The War Damn Review: Auburn 34, Louisiana-Monroe 0

There was a lot of excitement in Auburn today.

Much of it centered on a hunger to see Auburn's new fast-paced spread offense. Yes, we got a taste in last year's bowl game vs. Clemson, but today was our chance to see it after almost a year of its installation.

Or not.

It seemed that Auburn began the game in a full-bore spread. But the passing game was completely ineffective. So Auburn kept the fast-paced tempo, but turned largely to its running game and defense --- the best Auburn defense ever? --- to dismiss Lousiana-Monroe 34-0.

So what did we learn? Not much, but there were a few things:

1. The 2008 Auburn defense is very good. Marks, Goggans, Blackmon, Johnson, Powers, Thorpe, Bynes, etc., are stellar. Kudos to Paul Rhoads.

2. [PREDICTION ALERT] Southern Miss will not score vs. Auburn.

3. I'm convinced now. Ben Tate is Auburn's best running back. Unless it's Eric Smith.

4. Of the freshmen, two stood out: Smith and Nieko Thorpe can play!

5. Kodi Burns leads the Auburn quarterback race. Notice that I didn't say he should be Auburn's quarterback. I'm not sure we'll be able to comfortably answer that one until after the Mississippi State game.

Overall, I have some concerns about the offense. I have none about the defense. But an easy 34-0 win over good Sunbelt team is nothing to sneeze at. Nor should letters be written home.

Here's hoping we know more after next week.