It was a season of high drama for the Auburn Tigers in 2013.  Written off well before a pass was thrown,  they suffered just a single loss to LSU en route to the national championship game.  Victories over no. 24 Ole Miss and no. 7 Texas A&M put them in with a shout of an invite to the big dance but a crucial three games came at the end of the schedule.  Firstly,  no. 25 Georgia were beaten with a miracle hail mary when the ball flapped off a defenders hands.  Secondly,  no. 1 Alabama fell victim to a once-in-a-decade play when a missed field goal was returned for a touchdown as the clock wound down and,  finally,  no. 5 Missouri fell 59-42.

Sadly,  it was not to be and the Florida State Seminoles outlasted the Tigers despite a brave display that ran deep into the fourth quarter.

Top Newcomers

Racean Thomas, running back: You know you have made one of the signings of the decade when an Alabama born running back chooses Auburn over the mighty Crimson Tide.  Thomas was the 2nd best runner and 12th best player in the nation according to rivals and with the departure of Tre Mason his arrival could not be timelier.  At 5’11” tall and 198lbs he does it all from the backfield and should eventually lead the attack himself once he settles in as a freshman.

D’haquille Williams, wide receiver: A former junior college star,  Williams is just what Nick Marshall needs to develop at quarterback.  Sammie Coates is one of the better receivers in college football – and we will get to him shortly – but Williams will thrive in the number two spot.  He is tall,  long,  fast and athletic and will make plays all over the field. 

Top Returning Players

Sammie Coates, wide receiver: The 6’3” speedster made sure the nation knew who he was in 2013 when he caught 42 receptions for 902 yards and seven touchdowns.  His 21.5 yards per catch ranked number one in the nation and it is easy to see why the Tigers are excited about what he can do with another year under his belt.

Reese Dismukes, center: Dismukes will start at the heart of the offensive line for the fourth consecutive year in 2014.  He has been referred to as the “second quarterback” on the team by coaches,  such is his presence and leadership.  The Auburn running attack will be up with the best once again in the upcoming season and Dismukes will be making inroads to opposing defenses all year.

Positional Breakdown

Quarterback: Marshall led his side to within minutes of a national championship and should develop as a passer from his junior campaign.  Behind him sophomore Jeremy Johnson looks promising.

Running Back: A four-pronged attack in the shape of Marshall,  Corey Grant,  Cameron Artis-Payne and Thomas will leaves defenders floundering.

Wide Receiver: Coates will lead an improving group that contains fellow junior Ricardo Lewis and sophomore Marcus Davis.  Freshman Williams will also make some noise.

Tight End: C.J. Uzomah was a 2013 All-Sec member and should see more action as a receiver.  Brandon Fulse is likely to occupy the blocking role vacated by Jay Prosch

Offensive Tackle: Avery Young won the starting right tackle job mid-way through last season and will keep it for the beginning of next year.  The only new starter will be left tackle where former right tackle Patrick Miller will battle with Shon Coleman.

Guard: left guard Alex Kozan and right guard Chad Slade both return to keep a brilliant offensive line very much intact.

Center: Dismukes is invaluable and with him in place the offensive line will be very good.

Defensive End: Impressive sophomore Carl Lawson missed time in the spring but should be fit for the start of the season while LaDarius Owens is in the same boat.  Elijah Daniel is also fighting for time but,  he too,  is struggling with a groin injury.

Defensive Tackle: Gabe Wright and Montravius Adams had 8.5 and 1.5 tackles for a loss respectively a year ago and should both develop nicely to strengthen the line.  Ben Bradley,  who had 2 tackles for a loss,  is also there or thereabouts.

Linebackers: Cassanova McKinzy has been moved to the inside of the defense to ensure his tackling skills do not go to waste which,  in turn,  moves Kris Frost to the outside.  Kenny Flowers had possibly the best spring of any defensive player and should see lots of game time also.

Cornerback: Jonathon Mincey is the most experienced corner and will occupy one side of the defense while Jonathon Jones or former safety Joshua Hosley occupies the other.  A trio of true freshman will also fight for time.

Safety: Jermaine Whitehead started 14 games at the position in 2013 and is locked in.  Derrick Moncrief is a junior college transfer who will see the field while running-back-turn-safety Jonathan Ford is also in the frame.

Special Teams: Redshirt freshman Daniel Carlson and Jimmy Hutchinson will start at kicker and punter respectively a year after no.1 ranked high school seasons.

Biggest Strengths

Auburn’s biggest strength is loosely tied with its weakness.  Marshall is an excellent running quarterback and earned his yards on the ground last year but with a lot of help from excellent running backs and a strong offensive line.  Grant and Artis-Payne both rushed for over 600 yards and 12 touchdowns despite Tre Mason and Marshall racking up almost 3,000 between them.  Both Grant and Artis-Payne will return to the fold as senior alongside incoming freshman Thomas.  This group should be as strong as ever in 2014 with plenty of variety.

Biggest Weaknesses

Marshall made lots of plays over the course of his first year under center,  but,  ultimately,  he has a long way to go if he is to be a successful quarterback.  The former defensive back had luck on his side as he threw for 1,976 yards,  14 touchdowns and six interceptions.  His 1,068 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns,  on the other hand,  were not lucky and it is an added dimension he can bring to the position.  Sadly,  playing quarterback is all about how you throw the football.  Sophomore Jeremy Johnson is undoubtedly the better player but Marshall will keep his spot after reaching the national championship.