Can the Tigers catch lightning in a bottle and repeat 2013’s success or will the terrors of a cannibalistic SEC schedule leave gaping wounds down the stretch that marred last season’s disappointing finish?

Led by a league Heisman contender who has lofty expectations at quarterback, the popular preseason take is that Auburn has positioned itself to bounce back as a national contender this fall in Gus Malzahn’s third campaign.

The acquisition of one of college football’s top defensive minds strengthens an obvious weakness and the return of several key contributors on both sides of the ball puts the Tigers near the top of the SEC in terms of overall talent.

Peering into our crystal ball, here’s how we project Auburn’s season playing out:

5 predictions for Auburn in 2015

5. Jovon Robinson will surpass 1,100 yards rushing

Auburn’s featured tailback has led the SEC in rushing back-to-back years and while that streak might be snapped by Nick Chubb or Leonard Fournette this fall, expect JUCO transfer Robinson to finish amongst the leaders in the 1,150-yard range. Built like a tank much like Cameron Artis-Payne, Robinson’s 20 pounds heavier and has the luxury of running behind the return of a healthy Alex Kozan at guard. Robinson ran for a NJCAA-record 2,387 yards and 34 touchdowns in 12 games. Imagine the production the five-star’s capable of equipped with one of the SEC’s better offensive line units.

4. Duke Williams will double last season’s touchdown total

Bracket coverages. Bump-and-run. Shadow zones. It doesn’t matter what defenses will throw at Williams this season, No. 1 will will take what is rightfully his. A shade under 6-foot-2, Williams plays like he’s 6-foot-6 as the SEC’s best leaper. His catch to drop ratio was among the league’s best for primary targets last fall, dispelling the narrative that Williams has average hands. Slowed by a knee injury late in his first season, Williams would’ve likely surpassed 1,000 yards had he played in all 13 games. He’ll flourish down the field with a pocket passer like Jeremy Johnson and reach double-digit touchdowns before hearing his name called in the first round.

3. Carl Lawson will earn All-SEC and perhaps All-American honors

Ranked next to last in the West in total sacks last fall, the Tigers get a sizable boost up front with the return of Lawson, a former freshman All-American pass rusher who missed the 2014 season with a knee injury. Limited during the spring, Lawson is expected to be at full strength when Auburn opens fall practice and will take over the Buck position on Will Muschamp’s defense. The hybrid linebacker-end spot provides Lawson with an opportunity to freelance a bit as a defender which should pay off in a big way for the Tigers. By season’s end, Lawson will be the Tigers’ defensive MVP.

2. Jeremy Johnson will not be a Heisman finalist

His total offense numbers will exceed Nick Marshall’s 2014 effort in Gus Malzahn’s attack as the more pass-ready quarterback, but Johnson’s statistical relevance this fall as a first-year starter won’t result in a trip to New York due to the Tigers’ lack of postseason flair. Team success often trumps individual explosiveness in the race for college football’s top honor and if Auburn finishes the regular season with nine wins and no division title, his chances diminish.

1. Two November losses will squander trip to Atlanta

Facing the toughest home schedule in the SEC this season, it won’t be all that surprising for the Tigers to fall victim to multiple league rivals during the final month, a treacherous stretch featuring matchups with Texas A&M, Georgia and Alabama. Auburn’s last two games against the Aggies have both come down to the final minute and the preseason Eastern Division favorite Bulldogs will have their sights set on a Playoff berth. As it often does, the Iron Bowl could determine the last team standing in the West.