This fall, War Eagle opens at home against Clemson while facing dangerous road games at Ole Miss, Georgia, and Alabama. The Tigers’ 2015 record was 7-6, including a near loss to Jacksonville State at home. Meanwhile down the road in Tuscaloosa, its arch rival continued to win national championships. All of this equals a warming but not blazing seat for Gus Malzahn.
Last season the Tigers’ defense finished near the bottom in several SEC statistical categories. Its defensive coordinator, Will Muschamp, was somehow rewarded with the South Carolina head coaching job. As head-scratching as it may seem, the Tigers’ defensive woes were not personnel related.