No More 3-2

 Dan Mullen and Gene Chizik are both in their second year as head coaches at  their respected schools. Both will have their early head coaching careers compared to one another as long as they stay where they are. There are several story lines to be dealt with before this game is to kick off.

First, the offense on both sides are EXPLOSIVE. In their first game, Auburn had 608 yards of offense with Cam Newton having 357 yards. Newtion is 2010's first SEC offensive player of the week leading the SEC in rushing (171) and total yards (357). Other leaders for Auburn were Michael Dyer with 95 yards rushing, Quendarious Carr 87 receiving yards and Fannin with 65.

Now, Mississippi State's offense has made leaps and bounds under Dan Mullen. Mississippi State had 569 yards of total offense against Memphis in game one of the 2010 season. MSU is looking to repeat its performance against a different tiger team, on that allowed 323 passing yards by a far less superior team. People outside the MSU fan base need to take them seriously. Though picked to finish 5th in the West, I expect Mississippi State may finish higher. There is no Mullen in Starkville. Like Saban, Dan Mullen will change everything about MSU Football and put them on the winning path.

Offense is in. Both teams did very well to stop the run but struggled against the pass. Although the Tigers had more trouble than the Bulldogs, there will not be a repeat of the last performance in Starkville. There will be no 3-2 game. I would be shocked if the combined total offense was less than 1,000 yards. The defense on both teams has to step up if either team wants to prove they can win the West.

While the MSU defense is on the field there will be a new element to the noise factor in Starkville this evening. Well maybe not new, just given a one year probationary period. The cowbells are back. However, the fans are not allowed to ring them during play. The Tigers will have to prepare for the noise since the officials did nothing about it during the Memphis game. It's ok. It's been done before.

Starkville, Thursday night will be crazy. The Dawgs know they have a chance and they smell blood. This is the State's "Super Bowl" and it's on national television. Not to mention every State fan feels Chizik bought Cam Newton. The whole saga with Newton's recruitment by Mullen for a second time (first at Florida) was highly publicized with everyone thinking he was a sure lock at State. He is even pictured on his trip to Starkville ringing a cowbell and later commented to players how they would be teammates in 2010. Obviously, they were very upset when out of nowhere he committed and signed with Auburn. During his recruitment at State, he was regarded as the savior of the program seeing how Bulldogs have not had a prolific quarterback in years. However, the combination of Chris Relf and Tyler Russell are very good. It would appear that even as MSU fans are unhappy with Newton's Benedict Arnold like actions, they have a star quarterback waiting in the wings.

Since the 2004 season the confidence in Auburn fans has risen. To others this overconfidence may sound like cockiness especially when their school hasn't had a lot to cheer for in football. However, with a new coach and confidence in a new offense, Wade Davis Stadium will be very hostile to all that enter. Mullen has done a very good job marketing this MSU program to gain everyone's excitement. Then not only did he get everyone pumped, but he delivered on the first game of the season. Do not take the Bulldogs lightly. They are poised to upset quite a few teams this year. The excitement is still there. The electricity is in the air. The cowbells will be ringing. It is Game Day in Starkville, Mississippi.

Ingram Out, Richardson In

From an opponent perspective I'd like to settle what I think about this recent talk of Alabama sophomore, Trent Richardson, being a better running back than reigning Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram. Now, I understand Ingram's recent injury may not spark too much worry in the hearts of Bama fans in their week one battle against San Jose State because there's always Richardson, but to say he is better is a bit of a leap.

First of all, let's not underestimate the inner-workings of recently dubbed Alabama "legend" Nick Saban's mind. Coach Saban is no fool. He knows what's best for his team and that takes knowing who he has to work with. Looking back at last year's numbers, if Richardson were better than Ingram, then why didn't he get more carries?

Don't misread me. Richardson is an excellent running back, but Ingram poses more as a threat being able to run and take a hit, as well as being able to act as a receiver. Last year Ingram was able to rack up 32 receptions totaling up to 332 receiving to add to his impressive 1,658 rushing yards. Though Ingram has a little more experience coming into his junior year at Alabama, Richardson will be given his chance to stand out this year, but overall Ingram still has the better edge.

However, speaking on Ingram's latest injury, Alabama will have to take the field this Saturday without their star running back. I understand fans aren't so much bothered, but to dish responses on how Richardson is a better player or that losing Ingram won't matter is a little presumptuous. Who, in their right mind, can say losing the Heisman Trophy winner is nothing? Saban and his staff have done a brilliant job recruiting, but to have a returning Heisman winner go with an injury is still a big loss.

With that said, Alabama may not be worried about their opening game against San Jose State, however, let's talk about week two when Alabama faces Jo Pa's Penn State Nittany Lions. Last year this PSU rush defense allowed less than 100 yards per game with less than 3 yards per carry. Like most SEC teams, Alabama is a run first offense. They will need whatever they can get on offense in order to give their defense (their weakest link) any room to breathe. Although Richardson has proven his ability to perform, Alabama will need their stars. If I were an Alabama fan, which I'm glad I'm not, I would be hoping Ingram is back to true form when they host Penn State September 11th.

If Cam Newton...

I'd like to start this new season by talking about one of Auburn's top ranked recruits. For those of you who are behind here is a quick refresher of Auburn's new starting quarterback, Cam Newton.

Cameron Jerrell Newton attended the University of Florida after high school. He began his college football career as back-up quarterback to Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow. After his second year as a Gator he was arrested for purchasing a stolen laptop and attempting to hide evidence from arresting officers. Newton finished his 2008-year at UF before his transfer to Blinn College in Texas leading his team to win the 2009 National JuCo Championship. On the eve of 2010 Cam Newton weighed his options and committed to Auburn University. With Newton's born again college career kicking off this Saturday against Arkansas State, lets review the new Tiger with a fun game of "If Cam Newton, then".

If Cam Newton can take the reigns and run the offense, then Auburn may be that top team some have hyped them up to be. Newton has not only shown coaches and fellow teammates he can perform, but he's also proven he knows how to be a leader on and off the field. Newton has stated he wants to put Auburn at the top of the SEC and with that said has proven himself to be a true Tiger.

If Cam Newton can translate his leadership abilities to on-field success, then Auburn will vastly improve their win total from last year. Auburn recently has been picked to win the West by ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreet. Newton's 6'6" 250 lb build, 4.53 40, and not to mention his cannon of an arm makes him a dangerous weapon to run the option, with all of the above and his positive attitude for what he has in store for the 2010 Auburn season there will be no stopping this Tiger offense.

If Cam Newton can accurately throw the ball deep and keep defenses from stacking the box, then this will give Malzahn's offense the opportunity to put up big numbers, giving relief to AU's defense to have more room for error.

All in all, if Cam Newton is able to keep his on and off the field decision making in check, then Auburn will be able to live up to the hype and will pose as a fair contender for the reigning National Champs at this year's Iron Bowl.

Allow me to introduce myself,

I would like to begin by letting my readers know that I am a tried and true Auburn Tiger. I graduated from Auburn University, and though I reside in Birmingham my heart remains on the Plains.

This blog is devoted to the unheard voices. It is an oasis for the topics of my choosing. Though I'm just another admittedly bias opinion, I will allow my thoughts to overflow to the rest of the SEC. Each topic I cover is completely open for discussion and would appreciate any comments. I hope for those of you who decide to indulge in this blog find courage in responding, because that's what makes this fun. With that said, I leave you with two words that are near and dear to my heart, WAR EAGLE!