Based on what On3's Pete Nakos is hearing from his sources, Baylor Bears quarterback DJ Lagway is in a great place during fall camp. That, of course, could be very bad news for the Auburn Tigers' defense during Week 1 in the Aflac Kickoff Game.
Per Nakos' sources, "Baylor has been impressed with Florida transfer QB DJ Lagway since his arrival back in Waco. One of the most-followed transfers this offseason, Lagway has been healthy and emerged as a leader for the Bears."
Health has always been Lagway's Achilles heel. If that's in order, and he truly is connecting with his teammates, Lagway could make the Bears a dark horse in the Big 12. But actually beating the Tigers in Week 1 as a major underdog in Atlanta? That's a tall task for the former Florida Gator.
Still, maybe the Willis product being back in the Lone Star State, with a play-caller who is not Billy Napier, is exactly what Lagway has needed all along.
Auburn's defense getting a stern test against DJ Lagway in Week 1
DJ Durkin has a bit of continuity, but there are big losses all along the Tigers' defensive line. The EDGE room lost Keldric Faulk, Keyron Crawford, and Amaris Williams. Meanwhile, the middle of the line lost Malik Blocton, Zykeivous Walker, and Bobby Jamison-Travis.
The linebackers will be the strength of this team, with Xavier Atkins and Elijah Melendez leading the way in the middle and Jared Smith getting reps at the buck linebacker spot, in addition to being a typical end along the line. Sophomores Eric Winters and AnQuon Fegans hold it down at the safety spots, while there's less certainty among the corners.
Lagway has the talent to exploit weaknesses. Durkin needs to make sure there aren't glaring weaknesses early at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in a few weeks.
AU can't start off the Alex Golesh era with a loss to DJ Lagway and Baylor
Auburn is too big a favorite to let the college football world down during Alex Golesh's debut game. Everyone will say that's the reason the game was moved out of Jordan-Hare Stadium. No one will give Lagway the credit he deserves if he plays up to his potential and leads the Bears to a stunning upset.
The Tigers simply don't need the narrative that the sky is falling after Week 1. This program is trying to have calm normalcy after five hectic years of losing, but falling to Baylor would inspire anything but. Obviously, it's about the long-term, and a Week 1 loss doesn't mean by any stretch that the Golesh era is DOA.
Still, the 13 days leading up to the Florida game will be the most cortisol-stricken two weeks for the Auburn family possible. Golesh beat the Gators with the USF Bulls last September. Imagine being 1-2 after losing to Florida at home and its former QB in Atlanta? Not to mention Jon Sumrall believing he made the right choice by not choosing the Tigers.
Lagway's positive update is not exactly a positive on the Plains if the worst-case scenario manifests on September 5. Especially if things snowball from there two weeks later.
Add us as a preferred source on Google