Regardless of what happens in Auburn’s Sugar Bowl matchup against Oklahoma next month, the Tigers’ 2016 season has been better than a year ago. And if AU happens to beat the Sooners, it will become a two-game upgrade.

There are several reasons for this improvement. Here’s a look at the players and coaches most responsible for Auburn’s 8-4 season as the Tigers approach their bowl game.

Offensive MVP

Kamryn Pettway: There was no bigger surprise for Auburn this season than Kamryn Pettway. Despite missing three games due to injuries, the redshirt sophomore went on to lead the SEC in carries (20.6) and rushing yards (124.8) per game.

The most amazing thing about Pettway’s breakthrough season was that as an H-back last season, he didn’t carry the ball at all. Plus, even though the Tigers had Kerryon Johnson returning to their backfield, Peyton Barber left early for the NFL, Jovon Robinson was dismissed from the team and Roc Thomas transferred to Jacksonville State.

So someone had to pick up the slack. Johnson responded with 862 yards and 11 touchdowns on 173 carries while missing a game due to an ankle injury. But Pettway has taken the ball and run with it, ranking sixth in the SEC with 1,123 yards.

One thing Pettway could improve upon in the offseason is his pass-catching ability. It’s hard to believe, but the 6-foot, 240-pounder has just two receptions for 14 yards this season.

Nevertheless, Pettway is the main reason Auburn leads the SEC and ranks sixth in the FBS with 278.5 rushing yards per game. And if he’s fully recovered come Jan. 2, Pettway gives Auburn its best chance to beat Oklahoma.

Defensive MVPs

Carl Lawson, Montravius Adams: Two Tigers deserve to share this honor. Carl Lawson (pictured) and Montravius Adams have had outstanding seasons while anchoring the defensive line.

Nov 5, 2016; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers defensive lineman Carl Lawson (55) celebrates a quarterback sack on Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Kyle Shurmur (14, not pictured) during the fourth quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. Auburn won 23-16. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports

Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports

In 12 games – his highest total since playing 14 during his freshman season in 2013 – Lawson has recorded 12 sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss, both career highs and team-leading totals. He has finally shaken off what has felt like a career-long injury bug to make 28 tackles and record 24 quarterback hurries.

With 39 tackles, Adams has an outside shot of matching or exceeding last season’s career-high total of 44. His 8.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks are already career highs, and he’s added a fumble return for a touchdown to boot.

Rounding out his career year, Adams also has recorded 15 QB hurries, two pass breakups and has blocked two kicks. Along with Dontavius Russell and Marlon Davidson, Adams and Lawson have made the line the strongest part of Auburn’s defense.

Enjoy Auburn’s dynamic duo on defense as long as you can. Adams is wrapping up his senior season, and Lawson appears headed to the NFL after his junior campaign.

Rookies of the year

Kam Martin, Marlon Davidson: Two rookies have had standout first seasons for Auburn. Davidson has made his impact on the defensive line while Kam Martin has made an impression on offense.

Davidson has lived up to his four-star status with 35 tackles – six for a loss – six QB hurries and 2.5 sacks. He has also broken up three passes and forced a fumble.

Despite not recording anything statistically in five of his 10 games, Martin is fourth on the team with 320 rushing yards, including a 21-carry, 176-yard, two-touchdown performance against Alabama A&M on Nov. 19. The four-star recruit also has added two catches for 52 yards.

Assistant of the year

Kevin Steele, defensive coordinator: Under first-year defensive coordinator Kevin Steele, Auburn has allowed just 15.6 points per game, which ranks fifth in the FBS, and is more than a 10-point improvement over last season. Plus in the SEC, only Alabama has yielded fewer points per game, and the Crimson Tide just happen to be playing for yet another national title.

Before their 30-12 loss in the Iron Bowl, the Tigers went eight consecutive games without surrendering a rushing touchdown. That’s a feat that this year’s Alabama team can’t even match.

On top of that, Auburn has allowed 5 rushing TDs all season after allowing 24 in 2015. In addition, the Tigers are giving up nearly 60 fewer yards a game than they did a year ago, which partially explains why they have a chance to make a two-game improvement.

However, the biggest thing Steele has given Auburn’s defense is stability. Steele is the Tigers’ third defensive coordinator in the past three seasons; maybe he can make his stint on the Plains last that long.

Offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee, who started calling plays beginning with Auburn’s 18-13 victory over LSU on Sept. 24, deserves honorable mention for the development of Sean White, Pettway and Auburn’s running game. But in terms of Auburn assistants, Steele has made the biggest impact, which has helped Auburn finish as the SEC West’s second-best team.