The Auburn Tigers are currently ranked No. 11 overall in the nation, but oddsmakers have made them a 35/1 long shot to win the 2009 BCS National Championship.
Even though the Tigers will start three underclassmen on their offensive line this year, those three underclassmen all played as freshmen last year. Another year of experience should help running backs Ben Tate and Brad Lester, as well as quarterback Kodi Burns. Defensively, Auburn brings back two solid defensive backs in safety Zac Etheridge (65 tackles) and cornerback Jerraud Powers (four interceptions). Defensive end Antonio Coleman (8.5 sacks) also returns.
Every major online sports book has established Auburn as a long shot. Oddsmakers from online sports book Bodog have made the Tigers a 35/1 long shot, while Sportsbook.com has them at 30/1 and SBG Global at 20/1.
Auburn has some inexperience along the offensive line and at quarterback, but the line should pick up right where they left off last year, while Tate and Lester make up a solid backfield. The defense should be solid against the run as well, although Raven Gray, Mike Blanc and Jake Ricks will have to step up big time. Tommy Tuberville’s team should be able to build off of last year’s win against Clemson in the Chick-fil-A Bowl and compete in the tight SEC. Could the Tigers be a deep sleeper this year to contend for the 2009 BCS National Championship? Absolutely.
Auburn Tigers 2009 BCS National Championship Odds to win
Bodog: 35/1
Sportsbook.com: 30/1
SBG Global: 20/1
Auburn Tigers SEC West Conference Odds to win
Bodog: 5/4
Sportsbook.com: 5/4
SBG Global: 5/4
Auburn Tigers 2008 Season Win Over/Under Totals
Auburn Tigers Over 9 Wins (-125)
Auburn Tigers Under 9 Wins (-105)