AUBURN IN REVIEW
IQUARTERBACK
Brandon Cox, who didn't get enough credit for playing hurt last year, needs to stay healthy this time around, especially with tough road games. Early fawning over backup Kodi Burns gives way to trusty Blake Field as the No. 2. Rating: Four stars out of five.
RUNNING BACKS
Injuries slowed fall practices, but Auburn should have enough depth to carry through the season. Keep an eye on youngsters Ben Tate and Mario Fannin. Rating: Four stars out of five.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Rod Smith goes from walk-on to the most dependable receiver in a year. Robert Dunn has impressed mightily in practices, but returning wideouts are short on stats. Rating: Three stars out of five.
OFFENSIVE LINE
Weeks of practices have soothed Auburn's concerns about using four new starters. True freshman Lee Ziemba joins veteran King Dunlap to form huge bookend tackles. Rating: Four stars out of five.
DEFENSIVE LINE
Quentin Groves is a serious threat to become an All-American, and he'll have plenty of help. Depth isn't a problem here with the likes of Pat Sims, Josh Thompson and Sen'Derrick Marks. Rating: Five stars out of five.
LINEBACKERS
Big-hitter Tray Blackmon is a star in the making, but suspensions cost him seven games last year. Outside linebacker Craig Stevens impressed early last year and is ready to go the distance. Rating: Four stars out of five.
SECONDARY
Not exactly the tallest unit in the SEC, but Jerraud Powers will lead a veteran unit. Aairon Savage is one of Tommy Tuberville's favorites. Rating: Four stars out of five.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Wes Byrum and Ryan Shoemaker have never kicked in a college game, a stark contrast to Auburn's three veteran kickers who anchored the best special teams unit in the nation last year. Rating: Three stars out of five.
OVERALL
Coaches will focus on juicing up the offense so it can catch up with the defense. Keeping Brandon Cox healthy is a top priority. Schedule is the biggest obstacle. Rating: Four stars out of five.
Critique by News staff writer Charles Goldberg. Critiques are relative to the team's conference.
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