Four days is all that separates Auburn from its opening game against Clemson in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game in the Georgia Dome and the anticipation continues to grow.
The Tiger's inexperience was a center point in preseason discussions, but the coaches and players insist that a team rooted in youth can succeed if given the right preparation.
"You know what, I said during training camp that I thought [the receiving] group made major progress," said offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler. "I feel very comfortable with the guys that we have going on the field. It's not a one-man show at all. We feel very confident that we can spread the ball around to multiple players on the team right now."
Although veterans Emory Blake and Travante Stallworth will lead the receiving core, it's up to the freshmen and sophomores to step up and make plays.
"Trovon [Reed] physically has gotten so much better over the past year," Blake said. "And Quan [Bray] is a baller. I think he's going to surprise a lot of people this year. I'm excited for everyone to see what they can do."
Then there's the question of starting center Tunde Fariyike, who will take over for Reese Dismukes as the anchor of the offensive line.
Will he get lost in the excitement of the game or will he be able to control the ball and block for Kiehl Frazier?
Loeffler believes wholeheartedly in the latter.
"We're very fortunate that he's been around and he's been in games," Loeffler said. "He's been a part of our special teams; he's taken snaps in a live game, so he's beyond ready to go. We have complete confidence in him and we're ready to rock and roll."
But it's not just the players who need real-game experience to fully reach their potential.
New defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder is no stranger to coaching in the SEC, but a four-year stint in the NFL has made the transition to Auburn harder than it looks, but Loeffler has full faith in his defensive strategy and knowledge of the game.
"He's everything you want and then some," Loeffler said. "He's a great football coach. I've had the great fortune of being around a lot of great defensive coordinators; every place I've been has had a great defensive coordinator and we have the best in the business in my opinion. He's a professional. He's as good as they come."
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