Fansided

5 reasons Auburn makes the 2019 College Football Playoff

By Rucker Haringey

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 02: Auburn Tigers quarterback Jarrett Stidham (8) lines up in the wide receiver position during the SEC Championship game of the Georgia Bulldogs v Auburn Tigers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. The Georgia Bulldogs won the game 28-7. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 02: Auburn Tigers quarterback Jarrett Stidham (8) lines up in the wide receiver position during the SEC Championship game of the Georgia Bulldogs v Auburn Tigers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. The Georgia Bulldogs won the game 28-7. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
OXFORD, MS – OCTOBER 29: Ole Miss Rebels quarterback Chad Kelly (10) narrowly escapes the grasp of Auburn Tigers defensive lineman Dontavius Russell (95) during the football game between Auburn and Ole Miss on October 29, 2016, at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, MS. Auburn would defeat Ole Miss 40-29. (Photo by Andy Altenburger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images).
OXFORD, MS – OCTOBER 29: Ole Miss Rebels quarterback Chad Kelly (10) narrowly escapes the grasp of Auburn Tigers defensive lineman Dontavius Russell (95) during the football game between Auburn and Ole Miss on October 29, 2016, at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, MS. Auburn would defeat Ole Miss 40-29. (Photo by Andy Altenburger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images). /

3. The defensive line

It’s almost impossible to win in the SEC unless your defensive line can dominate the line of scrimmage. That shouldn’t be a problem for Auburn this season. They have a trio of returners who strike fear in the hearts of opposing offensive coordinators.

Dontavius Russell and Derrick Brown combine to be arguably the best defensive tackle duo in America. Neither one is a great pass rusher, but both possess the ability to cut into the backfield and make plays against the run. Russell, in particular, is an intriguing prospect for NFL scouts due to his rare combination of size and quickness. Expect to see the Tigers’ defensive line collapse a lot of pockets from the inside this season.

There’s no question that losing Jeff Holland and his 9.5 sacks from last season is going to require an adjustment. However, junior Marlon Davis gives Auburn another legitimate NFL prospect to play out on the edge. If everything breaks right for Davis he could post double-digit sacks for the Tigers.

The floor for this group is to be a really good SEC defensive line, but it’s the ceiling that should really excite Auburn fans. The group, on the whole, has a chance to be as good as anyone in the country. If everyone plays to their potential, the defensive line could be the reason Auburn gets back to the Playoff this year.

Home/College Football Playoff