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The Auburn Tigers' BCS title-game victory over Oregon in January of 2011 seems like a long time ago, considering how far Gene Chizik's team has fallen since. But it's tough to blame the coaches for looking to that game tape to prepare for the spread offense it figures to see Saturday when Auburn hosts the No. 22 Texas A&M Aggies. And that's just what the team is doing, writes David Harris of AggiesSports.com.
Auburn (1-6, 0-5 SEC) could be playing for its coach's job, just two seasons removed from an unexpected run to a national title. The Tigers are last in the SEC and will likely miss the bowl seasons after being ranked in the Top 25 to start the year. A&M (5-2, 2-2) head coach Kevin Sumlin said Chizik's team is dangerous "with their backs against the wall." But Chizik has to tangle with Aggies redshirt freshman quarterback Johnny Manziel:
"He has an uncanny ability to just get a feel for the game and the pass rush. He sees things, and he has great vision for the field. He extends plays," Chizik said. "He's very productive and he's very good."
Saturday's game between Texas A&M and Auburn kicks off at 6 p.m. CT and will be televised by ESPNU.