Projecting The Preseason Top 25: Did The Hawkeyes Make The Cut?
By Dan Vasta
13) Auburn Tigers
Key Player: QB Jarrett Stidham
Were you expecting somebody else?
When Auburn has had great seasons, the quarterback position has been awfully impressive. The struggles have occurred when the passing attack has been modest at best. The former Baylor starter is looking for bigger and better things on the Plains, and he might just have the goods to deliver.
Key Stat: Auburn has had a 1,000 yard rusher now in eight straight seasons!
There is a shot they have two of them this season with both Kamryn Pettway and Kerryon Johnson toting the rock like studs. And they better play like such a thing since they have struggled against their main rivals Alabama and Georgia. Auburn has lost five of their last six meetings against both the Tide and Dawgs.
Key Game: 11/25 Alabama
The amount of defining moments could show up every other week with the gauntlet that Auburn will be enduring. Clemson, LSU and Georgia alone may provide some special moments. However, a victory over Alabama in the Iron Bowl would surpass anything and make the season all worth it, even if there are a few blemishes on the resume.