2021-2022 CFB SEC West preview: Key players, schedule, predictions 

Auburn Tigers: SEC West

Bryan Harsin will start a new era for the Tigers

Now in the SEC West, can Harsin produce outside his comfort zone? The former Boise State coach was hired this season to replace Gus Malzahn, whose expectations after his first year with the Tigers never materialized, even though he managed to win the SEC West in 2017 with a win over Alabama in the Iron Bowl.

Harsin comes with a great record at Boise and has an undefeated conference record the last two seasons, but managing it in the SEC will be tough.

Auburn quarterback Bo Nix and running back Tank Bigsby are on the watch list for the Maxwell Award, which honors the top player in college football.Linebacker Zakoby McClain is on the watch list for the Bednarik Award, which honors the top defensive player. pic.twitter.com/9r4bhyLvi6

— Auburn Gold Mine (@AUGoldMine) July 19, 2021

Here's a look at the Auburn Tigers' strengths and weaknesses heading into the 2021-2022 season.

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2021-2022 SEC West Conference preview: Auburn Tigers

Auburn's strengths: The front seven could again be a powerhouse at Auburn, as the defense has a lot of pass rush juice and can pressure not only from the edge but also from the inside. Colby Wooden amassed 3.5 sacks as a freshman and stood out with 41 tackles during 11 games last year.

Not sure what the schematics of Bryan Harsin's defense are going to be, but the talent on the Auburn defense is going to be stacked. A backfield of Roger McCreary, Smoke Monday, Nehemiah Pritchett, and Dreshun Miller. Owen Pappoe and Zakoby McClain at LB. NFL Talent everywhere.

— Kellyn Gerenstein (@tndo_kg) July 19, 2021

Auburn's weaknesses: Who is Bo Nix going to throw to? Anthony Schwartz was drafted by the Cleveland Browns and Seth Williams is now a member of the Denver Broncos. The receiving group is inexperienced, which will be a problem for Helsin if his aim is to produce a strong offense just like he did at Boise.

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Auburn key player: Offense

RB Tank Bigsby: It's easy to put Nix here, so we're going with Bigsby, who had a fantastic year with six yards per carry as a freshman and can do even better if the offensive line helps him. With so many uncertainties in the receiving group, the ground game will be vital to Auburn's aspirations in the SEC West.

Auburn v South Carolina

Auburn key player: Defense

LB Owen Pappoe: Pappoe is a fantastic player who can do basically anything, from covering both sidelines to defending gaps in the running game to rushing the passer. Last year, his 93 tackles and four sacks were both great numbers, but he can do even better and lock himself in as a first-round pick in the 2022 draft.

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2021-2022 Auburn Tigers schedule:

Week 1: Saturday, September 4 vs. Akron Zips

Week 2: Saturday, September 11 vs. Alabama State Hornets

Week 3: Saturday, September 18 at Penn State Nittany Lions

Week 4: Saturday, September 25 vs. Georgia State Panthers

Week 5: Saturday, October 2 at LSU Tigers

Week 6: Saturday, October 9 vs. Georgia Bulldogs

Week 7: Saturday, October 16 at Arkansas Razorbacks

Week 8: Bye week

Week 9: Saturday, October 30 vs. Ole Miss Rebels

Week 10: Saturday, November 06 at Texas A&M Aggies

Week 11: Saturday, November 13 vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs

Week 12: Saturday, November 20 at South Carolina Gamecocks

Week 13: Saturday, November 27 vs. Alabama Crimson Tide

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2021-2022 Auburn Tigers prediction (2-10 overall, 0-9 SEC)

As this team gets used to Harsin's methods, this will look more like a transition year for the Tigers than a year where they can compete for the Playoff. There are stronger teams in the SEC West, but Auburn will still get a bowl berth with a seven-win season.