There’s no question that Auburn head coach Bryan Harsin has his job on the line this season. What does Harsin have to achieve this season to get another year in Auburn?
How did it come to this?
With a lot of uncertainty in the Auburn football program this offseason. Head coach Bryan Harsin has found himself in the hot seat in just his 2nd year at Auburn. After a disappointing injury from quarterback Bo Nix, which eventually led to a 0-5 finish at the end of the year. Harsin found himself in a tough situation where the program was hit by over a dozen transfers and departures over the offseason. He was put through an unfair and uncomfortable investigation after dishonest circles questioned his character. After all that has happened Harsin was able to keep his job, however, his leash is about 10 feet shorter now.
What does Harsin have to do this year?
While the media projects Auburn to win six games below. That won’t cut it and if we’re being honest I think Harsin needs at least 8 regular season wins. I do believe Bryan Harsin is being put at a disadvantage, but that’s just the business of the game. It’s pretty simple if you win everything else that’s happened gets shoved underneath the carpet. The offense needs to show life and losing sixth-year center Nick Brahms this offseason was a big loss for the offensive line. The o-line will dictate how this Auburn offense will perform. If the offensive line can’t produce run holes and hold pass protection. Then TJ Finley will be set up for failure, thus leading to the downfall of the Auburn offense.
Another thing that killed Auburn’s momentum last season was blowing the lead. As soon as the Tigers got on top of an opponent they took their foot off the pedal. Auburn had a 14-point lead against South Carolina, a 25-point lead against Mississippi State, and a 7-point lead with under 2 minutes to go against Alabama. Auburn ended up losing all three of those games. It’s unacceptable for an SEC team who experiences such a tough schedule year in and year out. I don’t know if former offensive coordinator Mike Bobo was to blame for the lackluster calls, but as the head man there you have to take control and keep the game under control.
The “New” Auburn Offense
What should Auburn fans expect from this newly revamped offense? With a new quarterback at the helm in TJ Finley don’t expect flashy and “Houdini” like plays from Finley. Harsin looks for a steady-demeanor signal-caller to run the offense, not just a wannabe playmaker. I think this offense will thrive and die with the run game that sets up the play-action. If Auburn can win the battle of the trenches I like their chances to win the game. One of the most underrated hires of the offseason was WR coach Ike Hilliard. The receiving core was a big struggle last season. We saw too many dropped passes, inconsistent separation on routes, and straight-up bad effort on plays. I think Coach Hilliard will revamp and set order in the wideout room. Mike Bobo is out and Eric Kieasu is in. Coach Kieasu will have a big responsibility in calling plays for the offense.
What to expect from Auburn in 2022
What should I expect from Auburn in 2022? Well, expect this team to come out with a chip on its shoulder. This is a team that has been through hell and back in the offseason. They hear everything, they know what the media “experts” are saying about them. They’ve kept quiet and have continued to work and stand up for Coach Harsin. I believe the defense will be a top 3 defense in the SEC. Auburn’s gonna get a chance to turn the college football world upside down and they know that. That’s what keeps them quiet and helps them work. There is so much built-up anger and disparity inside this football program, come September we will see it unleashed. The offense is the biggest question mark, like I’ve said before though if TJ Finley and the offensive line both look sharp… then don’t sleep on Auburn.
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1 Comment
WIN WIN WIN!!!! That’s how!!!