2015 Auburn Football Schedule: Early Predictions
Aug 30, 2014; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers wide receiver Ricardo Louis (5) walks onto the field for the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Jordan Hare Stadium. 2015 Auburn football schedule Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports
The season may be six months away, but it’s never too early to examine the 2015 Auburn football schedule and make an early prediction on the outcome of each game.
Looking back, the Tigers started very well last season, racing out to a 5-0 start before losing to Mississippi State in Starkville. With wins the next two games, the 7-1 Tigers were ranked third in the first two editions of the College Football Playoff rankings and had their sights on repeating as SEC champions and playing for a national title.
However, the cracks in the foundation had already begun to show, especially on the defensive side of the football. The Tigers were upset 41-38 at home by Texas A&M – the first of four consecutive losses to FBS opponents. Following a 55-44 loss to Alabama in the Iron Bowl, head coach Gus Malzahn fired defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson and replaced him with Will Muschamp three weeks later.
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Muschamp is now charged with rebuilding a defense that allowed 31 points or more to seven consecutive FBS opponents, which is a school record. The former head coach of the Florida Gators has a track record for success that includes ten defenses ranked among the nation’s top ten in 12 years as either a defensive coordinator or head coach.
The Auburn defense will be key to stopping the slide that began against Mississippi State and continued through the end of the 2014 season. And for the Tigers to compete for championships, which Muschamp mentioned as a primary reason for his return to the Plains.
It begins this month in spring practice and the first (unofficial) game on the schedule: A-Day.
Next: A-Day Game