Sports betting website excitement, and intrigue continues to build for the Auburn Tigers as they are now a 10th ranked bona fide SEC title contender.
Championship Mettle
The Tigers are coming off back to back high profile nationally televised Saturday night comeback home wins over Clemson and South Carolina to improve their record to 4-0 straight up and 2-2 against the spread. Against Clemson, Auburn seemed to be as good as dead as they trailed 17-0 with fewer than 2 minutes to go in the half before rallying to send the game into overtime and coming away with a 27-24 win. Last week against ranked and SEC contending South Carolina, the Tigers again fell behind in the first half, this time 20-7, but again rallied to win with a final score of 35-27 to payout at SBG as 3 point home favorites
Cam the Man
Junior college import quarterback Cameron Newton has been the difference maker for Auburn. Newton is now a national name and a Heisman Trophy candidate. He leads Auburn in rushing with 485 yards and an average of 6.5 yards per carry with 5 touchdowns while completing 63% of his passes for a 10.0 yards per attempt average and a 9/3 touchdown/interception ratio.
Beyond Numbers
But what impresses sports betting handicappers every bit as much as those numbers is the fact that Newton has showed incredible poise and leadership in those comeback wins. When Auburn seemed down and out, Newton never flinched and got better as the pressure intensified.
A Reflection of the Coach
Head Coach Gene Chizik arrived after the firing of Tommy Tuberville at the conclusion of the 2008 season. Chizik was not a popular choice despite being a former Auburn defensive coordinator as he did not win much as the head man at Iowa State. But Chizik’s calm and persistence is paying off and winning over fans. Auburn’s cool under fire is a direct reflection of their head coach.
Favorable Schedule
After those two highly intense wins over Clemson and South Carolina, Auburn is now primed for a serious run at the SEC title. They will likely get plenty of sports betting website action drawn their way this week in their home game against Louisiana-Monroe and could be playing for all the marbles at hated and top ranked Alabama on November 26.