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Otto · #**1424** (**permalink**) 12-10-2009, 12:27 AM

...and on to the 2010 season. What do your schedules look like for next season? I'm really digging our season next year (especially since we have season tickets).

vs. Arkansas State
at Mississippi State
vs. Clemson
vs. South Carolina
vs. Louisiana-Monroe
at Kentucky
vs. Arkansas
vs. LSU
at Ole Miss
vs. UT-Chattanooga
vs. Georgia
BYE
at Alabama

Our even years are always our strongest. Having Clemson, South Carolina, Arkansas, LSU, and Georgia at home doesn't hurt our situation, either. I think we'll be a much improved team, as we'll have some added depth on the defensive side of the ball. We'll be young on the two deep (we return a ton of starters), but I don't believe it's too early to be somewhat cautiously optimistic (as always).

On offense, we're losing Chris Todd (QB), Ben Tate (RB), Tommy Trott (TE), and Andrew McCain (RT). On defense, we're losing Antonio Coleman (RE), Jake Ricks (DT), and Walt McFadden (CB).

We have Tyrik Rollison waiting in the wings at QB. He has recently been suspended due to likely academic issues, but should be back soon (hopefully the suspension was to give him dedicated time to focus on grades and finals). He was a 4-star recruit last season, ranking as the #2 dual-threat QB and in the Rivals 100 (60th), and named the most accurate passer in last year's crop of QBs.

We have Mario Fannin and Onterio McCalebb returning next season at running back. Mario combines both speed, strength and size in a package that can prove to be deadly almost anytime he touches the ball. He can be used from behind the line or in the slot. I'm looking at him taking more of a true, every down RB next season. McCalebb adds that corner man who has the ability to reach the corner and break one wide open. Coming in this class are Michael Dyer (5-star, #3 RB) and likely another elite RB (Marcus Lattimore - 5-star, #2 RB or Lache Seastrunk - 5-star, #1 RB) - all three will be ready to play on day one, most likely.

We're returning four starters on our OL. That spells a TON of trouble for any defense. We're looking at adding one of the best tackles from JUCO. We need depth at this position and we're hopefully addressing our needs with a number of top recruits from HS and JUCO (all of whom should see significant playing time immediately). Losing Trott may be a blessing in disguise for us next season. He could sometimes be Mr. Reliable and other times be Mr. Shakey Hands. Our upcoming TE recruited last season, Philip Lutzenkirchen, a 4-star recruit and #3 overall TE in the nation, proved early on that he will be a future upgrade at the position.

On the defensive side of the ball, we're in desperate need to add depth to almost all positions. While we're losing All-SEC end Antonio Coleman, we'll be returning a number of players at our fullest position on the team. Our secondary is the most concerning area on defense, but we're hoping to return Mike McNeil, Zac Etheridge, and Aairon Savage for next season. All three of these guys have the talent to be All-Conference players. At LB, we're pulling in one of our most talented classes to date, but our returning starters (Stevens, Freeman, Bynes) are as talented as nearly any other LB corps in the nation - they just need a breather now and again.

Most importantly, perhaps, no coaches are expected to be leaving. It was said that all of the assistant coaches promised to stay on for at least two years and dedicate their energy towards Auburn and our kids.

Barring any sort of hiccups with injuries or depth, Auburn will improve next year. If some of these highly praised recruits can come in and contribute early and often, based on our home-friendly schedule, we may very well be in a position to challenge Alabama for the division. We'll see what happens.