I Like Auburn’s Chances in the Sugar Bowl

Has there ever been an SEC season where only one team has finished with more than eight wins since the conference split into divisions? Every year the conference beats up on each other but 2016 seem to have had more self inflicted wounds than usual. 

For example, Auburn lost early to Texas A&M 29-16, then beat Arkansas 56-3 who wound up beating the Aggies 45-24. The league cannibalism led to an 8-4 team having to represent the SEC in the Sugar Bowl against No.7 Oklahoma. 

Teams with four losses don’t usually go to a New Year’s bowl. However, the Playoff Selection Committee showed confidence in the Tigers by making them the second highest ranked team in the league. The ranking had to be influenced by the fact two of the Tigers losses came against the No.1 and No. 2 teams in the country.

While many fans are happy with the bowl bid, some are still nursing hurt feelings over the Tigers’ loss to a much inferior Georgia team at the end of the season. There is no getting around the fact that Auburn should have won that game. But there is also no getting around the fact that injuries definitely had an impact on its outcome.

Talking with a tailgate friend yesterday, he felt the Tigers losing the game would probably suppress ticket sales for the Sugar Bowl. I don’t buy it. Auburn always travels well. And I believe always will.

In addition Auburn had reeled off six straight wins before playing the Dogs. Then injuries took a more than normal toll starting with a tough 40-29 victory over Ole Miss. Auburn held out nine players in the Vandy game and then lost the services of the SEC’s leading rusher, Kamryn Pettway and quarterback Sean White, who led the league in passing efficiency.

During the six game winning streak, Auburn averaged 39 points and 513.3 yards per game, showing what the Tigers are capable of when White and Pettway are both healthy.

Coaches say both will be ready to go come January 2nd as the Tigers are expected to be near full strength. And that’s a good thing too because the Auburn offense will have to score points to have a chance to defeat a Sooner offense that is loaded with future NFL players including quarterback Baker Mayfield, who just may be the nation’s best passer. 

No doubt it will be a tall order for the Tiger defense, but I like Auburn’s chances. For one thing the defense has acquitted itself well against the SEC’s best. And besides, if someone had told me in the preseason the Tigers would be the second-highest ranked team in the SEC and get a Sugar Bowl bid – I would have taken it. And so would have most Auburn fans.  

War Eagle!

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