With two new coordinators, a new quarterback, a completely different look on offense and the loss of four NFL draft choices from the defense, it would be easy to dismiss Auburn from serious contention in the SEC West.

Coach Tommy Tuberville, now entering his 10th season at Auburn, is convinced his team has what it takes to win the division.

"This group has a great opportunity, but it all depends on the next few months," Tuberville said. "How hard do they want to work to get to Atlanta and win in Atlanta (for the SEC Championship Game)? There's a lot of other teams out there with a lot of talent.

"This could be a good group if they come together, continue to get better, do all their work in the offseason, come back and have a positive two-a-days."

The Tigers spent the spring continuing to learn the new spread offense run by offensive coordinator Tony Franklin. They got a crash course in the no-huddle attack in just nine days before the Chick-Fil-A Bowl and still rolled up a season-high 423 yards on 90 plays in a 23-20 overtime win over Clemson. The Tigers saw positive signs from their skill players, especially new quarterbacks Kodi Burns and Chris Todd.

"Everybody has the same type of athletes, everybody has good players, everybody works hard and everybody is well coached," Franklin said. "It's just a matter of are we going to be special? Are we going to go the extra mile? Are we going to be unselfish and pass up personal things for the team? That's how you win a championship."

A new defensive coordinator in Paul Rhoads doesn't mean a new defensive system for the Tigers, who return seven starters and numerous backups who saw significant playing time due to injuries to starters in 2007.

"I think this defense is more athletic than any defense I was associated with at Pittsburgh," said Rhoads, Pitt's defensive coordinator from 2000-07. "Without a doubt, there's enough talent here to win a lot of football games."

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