Phil Steele explains why Auburn is in playoff picture, 'revolves around the Alabama game'

Phil Steele's College Football Preview doesn't his newsstands until June 27.

However, you can pre-order and download the preseason publication.

In the 352 pages of college football data, Steele writes:

"They have top-10 talent, which makes them a legitimate title threat, but also have a schedule that includes road trips to Clemson, LSU and (Texas) A&M. Still, they host 'Bama and with an upset of the Tide, they could be back in the mix to make the playoffs."

That's right, Auburn fans, Steele sees Gus Malzahn's Tigers in a position to make the College Football Playoffs.

Steele joined me on The Opening Kickoff on WNSP-FM 105.5 on Wednesday morning, and was asked about that statement.

"A lot of it revolves around that Alabama game," Steele explained. "The one big thing for Auburn the last couple of years is they haven't had a quarterback."

He pointed to the hype of Jeremy Johnson two years ago on The Plains and the disappointment that followed that season.

"(Jarrett) Stidham is coming in with the same type of hype, but I like Jarrett Stidham," he said. "He's a guy that can throw. He is somewhat mobile. He won't be your typical Auburn quarterback that runs a lot. But you don't have to when you have (Kamryn) Pettway and (Kerryon) Johnson in the backfield."

Steele calls Auburn's offensive line one of the "most veteran in the country" and loved the Tigers' defense this season. Steele ranks the defensive linemen (10th), linebackers (14th) and defensive backs (11th) as top-15 units in the country.

Throw in the seventh-ranked special teams unit in the country and a schedule that sees Clemson early, Steele said Auburn has a little room to maneuver.

"I worry about the trip to Death Valley," Steele said. "They can slip up against LSU. If they beat Alabama, they can get there. They are one of the more experienced teams in the SEC.

"If Stidham lives up to the hype, I believe they fall into that category."

He went on to say Auburn is the "second or third team in the SEC" behind Alabama and, potentially, Florida.

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