Jacob Bunn's 2011 Auburn Football Preview

Posted on July 19, 2011 by Jacob Bunn

Predicted 2011 Record:  7-5 (3-5)

Many are of the belief that Auburn is in for a disastrous season in 2011. I am not. I think the Tigers have accumulated enough talent to stay competitive, even in a transition season. Don’t get me wrong; I do not see Auburn playing in New Orleans in January for the national title.

Cam Newton is no longer at quarterback, so there is uncertainty surrounding that position. Auburn has lost many players since they won the BCS Championship on January 10, for various reasons, and the schedule is not as favorable as it was a year ago. With all of that being considered, I would say that my prediction should be considered a successful season.

This is how I see Auburn’s 2011 season shaking out:

Sept 3 – Utah State – Win 32-7

Sept 10 – Mississippi State – Win 21-17

Sept 17 – @Clemson – Win 27-21

Sept 24 – Florida Atlantic – Win 45-6

Oct 1 – @South Carolina – Loss 25-16

Oct 8 – @Arkansas – Loss 38-24

Oct 15 – Florida – Win 17-16

Oct 22 – @LSU – Loss 21-17

Oct 29 – Ole Miss – Win 27-17

Nov 5 – Off

Nov 12 – @Georgia – Loss 28-27

Nov 19 – Samford – Win 48-3

Nov 26 – @Alabama – Loss 20-13

I think if you ask most Auburn fans about a 7-5 record for the upcoming year, there would be no complaints. Could it be better? Sure, another Cam Newton could appear. Realistically, though, it could also be worse. Florida and Clemson could both go down as losses, which would change the season complexion completely.

Email Jacob at jacob@bunnsports.com and follow him on Twitter at @JacobBunn