10 teams that will take the next step after big win in bowl game
1. Auburn
10-3 (7-1)
Peach Bowl: Tigers vs. UCF, Monday, Jan. 1
Auburn nearly pulled off an incredible run to overcome two early season losses and still make it to the College Football Playoff. Unfortunately for the Tigers, Georgia got revenge for the dominant 40-17 regular season Auburn victory at Jordan-Hare Stadium and took the playoff spot instead.
Looking ahead to the Peach Bowl, the Tigers have an opportunity to end the season on a high note by beating the only undefeated team left in FBS. Adding win No. 11 to earlier victories over two No. 1 ranked teams (including the all-important Iron Bowl) during the regular season would give Auburn significant momentum for 2018.
Of course, as is the case across the country, Auburn’s 2018 title hopes will be tied closely to the players returning to the program next year. The Tigers fielded four senior starters on the offensive line, which is a huge concern for the future. There’s also a question as to whether running back Kerryon Johnson, a top 10 vote-getter in the Heisman Trophy, will leave early for the NFL Draft. Kamryn Pettway, the 2016 starter ahead of Johnson, could also leave early despite missing most of the season due to injury.
The good news (in addition to the long track record head coach Gus Malzahn has for developing 1,000-yard rushers on an annual basis) is that Jarrett Stidham should return for his junior season, and he’ll have a veteran group of talented receivers at his disposal.
Defensively, Auburn will lose four key contributors to graduation, and one or two juniors could test the waters of the NFL Draft as well. Cornerback Carlton Davis is the most likely defender to jump, which would mean Auburn would need to replace three-quarters of its starting secondary. However, Malzahn and the coaching staff have recruited well in the secondary, and defensive coordinator Kevin Steele (a head coaching candidate at Tennessee) is expected to return as well. The Tigers should also have one of the most talented front sevens in the SEC yet again.