Tiger's Muschamp Ready To Blitz Jordan-Hare Stadium

The name "River Boat Gambler" was given to Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville while at Ole Miss because of the chances he took with trick plays. He may have finally met his match. While Auburn's defense will still line up with a four man front and three linebackers, look for the Tiger defense to be much more aggressive than one year ago.

That's because new defensive coordinator Will Muschamp loves to blitz - over and over and over again. While Tuberville downplays the changes to the defense, Auburn quarterback Brandon Cox tends to disagree - politely. And he should know - he's been facing Muschamp's defense for the past month.

"They bring people from everywhere," said Cox. "They are consistently blitzing. Last year, it was more of a base defense and they ran blitzes just every now and then. I know just practicing against them, they're blitzing all the time."

That can mean feast or famine for the Tiger defense. Saturday's opener with Washington State will be a stiff test for a unit trying to learn a new defense. While the Cougars only won four games a year ago, that can mostly be attributed to a horrible defensive unit.

The offense was another story. Bill Doba's club ranked 8th in total offense nationally last season and lost five games by four points or less. With an experienced quarterback in Alex Brink and two talented receivers, Washington State will look to take advantage of Auburn's blitz packages. Look for their offense to throw to the running backs and tight ends and try to prey on Auburn's inexperienced linebackers.

Expect Muschamp to be ready. Auburn has become quite versed in disguising its blitzes this summer and will be looking to confuse the Cougars offense. Look for Auburn to try and take away the run early. The key will be keeping the State offense one dimensional. If the Tigers can do that they should control the game.