Two years ago, Auburn went winless in the SEC and endured its worst season in six decades. Gus Malzahn returned from Arkansas State and took over a program he helped lead to a national championship as offensive coordinator in 2010.
Expectations remained minimal playing in the toughest conference in the country, but the Tigers completed one of the incredible turnarounds in sports history, making the season’s memory eternal by pulling off perhaps the greatest play in college football history against their biggest rival.
After falling seconds short of a national championship in January, Auburn already has been taken for granted.
The Tigers may be even better now, but this season started and Alabama was still the most popular team in the state and ahead in the rankings. Florida State was looking to repeat, with Jameis Winston looking to become the second-ever two-time Heisman winner.
Oregon and Baylor were bound to score 700 points per game again, Notre Dame returned quarterback Everett Golson and USC started a new chapter under Steve Sarkisian.
In conference, it took just one week for Georgia to become a title contender and Todd Gurley to become a Heisman front-runner, while Texas A&M’s offense was endlessly applauded, with Kenny Hill needing just one game to accomplish the seemingly impossible task of replacing Johnny Manziel. The Aggies, ranked behind Auburn, have since snagged three first-place votes in the AP Poll, while No. 5 Auburn sits as the only team in the top 6 without a first-place vote.
When quarterback Nick Marshall returned from a first-half suspension in the team’s first game, Auburn leveled Arkansas with 24 unanswered points. One more blowout and one bye later, Auburn — averaging 52 points and 330 yards rushing — receives a night — at Kansas State — to remind the nation they belong back in championship conversations.
Remember the Tigers. Lay the points with Auburn (-9).
S. FLORIDA (-2) over UConn: There are better things you can do with your Friday night.
VA. TECH (-8) over Ga. Tech: The Hokies’ defense has some questions in the secondary, but they still contain the triple-option as well as any team in the nation.
Maryland (PK) over SYRACUSE: While looking at ACC stats, I needed nearly two full minutes before I figured out why Maryland wasn’t listed. Nevertheless, Syracuse was there. Conference realignment remains the worst.
Florida (+14½) over ALABAMA: Tide quarterback Blake Sims hasn’t faced a real defense yet, so expect a conservative game plan from Nick Saban and a low-scoring affair.
SMU (+33) over Texas A&M: The popular opinion is rarely the right one in these situations.
Rutgers (+6) over NAVY: Even Gary Nova can’t throw five interceptions in back-to-back weeks — I think.
Virginia (+14) over BYU: Apparently, a near-shocker over UCLA and an upset of Louisville don’t count for much. The Cavaliers finally will earn some respect after another impressive showing.
E. CAROLINA (-2) over Unc: Close your eyes. Swap the colors, nicknames and conferences. The Pirates would be favored by at least a touchdown. Last year, East Carolina went to Chapel Hill and won by 24.
LSU (-9½) over Miss. St.: The Tigers’ third-ranked defense in the nation will have its way against the undefeated, but untested Bulldogs.
Oklahoma (-7½) over WEST VA.: I loved the Mountaineers when this line was four points higher, but there’s too much value in the Sooners at this number and too much precedent not to go against a team the public loves as much as West Virginia.
VANDERBILT (+21½) over S. Carolina: Coming off last week’s season-saving win against Georgia, the Gamecocks are a likely letdown candidate in their first road game of the season.
Clemson (+17) over FLORIDA ST.: With so many bets already in, the line only could move so much, even with Winston out for the first half. Jump on the Tigers, who will get an entire half against a quarterback — sophomore Sean Maguire — with 26 career passing attempts.
NEBRASKA (-7½) over Miami: In the first meeting between the programs since the loaded 2001 Hurricanes decimated Eric Crouch in the national championship, running back Ameer Abdullah will present his case as the first Husker since then to have a shot at the Heisman. Miami true freshman quarterback Brad Kaaya — already with five interceptions this season — will encounter an atmosphere he never has seen before on Saturday night in Lincoln.
Oregon (-23½) over WASH. ST: This game of two-hand touch will set defenses back decades. Last year, the two teams combined for 100 points in an Oregon 24-point win, with Cougars quarterback Connor Halliday putting up 557 yards on an NCAA-record 89 throws. The Cougars already have allowed 41 points to Rutgers this season. Oregon is averaging 52 points and scorched a top Michigan State defense for 46 points. The Ducks could crack 80 — seriously.
BEST BETS: Virginia Tech, Virginia, East Carolina
Record: 20-23-1; Best Bets: 5-3-1