I think at least some if not most of the turmoil last year for them was due to all of the Bo Nix drama. With him now run off gone, will they revert to form or will the exception to the rule happen two years in a row? Just when you think the door is slammed shut on Auburn, they seem to find a way. By all means I hope I’m wrong.
I think YOUR prediction is the boldest, but let’s also admit that Auburn’s success or failure is tied to how good/bad the other West teams are as well. Yes, that always matters with every team not named Alabama or Ohio St, but what is often forgotten is that in their magic years one of the chief contributors tends to be a foe that looked imposing prior to the season has lapses.
So just know I credit you with a bold prediction here, not that it matters. Even the most starry eyed Auburn grads I know are bracing for 2012 or at least 2011 all over again (without the title flag flying heh heh).
Auburn actually starts the year with 5 straight home games in The Stadium Logic Forgot. I’m not sure how the hell that happened what with the league offices in Birmingham. On the flip side, it’s not impossible that Auburn starts 5-0. James Franklin manages to bungle his way through seasons and Kelly has to defoliate what O left him. I don’t think they can beat UGA on the road (if that game was in JHS and right after Florida, Auburn might pull it off. UGA lost a lot and while still good, the year after a title and especially for teams that just won one as opposed to dynasties, they usually have a hard time getting the same vibe going). If they get the good start and can upset either LSU or ATM then 9-3 is possible. But will they hold it together when trouble comes? That’s always the question with the most momentum based school in CFB.