Very Bad Things

Auburn (’98: 3-8, 1-7 SEC)

Click here for more on this story

Posted: Wednesday August 11, 1999 05:01 PM

The Plot

The last time Auburn entered the season with a new coach -- Terry Bowden in 1993 -- the Tigers went 11-0. Bowden opened his Auburn career on probation. Tommy Tuberville begins his with controversy. The Tigers will usher in the Tuberville era against Division I-AA Appalachian State after buying out of a game with Florida State. Auburn won't repeat its 3-8 nightmare 1998 season, but it will be far from the 11-0 first-year bar Bowden set six years ago.

The Director

Tommy Tuberville -- first season; 25-20 overall

Starring

DE Leonardo Carson -- The Tigers' lone consistently dominant force. Carson has 181 career tackles, 19 career tackles for loss and 15 career sacks.

Co-Starring

DT Jimmy Brumbaugh -- Before redshirting last season with a knee injury, Brumbaugh was one of the SEC's top tackles.
OT Jeno James -- Offensive line is the strength of the Tigers, and James is the best of the bunch.
CB Antwoine Nolan -- Has experience, starting 24 consecutive games.

And introducing

WR Ronney Daniels -- Yet another player who left minor league baseball for the college gridiron. Daniels, a Parade All-American in 1995, hasn't played football since. But with the Tigers' wideout situation, he'll immediately become a starter.

Why it will work

QB Gabe Gross turns into Pat Sullivan and RB Rusty Williams turns into Bo Jackson.

Why it won't

Auburn has too many holes, too much youth and too many distractions to be successful in '99. But Tuberville won't take long to turn program around again.

Our critics' review

 

Related information
Multimedia
Click here for the latest audio and video
Search our site	Watch CNN/SI 24 hours a day
	Sports Illustrated and CNN have combined to form a 24 hour sports news and information channel. To receive CNN/SI at your home call your cable operator or DirecTV.