With most of the players gone from last year's national championship team that had a hand in the offensive production, the running game should be Auburn's strong suit in 2011.
In 2010, the Tigers had a tremendous season on offense, setting numerous school records en route to an undefeated 14-0 season and a BCS Title. Many of the important pieces that made it possible for Auburn to win its second title in school history either left early for the NFL or saw their eligibility expire.
With all of the departures, the Tigers may not see the same kind of numbers they racked up on the ground a season ago against stingy defenses of the SEC.
Auburn averaged a whopping 296.4 rushing yards per game in eight SEC games, which led the league by 111.2 yards per game over runner-up Mississippi State (185.2). Auburn rushed for 440 yards against an LSU defense that ranked sixth nationally in rushing defense (83.6), marking the most yards rushing by Auburn against an SEC opponent in school history.
The Tigers also rushed for more than 300 yards against six straight SEC opponents. Auburn had never before rushed for at least 300 yards in even three straight SEC games.
Luckily for offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn and position coach Curtis Luper, Auburn has plenty of experience returning from last year's backfield. The unit may be a little thin depth-wise since key backup Mario Fannin graduated, but the top two tailbacks from last season, Michael Dyer and Onterio McCalebb, are back and poised to pick up where they left off in 2010.
Michael Dyer
(Photo courtesy of AUTigers.com)Early on in his freshman season, Dyer's performance on the field was often overlooked due to the fact that Auburn had other offensive weapons garnering all of the attention. As the season progressed, Dyer began to turn heads as his game got stronger. His average increased from 5.3 yards per rush in the first half of the season to 6.6 yards in the second half.
Dyer ended up having a memorable season. He finished with 1,093 yards on 182 carries, which broke Bo Jackson's freshman rushing record.
Dyer was outstanding in the BCS National Championship Game, rushing for 143 yards on 22 carries and was named the Offensive Player of the Game. His 37-yard run late in the 4th quarter that set up the game-winning field goal will always be remembered by Auburn fans.
Expect Dyer to carry the load running inside with McCalebb showcasing his speed again on sweeps. In 2010, McCalebb finished with 810 yards on only 95 carries and scored nine touchdowns. He also set a single-season Auburn record of 8.5 yards per carry.
Redshirt freshman Ladarious Phillips takes over for Eric Smith at H-back after Smith was dismissed from the team in February for a violation of an unspecified team rule.
Phillips was set to be a part of the H-back rotation last year but a season-ending foot injury forced him to be redshirted. Now that his foot is almost fully healed, he'll be counted on to protect the quarterback and create holes for the tailbacks.
After a short stint in the secondary last season, Anthony Morgan is back at his natural position at tailback to provide some relief at a somewhat thin position.
Incoming freshmen Tre Mason and Quan Bray arrive on campus in August and could contribute immediately.
Mason rushed for 4,648 yards and 68 touchdowns in his career at Park Vista High in Lake Worth, Fla.
Bray signed with Auburn as a wide receiver but he's a versatile athlete who could see playing time at tailback. He's no stranger to the position having rushed for 1,300 yards as a senior at Troup High in LaGrange, Ga.
Phil Marion
Next week: Offensive Line
Quarterbacks and Wide Receivers
