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Quarterback Cameron Newton has been the talk of Auburn since his arrival on campus. He's big, he's mobile and he's a skilled leader who can direct Gus Malzahn's offense to even bigger numbers.
That's the buzz, at least.
Really, the 22nd-ranked Tigers' fans get their first glimpse of what Newton can do with both his arms and his legs Saturday night when Arkansas State visits to open the season.
Closed practices and a limited arsenal in the spring game have left Newton something of a mystery to Auburn fans. Of course, there's always some of that to any quarterback who hasn't started in front of 80,000 or so fans.
''Until you actually get to see somebody in the heat of the battle, there's some questions that we'll learn after the first few games after we get to know each other even better going through those times,'' offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn said. ''And he's got a good handle of the offense, but I really expect him each week to get a better grip and a better grasp as we go.''
Newton has waited for this chance since signing with Florida out of high school. He spent last season at a Texas junior college before landing back in the Southeastern Conference, then learned Malzahn's system well enough in the spring to claim the starting job.
''I wouldn't say I'm overconfident, but I'm confident in every single aspect of the game the coaches have put forth to learn, whether personnel or plays,'' Newton said. ''So I'm confident in all cylinders of the game plan.''
This could be a nice first test. Arkansas State has ranked first or second in the Sun Belt in total defense four years running and returns 10 defensive starters, including preseason league player of the year Bryan Hall on the line.
The Red Wolves face a new-look backfield, with Mario Fannin shifting from a hybrid running back/receiver position to the Tigers' starting tailback. Highly touted freshman Michael Dyer also could make his debut.
Arkansas State will unveil an uptempo offense under new coordinator Hugh Freeze that bears some semblance to Malzahn's system. That means both defenses have experience practicing against that type of attack.
''We get an opportunity to see a lot of the stuff they do like our offense,'' Red Wolves coach Steve Roberts said. ''Some of the plays are very similar, but there are a lot of things that aren't similar that we do that Auburn has not done.''
Both teams have new starting tailbacks. Auburn's Fannin replaces NFL second-round pick Ben Tate, and has played diverse roles for the Tigers.
Running backs coach Curtis Luper has already predicted a 1,000-yard season for Fannin.
''It's a good feeling, being able to suit up your senior season and being in a position that you really wanted to play since you got here,'' Fannin said. ''Now is the time to just show everybody that you can fulfill that position.''
Arkansas State's Derek Lawson was slowed by injury last season and managed just 244 yards, a year after gaining 685. He takes over for Reggie Arnold.
''Derek is certainly a weapon for our football team,'' Roberts said. ''He has been very patient and did not have the type of year he would have liked to have had last year because of injury.
''He played in every game, but wasn't full speed. He is full speed now and we are certainly excited about his role as starting running back for our football team.''
For Auburn, the game marks the return of starting safeties Aairon Savage and Zac Etheridge from injuries. Savage hasn't played the past two seasons.
