subject: College Football - 2010 Is All Auburn [print this page] College Football - 2010 Is All Auburn College Football - 2010 Is All Auburn
If you are an Auburn football fanatic who's awaiting the Tigers, War Eagles, Plainsmen, or whatever you choose to name them to return to bowl brilliance, 2010 may be the year. Having 12 starters coming back; 8 from the team's 12 games being played at home; and the two-year Malzahn program at last beginning to feel familiar, football gurus predict the Tigers are slated for a breakout year. And when you consider the team's components, it's easy to see why.
Discovering The Backfield
At quarterback is Cameron Newton, last year's top JUCO player along with a QB who has the various tools to impress pro scouts: an absolute gun of an arm and speedy feet that consistently frustrate would be sack artists. Auburn fans don't know Newton yet; he comes from JUCO and practices have been closed. However when the new season opens, they will be pleasantly surprised.
Looking At The Offensive Line
Auburn's offensive lines are where most of its returning first string players pop up, including Lee Ziemba, the next pro whose toughness and competitiveness will boost the talents of Newton and Fannin. With nine out of ten offensive linemen returning in 2010, be ready for the Tiger's offensive line to put the hurt on.
Discovering The Receivers
As good as a quarterback can be, he isn't much without having a few sticky hands down field. Luckily for Newton, he'll have the luxury of shooting bombs and missiles to Darvin Adams and Terrell Zachary. Like I said, Newton can throw, and Adams may be the type of receiver that reminds one of Jerry Rice: he is able to get a hand on anything making it look simple. The finish of the season should find him at 1000 yards.
Looking At The Defensive Line
Ordinarily recognized for their defense, the Tigers won't be letting their guard down this season either. 2009 starters Mike Goggans, Mike Blanc, and Antoine Carter return in 2010, with newcomer Nick Fairley hoping to make his reputation at defensive tackle. With Goggans, Blanc and Carter manning the defensive ship, he will have his chance.
Discovering The Linebackers
Search for Auburn's linebackers to be the the major force in their defense. With every starter coming back, including tackle magician, Josh Bynes, you won't find slack among the Tigers' linebackers. Get ready for Auburn's linebacker unit to become at the top within the SEC.
Discovering The Secondary Unit
Auburn's secondary looks pumped to handle anything that gets past its front line. The constantly improving All-SEC talent, Neiko Thorpe, will join Aairon Savage in the corners, with Zac Etheridge and Desmond Washington playing safety patrol. If you are going out at midfield among Auburn's secondary, expect to get smashed the moment the leather touches your fingers.
Checking Out The Special Teams
In special teams, you want dependability and never flash, and that is precisely what the Tiger's have. They have Senior Wes Bynum to kick and Ryan Showmaker will punt. Expect Bynum to win a few games with his kicking, and expect Fannin and Zachary to reach the goal lines on a number of return punts and kickoffs.
