It's the most wonderful time of the year

That's right, people. No matter what ESPN tells you, Bowl Week is not the most wonderful time--it's all about the next two weeks. College and pro football start up in just a couple of days and I for one am so happy it's here! This time is all about vegging on your couch for days on end. There are some Saturdays you couldn't get me out of the house even if it was on fire...unless you could guarantee there's a TV sitting outside for me. Or Jessica Biel naked on the hood of my car... Anyways, the best part of the year is finally upon us so it's time to enjoy the festivities. I pulled this Auburn preview video off the web and it speaks to the level of excitement better than I could. Saturday night, Jordan Hare stadium is going to be going crazy ready for the kickoff. As pumped as I am, the season is going to be tough. After my friend the Socialist Gambler's Big Ten preview I'm going to give one for Auburn.

One word about our schedule: tough. We have 5 returning starters on offense and 7 coming back on defense. This team reminds me a bit of some of the late 90's teams that relied on their defense. The problem was the offense wasn't so great and the D wore out late in games. With Brandon Cox back and some good running backs it's going to be up to our inexperienced offensive line. We also lost our punter and kicker, which means special teams is going to be a little crazy. While Auburn benefited from last year's schedule the tables have turned. We start out with games at home against Kansas St and South Florida--not exactly world beaters, but I expect them to be tough opponents. After games against Miss St and New Mexico St, the games get brutal with three of the next four games on the road against Florida, Arkansas, and LSU. And then we have a tough finish with Georgia and Alabama. I think the four-game stint in late September-October is going to be key to our season. 2 out of four would be great. If that happens and we can stay healthy through a season that doesn't have a bye week until 17 November, I could see 10-2. But being an Auburn fan means more likely a 9-3 record. War Damn Eagle and let's get this party started!