Power of positivity: Best-case scenarios for huge Auburn season in 2018

Carlson for Carlson

For this portion of the special teams discussion, we’re going to focus on field goals, extra points and kickoffs. You know it and know it: Daniel Carlson spoiled us big-time the last few seasons.

He routinely booted kickoffs out of the end zone, had range of 55-plus yards and connected on 80.7 percent of his 114 attempts and never missed an extra point (198 for 198).

So who better to replace him than his younger brother, Anders Carlson. A big plus here is that Anders was able to redshirt last season and watch how Daniel operated. As if Daniel wouldn’t be giving him every secret and sharing with him everything he learned, Anders witnessed it first-hand. The feedback from the spring and this fall is all positive.

Best-case scenario: Anders Carlson picks up right where his brother left off and becomes an immediate weapon anytime Auburn approaches the red zone. As a freshman, Daniel made 18 of 24 field goal attempts (75 percent). That was his worst season aside from his senior year when he made 74.2 percent (on seven more attempts) but had three blocked. The older Carlson hit 57 extra points as a freshman. If things go as everyone would like, Anders will boot at least 10 more than that and attempt fewer field goals because Auburn’s red zone execution is better in 2018 than it was in 2017 when the Tigers scored 38 touchdowns in 59 red zone possessions.