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The Auburn Tigers come into the 2015 season with very high hopes. After losing four of their last five games last season, the Tigers feel that they have something to prove in 2015.
Head coach Gus Malzahn and his high-octane offense will look to score points in bunches, while defensive coordinator Will Muschamp hopes to have the defense improved, especially after the Tigers gave up 88 points in their final two games last season.
But there’s one player who is critical to Auburn’s fate this season, and that’s quarterback Jeremy Johnson. In limited action last season, Johnson was outstanding, completing 28-of-37 through the air for 436 yards and three touchdowns, with no interceptions. But those numbers were accumulated as a backup, not as the starter. With Nick Marshall now gone, the job is Johnson’s and opponents will be preparing for him.
It’s crucial for Johnson to get off to a fast start, primarily because of Auburn’s difficult early schedule. The Tigers open against the Louisville Cardinals, followed by a home game against FCS opponent Jacksonville State.
The next two weeks could determine the season for the Tigers. Auburn visits the LSU Tigers on September 19, then hosts the Mississippi State Bulldogs on September 26. If Auburn is going to win the SEC West, they must win those two games, especially with a number of difficult games coming during the second half of the season.
If Johnson can excel from the beginning of the season and the Auburn offense is clicking, the Tigers will be hard to beat. But it’s all on Johnson’s shoulders as the season begins.
Tim Letcher is a Featured Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @TimLetcher , on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
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