Power Ranking: Alabama’s Top Five 2014 SEC Opponents
By Chris Hale
Jan 3, 2014; Newport Beach, CA, USA; General view of an Auburn Tigers helmet at a 2014 BCS National Championship press conference at Newport Beach Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
1. Auburn Tigers (12-2 Last Season)
It’s the in-state rival. You love to hate them but as much as it hurts, you have to give them a little credit.
Coach Malzahn and the staff experienced a miraculous turn around last year and are poised to have another great season this year.
Starting quarterback Nick Marshall will return and brings back a 59 percent completion rate, 1,976 passing yards, 14 TDs, and 1,068 rushing yards. Marshall won’t start for the opener against Arkansas, but should play at least a bit. The Tigers’ offense put up 40 points and 501 yards per game, and will look to Corey Grant and Cameron Artis-Payne as replacements for Heisman finalist Tre Mason and his 1,816 yard production. Four starters on the offensive line are back. Wide receivers Sammie Coates (902 yards, 7 TDs) and newcomer D’Haquille Williams (733 yards, 9 TDs) will be major threats in the passing offense.
The defense returns seven starters for the year. Last season, the Tigers’ defense held opponents to 24.7 points per game and allowed 420.7 yards per game. According to Coach Malzahn, Robinson Therezie has some eligibility issues and it’s not known as of now if he will miss any extended amount of time. The leading tackler, Cassanova McKinzy (75 tackles, 8 tackles for loss), as well as Kris Frost (59 tackles, 6. tackles for loss). The secondary is for the most part intact as well (pending Therezie decision) but the pass rush could take a hit with Dee Ford heading to the draft.
When Auburn has a good team, the Iron Bowl is always a close one, so this year could see that type of game. Both teams could cruise into Bryant Denny Stadium undefeated or one, possibly both teams could have multiple losses. However if one team has a chance to play in Atlanta and the other has no shot, don’t think for a second that one won’t take pride in spoiling the party for the other.