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2015 Auburn Football Schedule: Early Predictions

By Nicholas Ian Allen

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Nov 29, 2014; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals running back Brandon Radcliff (23) and Louisville Cardinals quarterback Kyle Bolin (14) celebrate during the second half against the Kentucky Wildcats at Papa John

  • Returning Starters, Offense: 5
  • Returning Starters, Defense: 4
  • Points For: 31.2 PPG (53rd nationally)
  • Passing: 252 YPG (47th nationally)
  • Rushing: 142.7 YPG (95th nationally)
  • Points Against: 21.8 PPG (24th nationally)

The first game on the 2015 Auburn football schedule is a neutral site matchup with Louisville in the Georgia Dome. The game with Louisville is the fourth straight season opener against a Power 5 opponent.

The Cardinals were 9-4 in Bobby Petrino’s first season in his second tour as head coach. Known as an offensive genius, Petrino’s Cards actually relied on their stingy defense in the program’s first season in the ACC. Of course, that fact shouldn’t come as a big surprise given the strong roster of defensive players Charlie Strong left behind when he made the move to Texas.

In 2015, Louisville must replace a total of 13 starters between the offense and defense and 11 players that were invited to the NFL Combine, which makes them one of the youngest teams in the nation (121st among 127 FBS programs) – or so it seems on paper.

Petrino and defensive coordinator Todd Grantham will have a trio of highly touted defensive transfers at their disposal next season with defensive backs Josh Harvey-Clemons, Shaq Wiggins and defensive end and former Big 12 Player of the Year Devonte Fields. Their arrival makes the losses more bearable. On offense, Petrino must settle on one of three quarterbacks as his starter and replace future first round receiver DeVante Parker, among others.

With uncertainly behind center and so many new pieces to mesh together before the season opener in Atlanta, the Cardinals are an early ten-point underdog to Auburn. Right now, the odds look pretty good for the Tigers to open the season 1-0.

Next: Game 2: vs. Jacksonville State

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