Chizik, AU clearly on right path

One year ago, Auburn football stood still.

It was this week (on Oct. 8, 2008) that Tony Franklin was unceremoniously dumped. Tommy Tuberville made the move to save his own job, but in the end, he would follow Franklin out the revolving door.

Today, under a new coach, the Tigers are 5-0 and ranked No. 17 in the nation. And instead of coming off a road loss at Vanderbilt and about to host Arkansas at home, Auburn won a road game (in Knoxville) and is headed to Arkansas.

Gene Chizik has gone from the "worst coaching hire" in modern SEC history to the early favorite for coach of the year. That would be significant. However, I would add as a caveat that recent SEC coach of the year winners have included Sylvester Croom (2007), Tuberville (2004), David Cutcliffe (2003) and Mike DuBose (1999). They all have one thing in common.

While Chizik deserves enormous praise, some critics say he is still without a significant victory. Some are still wondering if Chizik's early success has been a result of a fortunate schedule and having played two miserable SEC opponents, albeit one on the road. Tuberville also beat Mississippi State and Tennessee in 2008 on the way to a 2-6 SEC mark.

Auburn hasn't beaten a top-tier team yet. In fact, West Virginia (3-1) is the only team with a winning record that Auburn has beaten. When you add the record of Auburn's five opponents, the combined mark is 9-14.

In fairness, you can't blame Chizik for the schedule. And for those Auburn fans screaming about a lack of respect, there will be plenty of time to make an impression later on. Two of the top four teams in the nation are on the upcoming schedule. Georgia and Ole Miss will be formidable as well....