2015 Auburn Football Schedule: Early Predictions

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Dec 6, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Derrick Henry (27) carries the ball during the 2014 SEC Championship Game against the Missouri Tigers at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Liles-USA TODAY Sports.

Returning Starters, Offense: 4
Returning Starters, Defense: 7
Points For: 36.9 PPG (16th nationally)
Passing: 277.9 YPG (29th nationally)
Rushing: 206.6 YPG (37th nationally)
Points Against: 18.4 PPG (6th nationally)

Obviously, an Iron Bowl matchup with Alabama is the final game on the 2015 Auburn football schedule. The teams battled it out in a high scoring 55-44 game last season that helped the Crimson Tide win the SEC West and earn a spot in the inaugural College Football Playoff.

As usual, Alabama lost several key contributors early to the NFL, most notably record-setting wide receiver Amari Cooper, running back T.J. Yeldon and safety Landon Collins, plus a host of graduated seniors such as quarterback Blake Sims.

Jake Coker is expected to take over for Sims under center, although he was expected to take over for A.J. McCarron last season, so you never know. One thing’s for sure, though – the Tide have a host of talented players returning and a new crop of top ranked recruits that will compete for the SEC title in 2015.

Derrick Henry actually surpassed Yeldon to become Alabama’s leading rusher last season with 990 yards and 11 touchdowns on 172 carries. Henry is one of the best running backs in the nation and a likely Heisman Trophy candidate in 2015. Henry, running mate Kenyan Drake and a strong offensive line should help Coker ease into the quarterback position and carry the load much of the season – if offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin “will run the dang ball,” of course.

On defense, head coach Nick Saban aim to improve upon a defensive unit that allowed 33 points per game and 493 yards on average against Auburn, Missouri and Ohio State in the final three games last season. He will rely on arguably the SEC’s best defensive line to do it by controlling the line of scrimmage and making life difficult for quarterbacks around the country. Linebacker Reggie Ragland and defensive back Cyrus Jones will lead their respective position groups, but there are plenty of questions in both areas.

It’s nearly nine months until the 2015 edition of the Iron Bowl kicks off, but at this point, the Tigers are a more complete team with fewer question marks. With the game at Jordan-Hare Stadium as well, I’ll predict an Auburn victory.

Next: Pre-Spring SEC Quarterback Power Rankings

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