The start of the 2009 College Football Season is just around the corner. I cannot contain my excitement, so I figured what better way to get things started than to give my predictions game by game for the 2009 football season for the Auburn Tigers.

Coming off of a terrible 2008 season record of 5-7, which included a 2-6 Sec Conference record, the 2009 Tigers are looking for major improvements on the field that hopes to yield a better record and potential bowl game.

The 2009 Tigers led by new Head Coach, Gene Chizik have many question marks. The hiring of Chizik started was as surprising as the lack of offense last years team produced. As Chizik has settled into his role as the new leader, the Tigers are looking to implement a new offense and defense. They are also trying to determine who is going to be their Starting QB, which will go a long way in determining the success of this 2009 team.

Below is a brief breakdown and prediction as to what I feel will be the 2009 Tigers Season:

Sept. 5 vs. Louisiana Tech -The opener appears to be a typical cake walk team until you look at what is actually visiting the Plains. This team is lead by a hot name in the coaching ranks and son of a legend in Derek Dooly. He brings a team that could surprise and upset the Tigers and spoil the opening game and the season. I think La. Tech will give Auburn some competition, especially with Gus Malzahn trying to get his new offense rolling. If and it is a big if, the offense gets it's act together, the Tigers could start the season on a much needed high. I suspect Auburn will have to rely on the Defense to win the game and hope the offense gets some experience as they move forward in the season. Good news Auburn Wins and moves to 1-0

Sept. 12 vs. Mississippi State.The Bulldogs are introducing a new coach as well. Last year's game was a slug-fest and showed a major lack of offense with Auburn winning 3-2. As usual, most Sec games are a defensive battle and I see this game being the same. With Miss State learning new systems and Auburn learning new systems, this game looks to be another battle of wills. Who can out last the other. I'm predicting Auburn holding on in a close game to move the season record to 2-0 and starting the conference schedule with a win.

Sept. 19 vs. West Virginia.WVU is starting life without Pat White who killed Auburn in the second half of last years game in Morgantown. By game 3 we should know how the new Malzahn offense will be performing and hopefully who will be the starting QB. I think the offense will still be sputtering because we lack enough weapons at Wide Receiver and depth on the O-line. I'm hoping our defense will be strong like last year and our offense will be able to give us enough points and stay on the field long enough to give the Defense a rest. Auburn owes WVU for last years loss. I think Auburn will squeeze out a win due mainly to the the fans at Jordan-Hare. Close win, but move to 3-0 and getting everyone excited about Chizik.

Sept. 26 vs. Ball State.Another usually cupcake team. Ball State made a bowl game last year but lost their starting QB who was the leader of last years team. This game should give Auburn a chance to catch their breath and rest some players. I don't think this will be a blow out as Auburn Usually would handle this team, but Auburn wins fairly easily, just not a big score. We are now 4-0 and move into the meat of the conference schedule.

Oct. 3 at Tennessee.Rocky Top is always a tough place to play. Auburn gets a break and goes to Knoxville to face the Vols with them also in a rebuilding year. Lane Kiffin has generated a lot of off the field news during his first off-season. I think the Vols will be beaten down and out after their visit to Florida and letting Tebow and Meyer get hold of them after Kiffin's comments. This looks to be an Auburn win, but only because Tennessee will be down like Auburn. We are 5-0 and 2-0 in conference.

Oct. 10 at Arkansas.We are getting better and have a great record so far. However, I think this is where Auburn's true colors start to show. Bobby Petrino will again want to show Auburn what it missed out on. Arkansas is a tough place to play and will probably give Auburn's new Offense problems in communicating. Also, this will probably be the point in the season the defense starts to tire. I think the Hogs beat Auburn by 10 and gives the Tigers their 1st loss. 5-1 and 2-1.

Oct. 17 vs. Kentucky. After a tough defeat to Arkansas, the Tigers will look to rebound against the Kentucky Wildcats. Kentucky is a much improved program, but lack of depth will start to hit the Cats as well. I think Kentucky will keep it close most of the game, but Auburn's Defense and crowd should lift the Tigers with turnovers and allow Auburn to pull away late and win by 14. Auburn Improves to 6-1 and 3-1 and become bowl eligible.

Oct. 24 at LSU. With a good 1st season record, Coach Chizik takes Auburn to LSU and will face his toughest test to date. A probable night game and a more talented LSU team should have more than enough fire power to handle Auburn at home. These 2 teams usually play close and low scoring games, but I think this year's match-up will be a blowout by LSU. Now 6-2 and 3-2.

Oct 31 vs Ole Miss.Ole Miss is getting a lot of preseason hype. Auburn owes the Rebels some revenge after last years game. Houston Nutt has the Rebels much improved with one of the top QBs in the country. I think Auburn Gets revenge as Ole Miss is unable to handle the hype. Auburn wins by 13 and moves to 7-2 and 4-2

Nov 7 vs. Furman. Furman is a great D1-AA team. Lack of depth will hurt them and give Auburn a chance to rest and heal before playing Amen Corner. Auburn Rolls to 8-2 and 4-2

Nov 14 at Georgia. Georgia hung on and won a closer than expected game last year. They are also replacing 2 1st round draft picks and have a new starting QB. By now he should be settled in and the experience and talent UGA will prove to be too much for Auburn. Auburn heads home from Athens 8-3 and 4-3.

Nov 28 vs. Alabama. After getting blown out last year by Alabama, Auburn will be looking to keep it closer this year. Saban will be looking to start a streak vs the Tigers and prove that Bama is indeed back and in control of the state. Auburn hopes to finish the season on a high and prove Chizik was a good hire and he can indeed beat Bama and Saban. I think this will be closer than last year, but unfortunately for Tiger Fans, Bama will win again and keep bragging rights for another year. This game should show that Auburn has improved, just not enough to beat the Tide. We finish 8-4 and 4-4.

WIth a respectable 8-4 record, especially given that no one expects Auburn to win more than 5 or 6 games, Auburn and their fans should feel pretty good about the season, despite losing their big games and final 2 games against their rivals. An 8-4 record will reward Auburn with a trip to a good bowl game. Probably, Music City vs an ACC team, which will give them a chance to finish 9-4 and go into the off-season with a win and having Tiger Fans feeling much better about Chizik.