By Dan Harralson
Gene Chizik. Year two. There has only been three coaches in Auburn's football history, in which a year number two coach defeated Alabama. Tommy Tuberville was the most recent head coach in the year 2000. Only Pat Dye (1982, 23-22) and Billy Watkins (1901, 17-0) are the only other coaches to defeat Alabama in their second season. Gene Chizik has a plan and his plan is to "sell the program." Tiger Prowl was the biggest example of "selling the program" against Nick Saban and Alabama. Cam Newton replaces Chris Todd at quarterback. Newton should fit in nicely with the running attack led by Mario Fannin. Gus Malzahn implemented his quirky offense last season; placing Chris Todd into the third best single season passing season at Auburn. Todd finished with 2,612 passing yards only behind Jason Campbell (2004 - 2,700 yards) and Dameyune Craig (1997 - 3,277 yards.) The difference between Todd and the top two individuals in this category; Campbell won the SEC and Craig won the SEC West. In this Malzahn offense, the opposing defense will give up 2-3 crucial 'Malzahn' plays per game: The opposing defense cannot give up 14-21 points off these 2-3 plays. Alabama gave up a few big plays in last season's Iron Bowl. The result concluded in the Malzahn offense shutting down, but it also creates the other teams offense to come back in the game. Auburn is living off a great motivator in Chizik and a quirky Malzahn offense. The Auburn approach is an upgrade from a Tuberville approach to compete against Nick Saban. Auburn needs to avenge 2009 losses to Arkansas, Kentucky, LSU, Georgia, and Alabama. The only foreseeable win out of these games is Kentucky. Look for the Tigers to have an eight win season. Below I asked Coach Chizik about implementing this offensive style in regards to competing with Nick Saban on the recruiting trail:
