There are common feelings about Auburn’s spacious room.
Around (allegedly) there is a lack of talent. Therefore, according to the media, Auburn’s passing game will struggle.
Preseason reports suggest that the Tigers as a whole lack talent, cohesion, and unity … and will eventually fall off the rails once the season begins. While there is reason to believe that the entire Bryan Harsin fiasco late in the season created a locker room and shook ties within the program, everything that came out of the media the news since then has been nothing but good. Auburn continues.
Plus, they still have some talent on the roster. According to 247Sports’ Blue Chip Ratio, 54% of Auburn’s current roster consists of four- or five-star signees, which is good for 15th nationally.
Let’s take a closer look at the hosts and their talent. Despite being ranked 13th in the SEC in Athlon Sports’ preseason SEC rankings, and described as a “high-needs” team by Lindy’s, Auburn’s starting wide receiver rotation ranks fifth best in All-Star (all ratings available. from the 247Sports Composite) in the SEC.
If the Tigers have talent on paper, wouldn’t these preseason projections establish Auburn’s “lack of players” with Bryan Harsin’s inability to develop room?
In 2021, Auburn’s offense averaged 240.1 yards per game (up from 220.1 yards per game the team averaged in 2020—with two NFL unit picks, might I add), which was only good for 59th nationally. Still, it’s Auburn’s best yards per game total since 2004…back when Jason Campbell threw Courtney Taylor and Devin Aromashodu. By “lacking players,” the Tigers were able to have their greatest offense of the 21st century.
All this despite Harsin firing receivers coach Cornelius Williams four games into the season.
With former receivers coach Eric Kiesau stepping into his new role as offensive coordinator, who did Auburn see fit to go out and fire as the new man in the WR room?
Ike Hilliard, an NFL receivers coach with a track record of nothing but stellar pass catchers and steady development.
If anything, the Tigers should save things. About 240 more yards, same production, etc. It’s possible that players like LSU transfer Koy Moore, Tar’Varish Dawson, and tight end Landen King will be converted and help strengthen what could be a very deep unit.
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