BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – This is the time of year where every fan base is cautiously optimistic about the upcoming season. The first game is just around the corner, and every team is undefeated with a belief that something special is on the horizon.
Auburn is no different. The media picked the Tigers to finish fourth in the SEC West last week at SEC media days, but that doesn't mean they're not capable of winning 10 or more games. In fact, as recent history suggests, it's the years that Auburn is flying under the radar before the season that they sometimes play their best.
While at media days we interviewed a handful of national analysts, who agreed that maybe this year's Auburn team is flying under the radar – and that maybe that's a good thing.
Cole Cubelic, SEC Network
On expectations for Auburn this season: "I think the potential to win 10 games is there. It starts up front, experience on both lines, best defensive line in college football. The offensive line is going to have stay healthy. Talented group of receivers. I think they're capable at running back. Experienced secondary. I'm not worried about the linebackers. I think K.J. Britt and those guys – Chandler Wooten has been great, I hear good things about him from Travis Williams – and then obviously a guy like Owen Pappoe could come in and take some snaps and help you a little bit as well.
"The concern for me is up front on the offensive line and quarterback. How do they mesh? How do they gel? How much of the offense can be installed early? Can you put everything in with a younger guy? Is it going to be so close to where you have to play both?"
Barrett Sallee, CBS Sports
On expectations for Auburn this season: "I think the talent's there. The problem is you're playing an extremely tough schedule, especially early, with a brand new quarterback. You're playing a bunch of really tough games, fast and physical teams, and I think it's going to be tough for Auburn to navigate through that. Now if they do, then you could see that wild swing up."
On the return of Will Hastings and Eli Stove: "Gus told us in here that getting Eli Stove and Will Hastings back is huge. (Jarrett) Stidham is not there obviously, but Hastings was his guy. That was his safety valve. It's crazy to think that a walk-on onside kicker would have that kind of impact, but he does. I remember talking to some folks before the playoff last year for Alabama and Georgia that said (Hastings) isn't the most physical guy in the world but you can't guard him. He's so quick out of breaks, you can't guard him. So getting those guys back is maybe a little bit more of an underrated storyline for the Tigers."
Chase Goodbread, NFL.com
On expectations for Auburn this season: "Making a jump on offense has to be the primary goal. The defense last year outplayed the offense. Gus's directive I'm sure this year, more than anything else, is to get the ball moving a little bit better. Sometimes that's not easy with a new quarterback, but sometimes new blood is what it takes. So it's going to be fun to see how that works out. But defensively, especially up front, they're going to be just fine."
On the defensive line: "Derrick Brown is looking like one of the best defensive linemen in all of college football this season. His NFL prospects are outstanding. He and Marlon Davidson both play premium positions at the pro level. Obviously some positions are valued more highly than others at the NFL level, and defensive tackle and defensive end are both pretty far up the list. That bodes well for both of those guys."
Greg McElroy, SEC Network
On expectations for Auburn this season: "I like Auburn a lot. I always like when Auburn is under the radar a little bit. I think when you have expectations it adds pressure, and sometimes they haven't always responded well to it. I think where they're strong is an experienced offensive line, you feel great there; and a fantastic defensive line, maybe the best in the country.
"I'm really anxious to find out what the offense is going to look like with Gus Malzahn. You think they're going to lean heavily on running the football, especially breaking in a new quarterback. I expect it to look like the Auburn team we've all kind of grown up with as opposed to the Auburn team they became the last couple years where they became a little bit more pass-happy just knowing what Jarrett Stidham's strengths were.
"I think they're one of those teams that everybody seems to be sleeping on but probably shouldn't be."