2009 Auburn Tigers Betting Recap

Online betting enthusiasts had to be shocked by Gene Chizik's first season at the helm of the Auburn football program. After the protracted and awkward departure of former coach Tommy Tuberville, Chizik's hiring didn't exactly thrill the Auburn fan base. The fans were so underwhelmed that Chizik was famously booed at the airport as he arrived to accept the job. That was the postseason of 2008. By the postseason of 2009, Auburn fans were singing a different tune.

Chizik brought two critical things with him to carry out a quick turnaround. First, he brought an intensity that was a welcome change from the stoic and folksy demeanor of Tuberville. With Alabama contending for SEC and national titles in two seasons under Nick Saban, Auburn fans wanted a similar intensity. They got it. The second thing Chizik brought was mad scientist offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn. The former Tulsa and Arkansas guru's no-huddle/constant motion offense was a stark departure from the power football of the previous decade.

NCAA football betting observers didn't see a whirlwind of an offense coming in 2009, but that's what Auburn had. The Tigers doubled their 2008 scoring average, going from 17 to 33 points per game while gaining 400 yards or more in eight of their 13 games. All of this was accomplished without much to speak of in the way of talent at the quarterback position. The Tigers returned to the postseason, capping their quick rebound with a thrilling 38-35 win over Northwestern in the Outback Bowl.

2010 Preview To Bet Auburn Tigers

Sports betting experts won't be caught by surprise in 2010. Neither will SEC defenses. As good the Auburn offense was in 2009, it may be even better in 2010 as seven starters return. Four offensive linemen, including preseason All-America left tackle candidate Lee Ziemba, return along with the top four leading receivers. Ontario McCaleb returns to run the ball after backing up the newly-departed Ben Tate. He'll he joined by super recruit Michael Dyer on a very talented offense. The biggest offseason acquisition was quarterback Cameron Newton. The former Florida signee joined the Tigers from junior college in January and was able to participate in spring practice. He is the perfect strong-armed and mobile weapon in a Gus Malzahn offense.

The defense also returns virtually intact. All five of the Tigers' leading tacklers return, led by senior linebacker Josh Bynes. The secondary returns three of four starters which should ease the pressure on the pass rush while new starters are developed along the defensive front. There's talent on board, and several highly rated freshman could also see time in coordinator Ted Roof's attacking defense.

Of all SEC teams, Auburn's schedule is the most congenial to a surprise run to the top of the SEC West. For starters, the Tigers have eight home games. Additionally, they avoid a regular season matchup with East Division favorite Florida. They should be favored in three of their four road matchups (at Mississippi State, at Kentucky, and at Ole Miss) and have a bye week before their final road test at rival Alabama. The schedule, talent upgrades, and returning experience all make Auburn a legitimate contender in the SEC West.