Surprised?

July 26, 2008

By Jon Johnson

Auburn being the pick to win the SEC West this season by the press during the SEC Media Days shouldn’t really surprise.
Yep, I understand LSU is the defending national champion and still has a load of talent.
Yep, I understand Auburn doesn’t have an established QB, just as is the case at LSU.
Yep, I understand there’s not a dime’s worth of difference between the talent level at Auburn and LSU.
Yep, I understand there are some other teams capable of breaking through to contend - like Alabama, and my surprise team, Ole Miss.
But the difference in Auburn being picked over LSU this year, in my opinion, comes down to the schedule.
Auburn plays host to LSU, Arkansas, Tennessee and Georgia. That says it all.
The schedule is set up nice for Auburn this year, a total reverse from a year ago.
Thus, don’t be surprised if the Tigers - the Auburn Tigers that is - win the wild, wild West.