Let's just say...

This is going to be a series of posts that pose different hypotheticals... stay tuned for the next post!

Let's just say...

... Auburn beats Alabama: If Auburn can find a way to beat Alabama in two weeks, it would mean a couple of things. 

First, Tommy Tuberville would definitely be back next year. There's no way Auburn trustees would fire a head coach who has beaten Alabama seven years in a row. Enough said.

Second, Tuberville would very likely to have to dismiss one or more of his offensive coaching assistants, who have almost all been with him since before he became the coach at Auburn in 1998. So who would he keep and who would have to go? Later posts will address this.

Third, Nick Saban's "process" would have to wait at least until a third year to reach completion. Note, he won his national championship at LSU in his fourth year with the school, with a record of 13-1. His offensive coordinator: Jimbo Fisher. Defensive coordinator: Will Muschamp.

Fourth, Auburn would have another huge recruiting tool. Currently, the Tigers have one of the nation's top 15 recruiting classes. The coaches think it's one of their best, which means these kids are VERY good. From what I understand, most of their commitments are very solid, but a victory in the Iron Bowl might just be enough to steal a recruit or two from Bama (or others, but the outcome of this game probably wouldnt affect it). 

Chances are, this one is a stretch. But an Auburn victory could turn the tide, so to speak, as it should signal that Auburn is not ready to hand over the reins to the state just yet. Losing shouldn't mean this either, because Auburn's overall talent level only rises next year, but you really never know what a high school kid might be thinking.. especially if he's dumb enough to consider becoming a Bammer.

... Auburn loses to Alabama: If Alabama does what the experts say should happen and beats Auburn, it could spell major changes for the Auburn football program.

First, Tommy Tuberville may likely lose his job. Reliable sources say the trustees at Auburn may already have Tubb's $6 million buyout in place. If he can't pull of a miracle and de-rail a championship-bound Bama team for the seventh year in a row, Auburn may join the ranks of Clemson and Tennessee in the search for a head coach.

Now, this is probably not the best option for Auburn Athletics as finding a suitable replacement may prove difficult. The Tennessee job is widely considered more prestigious and the likelihood of landing their first target would be relatively low (however, see Alabama's most recent coaching search).

Second, Tommy Tuberville will almost definitely have to dismiss one or more members  of his loyal offensive coaching staff. All signs point to Greg Knox, but Steve Ensminger may be an option as well. Knox's performance has been mediocre-at-best, although he is a terrific recruiter. Ensminger just hasn't shown a whole lot either way. 

I think Eddie Gran is definitely safe. Same goes for Hugh Nall. Both have taken two- and three-star recruits and transformed them into First Round NFL draft picks.

Third, Auburn will continue to improve over the offseason and come in next year to a mostly successful season. If Tuberville is still the coach, I expect it should be a great season.