Jeffrey Whitaker isn’t worried about being nervous today, playing in his first college game as a true freshman.

Well, maybe a little. But as he told reporters Tuesday night, he’ll have more than one “big brother” there to help him out, referring to an Auburn defensive line that boasts three senior starters.

It’s a comforting thought to Whitaker, and the rest of the 10 or so true freshmen and/or walk-ons who will see significant playing time this season, to be surrounded by so many seasoned veterans.

Twenty-four seniors in all, 13 of them starters. The biggest senior class in Auburn history, according to media relations officials.

That’s a pretty warm blanket to wrap yourself up in if you’re a youngster.

Now, throw in the exact same coaching staff coming back for its second season, and go ahead and warm up some milk. It’s going to be a good night’s sleep.

Comfy. Cozy.

And that’s the real reason the expectations are sky high for the 2010 version of the Auburn Tigers. Sure, they’ve got talent, but experience and leadership are two very important aspects of winning in the SEC.

Auburn’s got it — on paper, at least — from the head coach down to the toes of its kickers (both placekicker Wes Byrum and punter Ryan Shoemaker are seniors, as well).

When you combine talent, experience and the same coaching staff, you get a feeling that is a lot more uncommon in college football than one would think: Comfort.

Especially at Auburn, where from 2003 to 2009 the Tigers have had more offensive and defensive coordinators than Buffalo Wild Wings has sauces.

If you’re a fifth-year senior defensive player, you’ve had three coordinators in your time on the Plains. If you’re a fifth-year offensive player, you’ve had four different OCs.

This year, however, every coach is back. And that’s probably the most amazing stat in college football.

Coaches coming and going is just a part of the game. Some get promoted, some head off in search of greener pastures and some get put out to pasture. That’s just part of the process. It’s free agency at its best.

But when you can get a staff to stick together, have a core group of senior leaders and then add talented young players to the mix, it’s time to break out the down pillows.

And if that coziness is apparent from the outside looking in, imagine what it’s like inside Auburn’s locker room today. Taking into consideration what it was like last year at this time.

“It is probably just the comfort level from everybody,” Chizik said. “If you look at it from 10,000 feet, players and coaches, just more of a comfort level for everybody in what we’re trying to do.

“There are some position guys that are new, but for the most part, a lot of our football team has heard it two years in a row now. I just think from a comfort level, it’s a little bit different if you date back to a year ago now.”

Then, people wanted to see if Chizik and his staff could actually coach, never mind win eight games. Now, people want championships.

It’s amazing how just one year changes everyone’s comfort zone.

MIKE SZVETITZ is sports editor of the Opelika-Auburn News. He may be reached at or 737-2513.