Know Thine Enemy

Good afternoon and Happy Hump Day Cougs! In a few short days, there is an actual game with an actual opponent. Holy crap! I'm sure many of you have studied up on our opponent on Saturday, but in case you haven't yet broken down film on the Auburn Tigers, I've enlisted the help of a bona fide expert. I've exchanged some emails with the good folks over at WarBlogle.com to give them the insight into our Cougs. Some of my thoughts were initially posted earlier this summer and an updated version should be posted over there soon. In turn, they were kind enough to answer some questions about our SEC foe. Click on the jump to learn some stuff…

1. Is Nick Marshall going to light us up or are you concerned having a new face in the lineup?

Yes. Next question? No, but really. I mean, Mark Richt and Aaron Murray have both said he's one of the best athletes with the strongest arms they've ever seen. How that translates into his first high profile game in D-1 football at the QB position, we won't know until around 9 pm CT on Saturday.

It's going to be interesting to see how well he fits in Gus's offense. He should be a perfect fit, but a lot rests on the QB's shoulders with all the reads that must be made. If I were a Wazzu fan, I would be concerned, but in my true homer fashion I would remind myself that he through 20 interceptions in JUCO last year.

2. The rumblings seem to be that depth is something of a concern for Auburn with injuries and/or suspensions causing a problem. Is this true or are we just being hopeful out here?

The defense has taken a hit in fall practice. Senior DE Dee Ford is out a few weeks and the same can be said for CB Jonathan Jones. There will be some new guys, but given the amount of time our returning sophomores had to play last season, this is nothing new. The fun-and-gun may be tough on them as new guys, but they are definitely talented.

3. What is the reaction to having Malzahn as head coach? I can only assume everyone is glad to have him back.

Well, not to toot my own horn, but I was about the only Auburn entity out there that wanted him from the start of the coaching search. I drew a lot of ire for not wanting the "best choice" in Bobby Petrino. But when things were settled, every one got behind Gus, and is 100% behind him. Most give him credit for 2010, so it's almost like it was meant to be.

4. Give me 2 names on offense and 2 names on defense of players to watch out for on Saturday.

Offense: I won't say Nick Marshall because he's obvious, so I'll go with RB Cameron Artis-Payne. He's supposedly splitting reps with RB Tre Mason and looks to make the Auburn backfield a true 1-2 punch. He's a little bit bigger but just as fast and really showed out in the spring game. Speaking of big, I have to bring up Auburn's version of the Hulk, FB Jay Prosch. His wrists are as big as my thighs. His neck is like a tree trunk. He will blow up the Wazzu defensive line. I'm sorry in advance.

5. What is your prognosis for the Tigers this season? Was 3-9 a blip on the radar or is there a little time needed to rebuild?

The 3-9 season was an absolute blip. Look at Auburn's overall record. Look at the last 30 years. No team has more undefeated seasons in the SEC than Auburn. It's fun for rival fans to pretend that last year is what Auburn is really all about only because they think the Tigers shouldn't have won the title in 2010. They're just showing their ignorance.

I'm not saying Auburn will the national title this year, but they do not lack talent at all. They have taken in top 10 recruiting classes for the last 3-4 years. And now they have the system that won them a national championship a few years ago. Last year was the perfect storm: new offensive system with a terrible OC, and a new defensive system. It just wasn't a good situation. It had nothing to do talent.

6. For my fellow Cougar fans who are making the trip to the South, what are some must-see's, specifically on Gameday?

I would definitely take in Tiger Walk on the South side of the stadium (by the baseball field) 2-and-a-half hours before kickoff. After the game, win or lose, head to Toomer's Corner. You won't see any trees, but if things go as you have predicted, you'll get to see us attempting to roll the new wire system that has temporarily replaced the trees. As far as food, hit up Momma Goldberg's. It's always a good bet.

One thing traveling fans always get in Auburn is good Southern hospitality. If you're not an Alabama fan, we'll take you in at a tailgate like you're one of our own. Need a beer? Need a burger? Just ask.

So there you have it. Anyone that makes the trip, let us know if you get that beer and burger.

Go Cougs