Needless to say, you can't get much better than this past year's football season.
But, now with Heisman-winning, record-breaking and all-around fan-favorite Cam Newton headed to the Carolinas, people are doubting our AU Tigers.
With Newton and many senior's exits, message boards are crowded with Bammers and the like saying the Tigers don't have a chance.
The bad part -- the Auburn fans are right there with them saying this is a "rebuilding" year.
OK, I will admit I'm one of those Auburn fans. I'm a pessimist when it comes to sports anyway. I always prepare myself for the worst.
Auburn lost so many players that made last season's team one of a kind.
The loss of so many key players makes it seem that the cards are definitely stacked against our guys.
I was keeping with my prepare- for-the-worst attitude until last Wednesday.
That day, I had the opportunity to sit down with three of this season's football players, Jeff Whitaker, Jake Holland and A.J. Greene.
My mission for the interviews was to get some information and reactions to the championship rings, but the other three interviewers with me were more so focused on the upcoming season.
I was asking random questions about where their rings are and their initial reactions.
The other reporters were getting into the main worries of the Auburn fans by asking if the players thought this is a "rebuilding" year.
The answers were unanimously "No."
Skeptics would say 'Well, sure they would say that for the media."
I was there, and maybe I am fairly naive, but those guys truly believe in this team.
They said that, sure, the experience may not be there. But, the talent is. If they believe, shouldn't we as well?
I'm sure some of you are the never-lose-faith-in-your-team fans. I wish I was like you.
I'm still skeptical about this upcoming season. Unfortunately, (and I do mean unfortunately) I'm a realist.
The Tigers lost a lot of talent. Basically the whole offensive line is being replaced. The starting quarterback is gone, and the kicker for the past four years is gone, etc.
The players' reactions about this were that they still have talent, we just haven't seen it yet.
As a self-proclaimed sports pessimist, I think back to the beginning of last year's football season.
I never ever would have thought the Auburn Tigers would have been the 2010 National Champions.
Hey, look what happened!
You can be a skeptic. For me, it's hard not to be, but always believe.
These guys work hard no matter if the "experts" are deeming them the ones to win it all or the rebuilding team.
Even if you are one of those pessimist people, keep believing in your team.
I believe in Auburn and love it.
This is our team, and on Sept. 3, when the first kickoff of the first game of the 2011 season happens, I will be seen in orange and blue.
I will scream war eagle and I will shake my cute little shaker.
I don't care if those so-called experts think that Auburn won't do extremely well this year.
They didn't think it last year either.
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