Auburn football: 5 things to watch in 2016

The Auburn Tigers are looking to rebound from a disappointing 2015 season. The program must have a good run in 2016 if they want to help head coach Gus Malzahn keep his job going forward.

On offense, JUCO transfer John Franklin III seems to be the favorite to win the quarterback battle this year while the running back position has been depleted after one transferred and another was dismissed.

The Tigers also must replace two NFL talent offensive tackles in Avery Young and Shon Coleman.

Defensively, Carl Lawson will be one of the top players in the SEC this year after he has had a good two years for the Tigers. The secondary has a ton of NFL talent in defensive backs Johnathan Ford, Tray Matthews and All-SEC Freshman Carlton Davis.

Will this team get to a point where they can compete in the SEC once again? Here are five things to watch for the Auburn Tigers in the 2016 college football season.

Utah State RG Jarom Ioane out for season with injury
Utah State RG Jarom Ioane out for season with injury