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Predicting the first loss for every college football top 25 team

By Nathaniel Reeves

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - DECEMBER 30: Deondre Francois
MIAMI GARDENS, FL - DECEMBER 30: Deondre Francois /
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MANHATTAN, KS – NOVEMBER 05: Quarterback Jarrett Stidham #3 of the Baylor Bears works out prior to a game against the Kansas State Wildcats on November 5, 2015 at Bill Snyder Family Stadium in Manhattan, Kansas. (Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images)
MANHATTAN, KS – NOVEMBER 05: Quarterback Jarrett Stidham #3 of the Baylor Bears works out prior to a game against the Kansas State Wildcats on November 5, 2015 at Bill Snyder Family Stadium in Manhattan, Kansas. (Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images) /

No. 13 Auburn Tigers: vs. Alabama, Nov. 25 

The Tigers tend to defy whatever their preseason expectations are for better or worse, but this roster looks capable of challenging any team in the country.

After beginning the season ranked No. 8 in the AP Poll, Auburn started the season 1-2 and looked to be on the ropes against LSU before winning a wild contest in the final seconds. That may have saved Gus Malzahn’s job (while costing Les Miles’ his), and the Tigers went on to reel off a six-game winning streak and finish the year at 8-5 with a berth in the Sugar Bowl.

The upside on offense is huge, as the Tigers should have improved quarterback play with Baylor transfer Jarrett Stidham under center to complement bruising running back Kamryn Pettaway, a bunch of promising young receivers, and an outstanding offensive line. Auburn’s defense took a huge leap forward in 2016, and key returners like linebacker Deshaun Davis and safety Tray Matthews will help it maintain that level despite losing star Carl Lawson in the trenches.

Getting to the Iron Bowl undefeated requires winning some difficult road games, but the 2017 Tigers have the offensive firepower to pull it off. Auburn will announce itself as a national contender in week two with a road win over Clemson, which will still be figuring out its quarterback situation and won’t be able to push Malzahn’s team around in the trenches.

Auburn will complete the sweep of the Death Valley circuit in Baton Rouge on Oct. 14 by generating enough splash plays to challenge an ultra-talented yet inexperienced LSU defense. Following another tough game against Georgia on Nov. 11, the Tigers’ undefeated run will finally come to an end against Alabama’s superior defense, although the Iron Bowl should be one of the best regular season games of the year.