.

Ted Roof and our Defense was a really touchy spot for me the last 3 years. I know that our fast pace offense didn't help our defense out, but our defense didn't help themselves either. Wrapping up was a lost skill to our players under Roof. I don't expect to see that this year. I expect our boys to play good technique football on the Defense this year.

As for the offense, our line was like Swiss cheese last year, but what can be expected in the NFL Farm League (SEC) with so many young guys starting. I expect to see huge changes in the line this year. Also I know the QB's spent most of their time running for their lives but what I didn't see that I had a hard time with is the lack of leadership from both QB’s. It just felt like they were waiting to be dragged along. I think things might have been a bit different for CM had he won the starting job, but coming in mid season that leadership never showed.

Regardless of who wins the starting job this year, Leadership is the first thing I look for. Without that how is the QB supposed to lead the team?  I feel KF will be the man when it’s all said and done and we get ready for the first game. Furthermore from everything I have read and everything I have read/heard he already has that leadership starting to form. I can’t even guess if CM has the same forming as I have heard/read very little about his progress this offseason. I’m sure the injury had something to do with that.

As for the 5 teams we lost to last year. With our coaching changes, excellent upgrades in my opinion, we should be in every game with an excellent shot at the win. I concede nothing!  I liked CGM and I enjoyed his offense most of the time. But a change back to more power football has me very excited for the future of Auburn football.

Everyone forgets the losses our team took after the 2010 season, and absolutely no credit is given to CGC and crew for that season outside of Auburn circles. But to think we don’t have a winning coach on our hands lets me know that these people are delusional. Furthermore, just as easily as they forget that we lost so many starters and upperclassmen they forget that these other teams lost anyone at all.

Do I expect and undefeated season, no, but I can sure as hell see the possibility. If we are 8-5 or worse this team rolled over and played dead. I still stick to my prediction of 10-2 or better on the regular season.

[aubfaninga 16]

... But I guess that I am pumping to much sunshine for some people.

Hint: We lost those 5 games by an average of 4 touchdowns.  Can we improve by that much... sure we can, but have we?  I can visualize our offense being 2 tds or more better this year and I can visualize our defense being 2 tds or better this year.  And it isn't too hard to see it because there is a lot of room for improvement on both sides of the ball and we have more experience and talent this year.  But that is a lot of improvement and I haven't seen it yet.

"We lost those 5 games by an average of 4 touchdowns."

Hint: The 5 teams that we loss to in 2011 by 4 touchdowns would have beat the 5 teams we loss to in 2009 pretty handidly as well.

2011 #1 UAT would beat 2009 #1 UAT (best match up though)

2011 #2 LSU would have demolished 2009 #17 LSU

2011 #5 Arky would have toyed with the 2009 Arky team

2011 #19 Georgia much much better than the 2009 UGA squad

2011 #22 Clemson vs 2009 Kentucky (what do you think?)

The 2011 #9 South Carolina team and the 2009 Ole Miss would have been a good match. Still give the nod to uSC in a close one.

I am not one that thinks teams learn alot from losing games but the young 2011 Auburn team got a chance to play against one of the toughest SEC conferences (from top to bottom) in quite a few years. The 2011 Auburn team played 6 teams ranked in the final 25, 4 of them were in the top 10, and 3 of them were top 5. That is 1 hell of a schedule for a team loaded with first year starters. (not even to mention their age)

[mustache eagle 2,515]

they need to read the quotes from the lsu fullback (who is from alabama, i think) about our players laying down and asking for lsu to take it easy.  i think i have that story straight.  the seeming loss of fight at the end of a couple of the games last year was much more disheartening than the loss itself.

[keesler 6,026]

they need to read the quotes from the lsu fullback (who is from alabama, i think) about our players laying down and asking for lsu to take it easy.  i think i have that story straight.  the seeming loss of fight at the end of a couple of the games last year was much more disheartening than the loss itself.

I agree, the team had zero fight in them last year.  I think the schemes/play calling got the best of them, they knew that the coaching in certain area's was sub-par and there was absolutely nothing they could do about it.  I have a close friend whose son plays on AU defense, and the frustration that kid experienced was unbelievable.  I know for a fact that the players on our team know who to tackle, they know how to wrap up and execute on the field.  I know this because I watched them play in high school and they are a talented bunch of players.  They didn't just come to AU and forget the fundamentals and technique of their positions. 

I may get criticized for saying this, but I hope and pray that CBVG is allowed to take total control of this defensive unit.  I hope he calls the defense and makes his asst/position coaches do things his way.  Because like it or not, Coach Chizik had a lot of input in the defense we've seen on the field.  Maybe it was just too much for him to handle, I hope BVG has total control and CGC doesn't hold him back.

[aubfaninga 16]

they need to read the quotes from the lsu fullback (who is from alabama, i think) about our players laying down and asking for lsu to take it easy.  i think i have that story straight.  the seeming loss of fight at the end of a couple of the games last year was much more disheartening than the loss itself.

I would love to read into this. Got a link?

Oregon 40-27, Northwestern State 49-3, Western Kentucky 42-9, West Virginia 47-21, Kentucky 35-7, Florida 41-11, Tenn 38-7, Auburn 45-10, Ole Miss 52-3, Arkansas 41-17, Georgia 42-10

LSU was a buzz saw and I do not want to imagine what our young players must have felt like after the first few drives. I understand when people want us to look like we should be fighting more but sometimes you just get over matched. Try wrestling Brock Lesnar for 3 - 5 minute rounds. All I want you to do is compete and fight with all you have in the last 2 minutes. Lets see how competitve you look to observers.

[AuburnNTexas 7,498]

Our depth at defensive line will arguably be the best in the nation and they are all still cubs!!! I have Auburn fans tell me that I am way too optimistic about this year, and maybe I am, but everything I base my optimism on is what I see. I really feel that our D-line along with VG's aggresive coaching will be enough to carry us through 4 of our first 5 games. People give me the funny eye when I tell them that Auburn will beat Clemson pretty soundly. Again calling what I see. Our D-line will be causing havoc for any team. NOw, before the negative thinking comes out about "Clemson beat us last year and they are so good" stuff, I ask this. I will give anyone a free meal at 5 guys if they can predict the starting offensive line for Clemson in Atlanta accurately. If you attempt to try also note their combined starting experience. Against LSU we will need a little help from the offense and special teams. I can't beleive how many "Auburn fans" fail to even acknoledge that we play special teams. We will have the most experieced, sound, consistant, and dangerous special teams in the SEC. In the top 10 nationally. With a sound kicking game (do I need to say anything about punting?) and returners that can score on any touch of the ball, we have 1/3 of the game locked down. Again this is only the way I see things.

Yes, the blow out losses last year were heartbreaking but what did we expect. The chalkboard had been erased and we had to start over. I still to this day can't understand why and how so many "so called, ALL IN, Family" fans walked out on probably one of the youngest Auburn teams ever against a very experienced Utah St team in JH stadium. Auburn fans like to say that we know a little something about football but we don't show it. The comments made from Tiger fans after that win (THAT WIN by the way)   :banghead: was so disheartening. Utah St. was the 6th best rushing team in the nation last year. Their 2 deep depth chart on offense was 7 seniors and 9 jrs. They started only 3 underclassmen but 2 had started the year before as freshman(both was flirting with 300lbs). Every starter on their offense had started the year pryor with the exception of their freshman QB, Chuckie. Who by the way finished the season with 1200 yds passing, 11 tds, 2 picks, 283 rushing yards, and 4 rushing tds before he got injured and missed the last 5 games. Their defense had 5 seniors and 9 juniors and all had alot of experience. Utah St lost 6 games by an average of 4.3 points. Almost all of them were lost in the end of games. Very heartbreaking season for a team that was one play away in 5 games from having a 12-1 year. Compare that to what Chiz took on the field that day. 6 total returning starters (3 off, 3 def ), alot of players with only garbage time experience, and too many players that had never even ran out on a college field. Chiz needed a trophy just for that.

What does all this mean. 1st- If you read this entire post you are a true Auburn fan whether you agree with my thoughts or not.   2nd - We have to replace Aj Greene, Brandon Moseley, Eltoro Freeman, and Neiko Thorpe from last years team. We lost 18 starters from the 2010 team and went 8-5 the following year. I think we will have a great year and one of the many reasons is we only have to replace 4 this year. But I guess that I am pumping to much sunshine for some people.

Even some of the blow outs were not as bad as it seemed. Clemson was a blowout but only at the end of the game we stayed close for a long time. A few games we were just out-manned up front but everybody seems to think that area has ben addressed by a year more of Lox and a year of experience even if it was RedShirt Experience it was year of practicing every day.

[tsande07 271]

they need to read the quotes from the lsu fullback (who is from alabama, i think) about our players laying down and asking for lsu to take it easy.  i think i have that story straight.  the seeming loss of fight at the end of a couple of the games last year was much more disheartening than the loss itself.

...

I may get criticized for saying this, but I hope and pray that CBVG is allowed to take total control of this defensive unit.  I hope he calls the defense and makes his asst/position coaches do things his way.  Because like it or not, Coach Chizik had a lot of input in the defense we've seen on the field.  Maybe it was just too much for him to handle, I hope BVG has total control and CGC doesn't hold him back.

It may be that Roof and Chizik didn't mesh well, which could have impacted some things on defense.  However, when Chizik took over the defense for the bowl game, we looked much improved in a short span of time.  Particularly in terms of mental toughness and accountability, which, as people have pointed out, were a large part of what allowed games to really get away from us earlier in the year.  Chizik also had great success earlier in his career as a defensive coordinator.  I'm not sure the Tampa-2 was ideally suited to our inexperience last year, but I'm also not sure I'm buying the idea that Chizik's defensive philosophy did us in.

[keesler 6,026]

they need to read the quotes from the lsu fullback (who is from alabama, i think) about our players laying down and asking for lsu to take it easy.  i think i have that story straight.  the seeming loss of fight at the end of a couple of the games last year was much more disheartening than the loss itself.

...

I may get criticized for saying this, but I hope and pray that CBVG is allowed to take total control of this defensive unit.  I hope he calls the defense and makes his asst/position coaches do things his way.  Because like it or not, Coach Chizik had a lot of input in the defense we've seen on the field.  Maybe it was just too much for him to handle, I hope BVG has total control and CGC doesn't hold him back.

It may be that Roof and Chizik didn't mesh well, which could have impacted some things on defense.  However, when Chizik took over the defense for the bowl game, we looked much improved in a short span of time.  Particularly in terms of mental toughness and accountability, which, as people have pointed out, were a large part of what allowed games to really get away from us earlier in the year.  Chizik also had great success earlier in his career as a defensive coordinator.  I'm not sure the Tampa-2 was ideally suited to our inexperience last year, but I'm also not sure I'm buying the idea that Chizik's defensive philosophy did us in.

A change in the defensive philosophy is needed, i think we can ALL agree on that.  Hopefully, CBVG will take over and will be allowed to impliment his philosophy and he will be allowed to develope these players so that they can execute his plan.  That's all I'm hoping for at this point.