This is part of an SDS series looking in-depth at teams and their biggest subplots heading into 2015. Here’s a look at The Auburn Tigers.

1. THE DEVELOPMENT OF JEREMY JOHNSON AT QB

Despite starting just two games for the Tigers, Johnson is already being touted as a Heisman Trophy candidate. And because of his 6-foot-5, 240-pound frame and rocket of an arm, he is being compared to Cam Newton. But Johnson seems built to handle the hype.

The Tigers are expecting big things from their new starting quarterback. The exciting thing for Auburn is that Johnson’s ability to throw the ball might make Gus Malzahn adjust his zone-read offense to an attack that features more pocket passing this season, which could lead to some big-time connections with some impressive returning receivers.

D’haquille Williams, who leads Auburn’s wideouts, is one of the best possession and red-zone threats in the country. Experienced pass catchers Ricardo Louis, Melvin Ray and Marcus Davis, who have previously served complementary roles, also return and give Johnson three more targets to potentially keep defenses honest.

The most important thing to remember about how good Johnson could be this season is the fact that the QB, offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee and Malzahn are in their third season working together. So in addition to having what seem to be all the physical tools he needs to succeed in the SEC, Johnson’s most important asset is the two-plus years he has spent learning Malzahn’s offense.

2. GET THE MOST OUT OF D’HAQUILLE (DUKE) WILLIAMS

Williams had a team-high 45 receptions last season, and he could elevate his game to loftier heights now that Johnson is his quarterback and Sammie Coates is in the NFL. But he clearly has to keep his head in the game and keep himself on the field.

Serving a six-day suspension early in camp for an unspecified disciplinary issue might be the wakeup call Williams needs to realize what he stands to lose. Luckily for him, there is no indication at this point that his punishment will extend into the season.

By banning Williams, his coaches have made it clear that they hold him to a high standard. For Auburn to meet that standard as a team, Williams — who could be the Tigers’ best player and their first receiver selected in the opening round of the NFL draft since Terry Beasley in 1972 — has to get with the program before it’s too late.

3. WILL THE DEFENSE IMPROVE QUICKLY UNDER WILL MUSCHAMP?

It might. Muschamp has some decent tools to work with, including a front line featuring Carl Lawson — who is returning from a knee injury — Montravius Adams, DaVonte Lambert and touted freshman Byron Cowart. Plus, linebackers Kris Frost and Cassanova McKinzy are also back, along with Jonathan Jones, who had six interceptions last season. And the secondary is adding transfers from Michigan and Georgia sure to make an impact.

Lawson’s return arguably is the biggest boost Muschamp could get. The 6-foot-2, 261-pound defensive end had 7.5 sacks during his freshman season in 2013. And with Lawson missing all of last season, no Tiger had more than 3.5 sacks in 2013. So look for Muschamp to address that deficiency in hurry.

It’s important to remember that Auburn’s defense ranked near the bottom of the SEC in a number of statistical categories last season. So even if Muschamp’s impact on this group is more gradual than immediate, the Tigers should definitely be better on ‘D’ in 2015.

4. GROUND AND POUND

With Tre Mason and Cameron Artis-Payne both running for more than 1,600 yards, the Tigers have averaged 328 and 255 rushing yards per game the last two seasons. Artis-Payne had 303 carries last season — a number that an Auburn back probably won’t reach in 2015 — but that’s not because of a lack of talent.

Roc Thomas and Peyton Barber appear to have the inside track on this year’s No. 1 running back spot, but don’t be surprised if Jovon Robinson eventually becomes the Tigers’ workhorse back. Robinson, the nation’s No. 1 junior-college back last season, got off to a slow start in camp, but the 6-foot, 230-pounder definitely has the ability to work his way up the depth chart.

SDS TAKEAWAY

League media picked Auburn to win the SEC at media days, which isn’t surprising in light of the fact that four of Auburn’s most important games this season will be at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mississippi State, Mississippi, Georgia and Alabama all visit the Plains in 2015. Those matchups will go a long way toward determining whether the Tigers can improve on their 8-5 season of a year ago, which based on these aforementioned factors, appears highly likely.

It all starts on Sept. 5 at the Georgia Dome against Louisville, which coincidentally is coached by former Auburn offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino. Let the games begin.