09/03 at 12:11 AM

For notes from Wednesday’s practice, see Andrew Gribble’s blog.

Editor’s Note: Before practice kicked off, Auburn University beat writer Andrew Gribble did his best to answer 12 questions heading into the first season under Gene Chizik.Now that gameday is only two days away, plenty of clarity has emerged into his queries. Some more than others.

Running down the answers to the questions we posed before practice began ...

12. What new faces, if any, will emerge as immediate regulars?
This one turned out to be a major surprise.

Safety Daren Bates, who had minimal buzz heading into the season, and even arrived to camp late, is a starter. He’s the only official starter among the group, but a number of others are poised to see significant field time Saturday.

Chizik said anywhere from 10-12 freshmen will see real action this season.

Let the youth movement commence.

11. Which kicker will get the starting nod?
Wes Byrum started August strong and was never really threatened for the starting job.

He’s apparently fixed the bad form that plagued him during a sour sophomore season.

“He’s done a phenomenal job for us this camp and he’s had a number of days where he’s knocked every field goal through at the top of practice, and that’s big,” special teams coordinator Jay Boulware said. “Last spring he couldn’t do that.”

10. What will the Tigers do to protect the offensive line?
Behind the scenes, Auburn probably knocked on wood, clutched lucky rabbits’ feet and crossed fingers and toes.

It apparently worked because the Tigers’ O-line is healthy heading into Saturday’s opener.

The only problem is the backups, which offensive line coach Jeff Grimes has been less than impressed with. And they’re really not even that healthy.

9. Who will emerge as the Tigers’ vocal leader?
This one’s easy: Walt McFadden.

The senior cornerback has treated every interview this preseason like a seasoned veteran. He’s provided insight on nearly every player on the team and has even provided some funny backstories.

Take this for example. This is the advice he gives freshmen heading into their first game of the season.

“A lot of guys just can’t wait to get to the hotel because there will be a lot of great food there,” McFadden said. “They’ve been talking about the chicken wings lately, so I’ve been giving them advice how to eat a couple of wings, and take a couple to your room, a couple for snacks after that.”

8. How will Auburn incorporate Mario Fannin?
Fannin will be the starting H-back and will return punts. This much we know.

The junior could also be used as a backup to tailback Ben Tate and on kick returns.

And, if things get really bad, Fannin could be Auburn’s new quarterback. OK, that might be a stretch …

7. What to wear? Orange or blue?
Before practice resumed, Chizik acted like he didn’t care. Now, it appears he’s siding with the All-Orange contingent.

In a recent university release, Chizik encouraged Auburn fans to “unite behind this program and wear the All Auburn All Orange T-shirt to the first football game.”

6. What position are the Tigers strongest at?
At the start of camp, the guess was the secondary. Now, it’s the D-line.

Injuries and position swaps have somewhat hurt the Auburn secondary. Though Bates has impressed, it’s a somewhat startling sign that a true freshman can beat out two sophomores before the first game.

Auburn’s D-line, meanwhile, has stayed relatively healthy and has been boosted by strong performances from freshmen Nosa Eguae and Dee Ford, who will provide much-needed depth.

5. Will the Tigers’ D lose a step?
It remains to be seen, but depth concerns could hold this group back from matching its benchmarks from years past. At least down the latter, more arduous stretch of the schedule.

If the defense remains relatively healthy, there is enough talent to limit every kind of opponent. But when’s the last time a college defense has stayed healthy, particularly at Auburn?

4. Which wideouts will catch on this season?
Wide receivers coach Trooper Taylor said Thursday that he’s having a tough time even coming up with a six-man rotation because so many of his players are hurt.

But all indications point to Terrell Zachery emerging as the Tigers’ go-to guy. Zachery has the most experience of the young group, even if it’s not that much. He’ll likely be the top target, along with Darvin Adams and DeAngelo Benton.

At least for the first week.

3. Will Malzahn’s offense click right away?
This will definitely have to wait to be answered until after Saturday’s game, or even after the midway point of the season.

For what it’s worth, Malzahn has been relatively happy with the installation and the Tigers’ offense won both of the “live” scrimmages. Chris Todd is established as the quarterback, so that already beats last year’s helter skelter situation.

2. Can the Tigers stay healthy?
So far, so good on this front, aside from a few bumps and bruises.

Linebacker Eltoro Freeman has missed most of camp with various injuries, but should be ready to play Saturday. A number of players have rotated on and off the bikes on Muscle Beach, but nothing significant has hindered what the Tigers already have, which isn’t much.

1. Who will win the starting quarterback job?
If you’ve gotten this far and have been paying attention throughout all of August, you know this answer.

It’s Todd until someone supplants him.

As for his backup, well …

Andrew Gribble covers Auburn University sports for the Opelika-Auburn News. He can be reached at or 737-2561.