The opener with UCLA could be a trendsetter. The Tigers will be a shell of last season as quarterback Ben Leard, running backs Rudi Johnson and Heath Evans and wide receivers Ronney Daniels and Reggie Worthy are gone. Daniel Cobb won a heated quarterback battle in the spring. An experienced line will have to carry Auburn early. Linebacker Alex Lincoln will be missed, but the defensive line, which returns Javor Mills, DeMarco McNeil and Reggie Torbor, should be very strong against the run once again.
Questions remain in the secondary.
Tommy Tuberville vs. Ole Miss III takes place in Week 2, and the Rebels will again be foaming at the mouth. The defense will have to carry the squad early as the offense adjusts to new players at the skill positions. Arkansas was devastated by injuries last fall on offense, with the top three running backs and the top three quarterbacks all missing time at some point during the regular season. The talented Cedric Cobbs will make his return to the backfield, taking pressure off whoever emerges in the quarterback race between Rodney Hampton and Zak Clark. The Hogs have some serious holes to fill at linebacker with the departure of Quinton Caver and J.J. Jones.