Auburn football: 3 biggest offseason questions facing Bryan Harsin’s Tigers in 2021
By John Buhler
1. Does Bo Nix take the next step in Mike Bobo’s offense?
2021 will be the third year Bo Nix will likely be serving as the Auburn starting quarterback. Even though he has followed in the footsteps of his father Patrick Nix, he has shown he can be one of the best quarterbacks in the SEC on a good day. While he may not have been a great fit in Gus Malzahn’s offensive scheme, we could see a regression out of him playing for Mike Bobo.
Malzahn’s offense is more ground-centric and speed-based more than anything. While Nix was fleet afoot, this type of offensive scheme can lead even the most polished passers to play recklessly. What Bobo has working for him is a proven track record of precision passing from the pocket, best illustrated when he was coordinating his alma mater Georgia Bulldogs’ offense.
With so many great SEC quarterbacks going pro from last season (Mac Jones, Kellen Mond, Kyle Trask, etc.), Nix has a terrific opportunity to be an all-conference passer in his junior year. Guys like JT Daniels at Georgia, Myles Brennan at LSU and Bryce Young at Alabama will be contending for that honor, too. However, Nix has the most career SEC starts among any of them, and it matters.
Though it is highly unlikely that someone will take the starting role from Nix, this offseason is all about seeing if he can be the best passer in the SEC. Bobo is the coordinator who can get him on that level. While other teams may be more talented than Auburn, Nix is in a prime possession to truly carry this passing game offensively. If he has a great spring and fall camp, look out, SEC.
Ultimately, Auburn will have somewhat of a rebuilding year in 2021. While the Tigers get arch-rivals Alabama and Georgia at home this year, Auburn is probably not going to do better than 8-4 or even 9-3 during the regular season. However, we could see a totally different team really starting to take flight by late October or early November. This program will be back very soon.
How good can Auburn be in the first year of the Harsin era down on The Plains?
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