Auburn Football Update 2008
When August finally rolls around, after a way too short summer, most students at Auburn University are only thinking about one thing. No, it's not class. It's football season! Right after the last game is played, the anticipation for a new season begins. So now that it is less than a month away, fans are really starting to talk. So I thought I would go straight to the players to find out what they thought about the upcoming season and how they are preparing for it.
Most of the players said that after practicing reps in the spring and summer, they felt comfortable with the new spread offense that will be displayed this season. We saw a preview of Offensive Coordinator Tony Franklin's new offense in the bowl game against Clemson, but that was after only nine practices.
The big question on everyone's mind is who will be the starting quarterback. With two strong contenders, Kodi Burns and junior college transfer Chris Todd, either way the Tigers will be strong. Todd, who had trouble with his shoulder in the spring, says that he is happy with the way it is progressing and that it is doing a lot better. Burns, who got a little playing time during the 2007 season, stepped up to the challenge at the bowl game against Clemson by throwing a touchdown pass and running in the game-winning score in overtime.
As for the defense, new Defensive Coordinator Paul Rhoads will have three key positions to fill. Luckily for him, the replacements Antonio Coleman, Sen'Derrick Marks and Tray Blackmon have all had significant playing time.
The new spread offense will give more playing time to many of the receivers. If the receivers can all "crisp up their routes," according to James Swinton, wide receiver, and make good adjustments based on coverages, then we will have a successful offense. If not, then we will have to rely on our strong running backs.
With a tough schedule mainly at home, the Tigers are sure to put on a good show and hopefully have some surprises up their sleeves. Playing several easier teams at the beginning of the season will also help the team adapt to the new offense.
Official practice starts Saturday. I guess we will just have to wait until kickoff on Aug. 30 to see if the Tigers can live up to their high preseason rank.
Find more videos like this on The Loveliest Village
Most of the players said that after practicing reps in the spring and summer, they felt comfortable with the new spread offense that will be displayed this season. We saw a preview of Offensive Coordinator Tony Franklin's new offense in the bowl game against Clemson, but that was after only nine practices.
The big question on everyone's mind is who will be the starting quarterback. With two strong contenders, Kodi Burns and junior college transfer Chris Todd, either way the Tigers will be strong. Todd, who had trouble with his shoulder in the spring, says that he is happy with the way it is progressing and that it is doing a lot better. Burns, who got a little playing time during the 2007 season, stepped up to the challenge at the bowl game against Clemson by throwing a touchdown pass and running in the game-winning score in overtime.
As for the defense, new Defensive Coordinator Paul Rhoads will have three key positions to fill. Luckily for him, the replacements Antonio Coleman, Sen'Derrick Marks and Tray Blackmon have all had significant playing time.
The new spread offense will give more playing time to many of the receivers. If the receivers can all "crisp up their routes," according to James Swinton, wide receiver, and make good adjustments based on coverages, then we will have a successful offense. If not, then we will have to rely on our strong running backs.
With a tough schedule mainly at home, the Tigers are sure to put on a good show and hopefully have some surprises up their sleeves. Playing several easier teams at the beginning of the season will also help the team adapt to the new offense.
Official practice starts Saturday. I guess we will just have to wait until kickoff on Aug. 30 to see if the Tigers can live up to their high preseason rank.
Find more videos like this on The Loveliest Village
Comment
Questions?
Write to lv.auburn (at) gmail (dot) com.
The Loveliest Village is a nonprofit education project. The site is ad free..
The Loveliest Village is a nonprofit education project. The site is ad free..
The Loveliest Village is a class project by students at Auburn University. This site is not an official publication of the university.
Photos
Badge
© 2012 Created by Loveliest Village.
You need to be a member of The Loveliest Village to add comments!
Join The Loveliest Village