If It Walks Like a Duck

Alright folks, let’s start this off by setting some expectations. We’re going to win every single game by 3+ TDs. Ok, now that that’s out of the way. Auburn plays 6 of the Top 12 ranked teams in the country this year. Sheesh. Yikes. Damn. Insert interjection of your preference. This season is going to be a gauntlet of the Thanos variety. (If you didn’t get that reference then please reevaluate your life.)

No SEC team faces more Top 15 opponents than @AuburnFootball.

How many wins do you see? pic.twitter.com/wkFzggKy4w

— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) August 27, 2019

There isn’t a more difficult start to the season for any ranked team – on paper – than what Auburn is facing in a talented Oregon team with an NFL-ready QB leading the charge. 6-foot-6, 240-pound Justin Herbert is as good as it gets and he was in the discussion of being the #1 overall pick in the NFL Draft had he declared. They have dangerous skill position players (as always) and a heralded offensive line. But, it’s the Pac-12. I can’t help it. It’s what I keep landing on every time I try to rationalize various outcomes.

The Pac-12 hasn’t exactly been the most intimidating conference in recent history. Actually, it’s been the polar opposite. The western part of the United States just hasn’t produced a truly elite team in years for whatever reason. And please understand that I don’t say that to dismiss this particular Oregon team or overlook them, by any stretch of the imagination. It’s just that history is on our side. So feel better about that if you need something to hold onto.

Besides, an Auburn team that finished the year with an 8-5 record did win the Pac-12 Championship last year. Of course by transitive property, but still. Washington won the conference, we beat Washington, there you have it…Auburn is the best team in the Pac-12. Indisputable logic.

This game also has a little extra riding on it nearly a decade later as well. Shoutout to 2010. I love you, Cam. Old scars and emotions will be brought to light, highlights from the championship game will litter the pregame festivities. One fan base rejoices, while the other jeers. Oh, to be on the right side of history. Those were the days, huh?

You might have heard, but we’re strolling out a true freshman QB this weekend. I’m nervous as hell, but I’m also excited. But I truly believe he’s going to play well within this system and be a great fit. Bo Nix is much more athletic, quicker, and faster than he is given credit for. I doubt it has anything to do with his lack of melanin. He can make plays with his legs when things breakdown, he can extend plays while escaping pressure, and he can already damn near make all the throws any QB is ever asked to make. I believe in the kid.

I also wouldn’t be surprised to see Joey Gatewood come in on special sets and packages in a situational role either. Let that man child carry the rock to spread the love.

Another selling point for Auburn is that the defense usually has a huge advantage in week-one games, which are typically sloppy, costly turnovers occur, and offenses are rarely meshing well to start a season. My sources within the athletic program and close to the football team (who may or may not be very real and not made up) have provided me with insider information that our defense is going to be good as hell. The defensive line is among the nation’s best, if not THE best. Our corners can fly, our safeties will take you off your feet, and our linebackers (inexperienced as they may be) can get sideline to sideline in a hurry.

This defense is going to be special this year. I feel it in my bones. I want Justin Herbert to feel it in his.

Prediction: Auburn 26 – Oregon 20

Michael Dyer wasn’t down goes the Ducks. Ride For the Brand. War Eagle. Never to Yield. All of that. I’m ecstatic that football is finally back. Let’s do this damn thing.

Yours truly,

Pablo Escobarner