The return of head football coach Gus Malzahn's spread offense has brought excitement and hope to an Auburn fan base that is still shaking off the disappointment of last year's 3-9 season.
Two early victories, and the return of explosive offensive plays, have fans optimistic about the program's future.
"I won't say that I'll be satisfied with going to a bowl, but it would obviously be an improvement," said Jackson Bradford, senior in applied mathematics. "As far as the next couple years, I think we're moving in the right direction. We had a top-10 recruiting class and we went 3-9 last year. That's something that is unheard of."
After last season's failed attempt at running a pro-style offense, fans seem encouraged by the return of the spread system many of Auburn's players were recruited for originally.
"We didn't recruit to the pro-style and the players just weren't suited for it," said Carey Farr, a long time Auburn fan from Huntsville. "The guys we have on roster now are suited for the spread. The spread lets us take advantage of our quick running backs and let them use their speed."
Malzahn's most successful season at Auburn as offensive coordinator showed the nation what a dual-threat quarterback could do in his system.
"Malzahn is a genius at this type of stuff," Bradford said. "They may not have the throwing ability of a pocket passer, but we've seen it before with guys like Cam Newton that they can be even better."
Mobile quarterbacks have become increasingly common in college football and Auburn fans seem comfortable relying on a dual-threat quarterback against stout SEC defenses.
"With SEC defenses, the mobility gives you an advantage and you can do some unexpected things," said Keith Morris of Perdido Beach. "It all depends on the performance of the quarterback and if he can develop with our inexperienced receivers. We really need someone to step up in that aspect."
Though optimism abounds, the struggles Malzahn's offense experienced in 2011 leave some wondering if his offense depends on the strength of a Heisman-caliber quarterback.
"I'm concerned about how 2011 went after we lost Cam [Newton], so I'm interested to see if that'll happen again," Morris said. "I'm cautiously hopeful about our chances."
Some went as far to say that a pocket passer may provide the Tigers with more consistency in future seasons.
"The mobile quarterbacks are coming on strong right now, but in recent years we've had our struggles," said Wes Bredehoft, freshman in chemistry. "Cam obviously was an exception, but I wouldn't mind seeing a pocket passer. We could use the consistency."
While not everyone agrees on what direction will bring Auburn the most success, early wins and recruiting success have brought cautious optimism to a fan base desperate for a return to relevancy.
"I think hiring Malzahn gave a lot of people optimism around here," Farr said. "Obviously, if possible, I'd like another Cam Newton, too."
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