The Birmingham Bowl features an Auburn team that just barely got to bowl eligibility, and might not be here had they lost to FCS Jacksonville State earlier this season. Memphis, with their head coach out the door and their star quarterback likely following, will look to finish the 2015 season on a strong note before what looks like a 2016 rebuilding season.
By Eric Galko
Memphis
Paxton Lynch, QB, #12, 6’7, 230
The current top quarterback in the 2016 NFL Draft (assuming he declares, as expected), Paxton Lynch has already beaten one SEC school this year in Ole Miss. The 6’7 passer will draw comparisons to Brock Osweiler thanks to his size, but he’s a far more developed passer in mechanics and comfort-ability in moving outside the pocket. His decision-making has been remarkable this year for a strong armed passer, and I consider him an “educated gunslinger”: He’ll take chances and attack one-on-one match-ups, but it rarely leads to turnovers. He had some injury issues late in the season that limited his pocket movement or downfield ability, but look for the playbook to be expanded to get Lynch outside the pocket and capitalize on his remarkable feel for the position.
Taylor Fallin, OT, #77, 6’6, 325
A four-year starter at left tackle, Fallin will be attending the Shrine Game after his Memphis career is over. A bit of a hip bender who reaches at times when asked to pass block against stand-up rushers, Fallin thrives in quick pass protection, getting set and exploding his hands quickly with force. Fallin travels well in screen and downfield running plays, and can engage as he repositions at the second-level at a high level. Protecting his inside shoulder against Auburn blitzers will be a crucial factor in Paxton Lynch and the Memphis offense’s success.
Others to Watch
Tevin Jones, WR #87
Mose Frazier, WR #5
Alan Cross, TE #40
Leonard Pegues, ILB #53
Reggis Ball, S #39
Auburn
Kris Frost, LB #17, 6’2, 240
A highly athletic, long and fluid linebacker, Frost hasn’t taken quite the leap many expected this season. Possessing awesome explosiveness as an upfield rusher and the core strength to embrace and work through blocks, Frost flashes the unique linebacker upside that NFL teams covet. But his struggles in tackle finishing, filling holes with reliability, or read-reacting to plays effectively have made him a frustrating case study. His athleticism as a rusher and in space in mid-field coverage will be on display against Memphis.
Cassanova McKinzy, DE/LB #8, 6’3, 253
Playing the BUCK end position while Carl Lawson was injured, the versatile senior linebacker has thrived in multiple roles for the Auburn defense. One of the few standout Tigers in the narrow victory against Jacksonville State, McKinzey’s low center of gravity and willingness to engage and blow up blockers offers him success in multiple rushing and run defending situations. Able to gather himself in space, redirect and attack without wasted steps has proved him well at linebacker and defensive end, and he’ll be the single most important player for the Memphis Tigers to scheme against.
Jonathan Jones, CB #3, 5’10, 181
Physical as a press corner and working down the field, Jones can often get a bit too handsy, leading to penalties, which will cause issues for NFL teams. He’s active in run support and against underneath screens. He doesn’t possess great feel for the play or the receiver’s anticipation, and relies on contact and pre-snap route anticipation for success. Often the subject of vertical and fade routes, Jones needs to improve his vision. Despite being one of Auburn’s best defensive backs, don’t be surprised if Lynch targets Jones often on back shoulder and comeback routes
Carl Lawson, DE, #55, 6’2, 257 (JR)
Auburn’s most athletically gifted defensive player, Lawson rawness is what should keep him in college for another season. Despite great quickness off the snap and hand replacement as he deflects blockers, Lawson doesn’t offer much against top tier blocking units (like in the NFL) other than a great motor and that initial quickness. And in setting the edge in the run game, he often works into the block and neutralizes himself far too easily. He’s a defensive end worth developing, but his vision, anticipation and positioning, needs work before he can reach his first-round peak at the NFL level.
Others to Watch
Ricardo Louis, WR #5
Melvin Ray, WR, #82
Blake Countess, SAF #24
Justin Garrett, LB #26
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