A season opener against a divisional foe is a rarity.
More often than not, the opening game for SEC teams is a pay-to-play surefire win against a lesser opponent. For Auburn, after a strong win against Arkansas, that definite win comes in week two.
The San Jose State Spartans of the Mountain West Conference will roll onto the Plains on Saturday, Sept. 6, and barring a miracle, the Tigers should move to 2-0.
The first half of the opener against Arkansas was a little tougher than most thought it would be, but backups did get their time near the end with Auburn up 45-21. Against a team like San Jose State, those backups should see more time. Here's a list of players I think will have an impact in week two.
1. Peyton Barber:
Redshirt freshman Peyton Barber got a few carries in garbage time against Arkansas, but should get more in week two.
Barber had a lot of hype surrounding him going into A-Day, but was injured on his very first carry. Barber, who rushed for 1,700 yards and 22 touchdowns as a senior in high school, will have limited carries playing behind seniors Corey Grant and Cameron Artis-Payne, but should see more time against lesser opponents.
2. Roc Thomas
Another player on the list of immensely talented Auburn running backs is true freshman Roc Thomas. Thomas was a five-star recruit out of high school, and has a crazy amount of hype surrounding him. Thomas, who racked up 2,211 yards and 32 touchdowns last year in high school, didn't see any time against Arkansas, but should things go as planned, he'll probably get some touches against San Jose State come Saturday.
3. Tony Stevens
This is the best depth Auburn has seen at wide receiver in some time. Sophomore Tony Stevens looked good on A-Day, but didn't play until late in the fourth quarter against Arkansas.
With Duke Williams and Sammie Coates leading the way, it might be hard for a young Stevens to get much time this year, but against San Jose State, he should have a chance to prove himself, and I see big things from him in the future.
4. Davonte Lambert
Lambert was ranked as the No.1 overall D-line prospect in JUCO last year, and will likely start to make an impact soon for a D-line that looked lethargic, to say the least, in the first half against Arkansas.
With the losses of Carl Lawson to injury and Dee Ford to the NFL, the Tigers need all the help they can get at defensive end, and Lambert looks like the right man for the job.
5. Melvin Ray
Junior receiver Melvin Ray won't be underrated much longer. Dating back to last year's BCS National Championship, Ray has a touchdown in two straight games, both coming at the end of impressive runs after the catch.
There's a ton of hype surrounding Duke Williams, which could draw more and more defenders toward him and Coates, freeing up space for other receivers, Ray included. 2014 may just be the year of the receiver on the Plains, and I'm expecting Melvin Ray to be a huge part of it.
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