After representing the SEC in last year’s Sugar Bowl, expectations are high at Auburn heading into the 2017 season.

Many of the key contributors from last year’s team are back, and now the Tigers have Baylor transfer Jarrett Stidham running the show at quarterback.

However, not everyone thinks it’ll be a good year in Auburn, as USA TODAY sports analyst and handicapper thinks the Tigers will struggle to improve too much on their 8-5 record from 2016:

Auburn does have several tough games on its schedule, from the always brutal SEC West to a Week 2 matchup against defending national champion Clemson.

However, if coach Gus Malzahn is going to keep himself off the hot seat, the Tigers will need to find a way to maximize their talent and pull off some big wins this year.

If they lose three or four games like Sheridan predicts, it could be a long offseason in Auburn.