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[eibua12 81]

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Coach Tommy Tuberville has a new job description for wide receiver Courtney Taylor. Meet Auburn's only player-coach. "We're using him that way because we've got so many young guys," Tuberville says. "We're looking at him for leadership."

The coach would also like Taylor to catch the ball. Taylor, who was hurt most of last year, is Auburn's most experienced receiver from a multi-dimensional scheme that led the SEC in total offense and scoring last season.

The Tigers have relied on their wide receivers so much of late that Taylor, Ben Obomanu, Devin Aromashodu and Anthony Mix each ended last season with more than 1,000 career yards, the first foursome to achieve that feat in SEC history.

Only Taylor returns to carry the torch.

"This year I took it upon myself to learn everything just in case the other wide receivers asked me about it. I want to help them out," Taylor says.

The loss of Obomanu, Aromashodu and Mix leaves a hole in both talent and in the comfort zone for quarterback Brandon Cox. The Tigers have plenty of willing candidates to replace the lost threesome, and perhaps a slightly different mindset.

Tuberville is talking about making Auburn more physical by running the ball with a stronger purpose and playing a more aggressive defense.

The Tigers haven't exactly been spinning their wheels in those areas, though. Tailback Kenny Irons followed in the footsteps of Carnell Williams and Ronnie Brown to lead the conference in rushing last season, and the defense was ranked among the best in the league. Don't forget - Auburn is 22-3 the last two years.

OFFENSE

Auburn's young wide receivers have a name for Taylor. He's "Pops," the lone remaining member of the most productive wide receiving corps in SEC history. Finding capable replacements to go with him, along with two new offensive linemen, will likely play a key role as Auburn tries to win or share the SEC West title for the sixth time in the last seven years.

Diversity was the key in the Tigers leading the league in total offense and scoring last season, and Auburn figures to grow even more as Cox returns for his second year as the starting quarterback. He didn't have the hype of some SEC quarterbacks last season, but he passed for 2,324 yards, the fifth-best mark in school history.

Irons, meanwhile, got one carry in Auburn's first game and was a backup as late as the sixth game last season, yet he wound up leading the SEC in rushing with 1,293 yards.

DEFENSE

Will Muschamp, late of the Miami Dolphins' coaching staff and with a national championship ring from LSU, is Auburn's new defensive coordinator. He promises a more aggressive defense. It will certainly have new elements.

Only end Marquies Dunn returns to the defensive line. He'll be joined by Josh Thompson, Chris Browder and Quentin Groves.

The Tigers' linebacker corps will also have a new look. Will Herring, who started the last 36 games at safety, is moving to a position that may be more suited to his ability to play the run. Redshirt freshman Tray Blackmon may not start opening day at linebacker, but he is the hot ticket. The star of the 2005 recruiting class is ready to go.

David Irons returns at cornerback after receiving a sixth year of eligibility. Jonathan Wilhite also lends experience to the secondary.

SPECIALISTS

John Vaughn had one of the most difficult games in SEC history when he missed five field goal attempts in an overtime loss to LSU last year. But he was 12-of-15 on his other tries. Kody Bliss averaged 45 yards per punt last season.

FINAL ANALYSIS

Tuberville says fans always expect good things when a team returns its quarterback and running back, and the return of Cox and Irons gives Auburn a leg up on a lot of its competition. The Tigers must rebuild most of their offensive and defensive lines, but that shouldn't be a problem because Auburn has groomed the replacements for the last several seasons.

Auburn figures to flirt with the Top 10 throughout the year.

[DKW 86 7,425]

Auburn's young wide receivers have a name for Taylor. He's "Pops," the lone remaining member of the most productive wide receiving corps in SEC history.

Al Borges...Love you, man!

[AURainman 6]

Auburn's young wide receivers have a name for Taylor. He's "Pops," the lone remaining member of the most productive wide receiving corps in SEC history.

Al Borges...Love you, man!

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Is that true?

[quietfan 233]

John Vaughn had one of the most difficult games in SEC history when he missed five field goal attempts in an overtime loss to LSU last year. But he was 12-of-15 on his other tries.

So 80% outside of the LSU game. ...not too shabby! We all have our bad days/nights--I feel more comfortable now.