Sep 6, 2014; Auburn, AL, USA; Aubie the Tiger performs during the second half of the game between the Auburn Tigers and the San Jose State Spartans at Jordan Hare Stadium. The Tigers defeated the Spartans 59-13. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports
2) Auburn Tigers
No matter where Alabama and Auburn are ranked in this power ranking, the Iron Bowl could come down as an important game when deciding the West. And I truly think it will.
Auburn’s speed on offense will cause problems for teams all season. They seem to be getting things in gear now, but it looks like the defense needs some work. However if the offense is putting up a lot of points, the defensive problems may not be that big of a thing.
The Tigers are 2-0 so far with wins against conference foe Arkansas and San Jose State. As I said on the Arkansas slide, they were tied with the Razorbacks at halftime but shut them down in the second half.
San Jose State put up 254 yards of passing against the Tigers and Arkansas had 328 yards of offense. We will see if they can improve those numbers.
The passing attack is currently ranked 81st in the country but what they lack through the air, they gain on the ground. They’re averaging 330 yards a game and are ranked 10th in the country. Cameron Artis-Payne has already rushed for 289 yards on 42 carries with four touchdowns. Corey Grant is also in the mix 176 yards and one touchdown.
Will their powerful offense help them lead the way or will they need that defense to step up? October 4 when LSU comes to town should tell us a lot more.