For the first time in eight seasons, Auburn has a returning starter at the quarterback position. Senior Nick Marshall, a big part of Auburn’s run to the National Championship game last season (lost 34-31 to Florida State) has spent most of his offseason refining his passing mechanics, in hopes to be a more true dual-threat option under center for the Tigers.
Marshall finished 13-of-22 for 236 yards and a touchdown in one-half of play Saturday. Although Marshall showed some rust in what was already lingering questions regarding his passing mechanics, he showed more poise and legitimacy as he got more comfortable in the setting of the moment, especially with his deep passes -- connecting with his receivers on beautiful passes down the field.
Marshall said of his performance Saturday, "I am a way better passer than last year," Marshall said. "I took note of all the little things and what the coaches told me to put it towards my progress. I just focus on putting the ball in a place where my receivers can catch it."
D’Haquille Williams, or “Duke” as Auburn fans loudly chanted during his 5 reception 88-yard and one touchdown performance on Saturday, wasted no time rising to the top of the Tigers’ receiving corps.
Fellow receiver Sammie Coates said of Williams’, "Duke's just a playmaker," Coates said. "He just goes out there and plays ball, and that's what he did today. He went out there and showed everybody that he belongs in this league."
Former NFL quarterback and now wide receivers coach at Auburn Dameyune Craig has been preaching all spring to the Tigers to “attack the ball”. Craig said of the Tigers’ ability to do so in almost tongue-in-cheek fashion “I didn’t see many guys waiting for the ball to come to them, they were hungry.”
An Auburn defense expected to return seven starters in 2014, was highlighted by one non-starter from last season in defensive end Elijah Daniel. Daniel was efficient and consistent in winning his assignment and getting to the quarterback.
While defense likely won’t be the issue for an Auburn team that’s (again) expected to compete for a National Championship, all of the concern falls on returning quarterback Nick Marshall.
Will Marshall lead the Tigers to Dallas for the National Championship, or will he be the reason they miss their chance to crash college football’s first-ever playoff final?
Chris is eDraft’s expert recruiting analyst. Chris is also a national expert recruiting analyst for 247Sports.com where he covers college football and Duke college basketball. Chris also covers college football for eDraft.com