What was the biggest driver

[cjbongoinstructor]

Behind Auburn going from a 3-9 team last year to national title discussions this year? Im aware you can say Gus Malzahn but what specifically drove the transformation in your opinion?

 

[vols-1]

Junior college QB

 

[volinbham]

Coaching and team management was 90% of it. Emergence of Marshall the other 10%

To me the tougher question is what happened at Mizzou. Same coach. Injuries are a big part of the story but they too made a major turn around.

 

[Velo Vol]

Also, luck.

 

[tumscalcium]

Also, luck.

Can't discount this. Georgia knocks ball down and we're not even talking about them.

 

[Reverend Bubba Flavel]

Every championship team gets a few pieces of luck thrown their way.

 

[volinbham]

Every championship team gets a few pieces of luck thrown their way.

I agree. Even if Auburn lost to Georgia a 10-2 season with an Ironbowl win would still be a miraculous turn around from last year.

 

[BAVol]

Talent. Auburn had it last year but was trying to run an offense that their players didn't match up with.

 

[VolsSportsFan]

Coaching and team management was 90% of it. Emergence of Marshall the other 10%

To me the tougher question is what happened at Mizzou. Same coach. Injuries are a big part of the story but they too made a major turn around.

Franklin getting hurt last year hurt them; I'm pretty sure they would have beaten Vandy had he played. Plus they also had Alabama last year, so not playing them this year helped. Really the only bad loss they had last year was Syracuse, which they lost to the week after they beat us. They probably should have been 7-5, although we should have beaten them.

So in reality I don't think they were as bad as their record last year, but that's still a big jump to 11-1 and winning the East.