Auburn football fans have had a lot to be happy about since head coach Bryan Harsin took over the program. From open practice to new playing styles, things are changing on the Plains, and it’s most definitely a good thing.
However, a coaching change indicates a major transitional year for the program, and the Tigers are receiving less than fantastic projected records from the media for the 2021 season. Pegged by many as a seven or eight-win team at most, Auburn has one of the most difficult schedules in CFB this year. Additionally, all four of the Tigers’ non-conference opponents are lined up at the beginning of the season, meaning there will be no handouts down the road.
Auburn football will kick off the season against Akron, followed by Alabama State, which should be two solid wins for the Tigers. However, things get interesting in week three when Auburn heads up to Happy Valley to face Penn State and then close out non-conference play against Georgia State.
According to LSU site Geaux247, the pressure is on for head coach Bryan Harsin to pile on the wins early in the season. Should the Tigers be heading to Death Valley will more than one loss under their belts, the Harsin hype could potentially die down:
"If Auburn is anything short of 3-1 heading into the trip to the Bayou, then new head coach Bryan Harsin’s honeymoon on the Plains will be short-lived."
A loss in either of the first two games on the schedule would be catastrophic for the beginning of the Bryan Harsin era, and even losing to Penn State may shake Auburn football fans’ good faith in Harsin.
Why? Penn State was not great last season, starting off 0-5 before winning their last four games. This year, they’re relying heavily on the improvement of quarterback Sean Clifford and stepping up their defense, which had the lowest sack-per-game total since 2013 according to College Football News.
Though the Georgia State game at home following the trip to Happy Valley has been deemed a trap game, the Tigers should be able to be able to take care of the Panthers with ease, especially in Jordan-Hare. Georgia State went 6-4 last year but won their bowl game, and they’ll visit the Plains right before Harsin’s SEC debut.
The Auburn football team should be heading to Baton Rouge with a 4-0 record, but perhaps Geaux247 is right, and if the team is anything less than 3-1 come October the Harsin honeymoon stage could definitely come to a close.