Looking ahead to A-Day, Part II

Hey everyone. I'm in suburban Louisville, Ky., for a family event that was non-negotiable. You know that. You also know I won't be attending A-Day for the same reason. So it goes.

Our man Josh "Bag" Moon will be on the scene and will provide blanket coverage of this fine event.

Before we get started, here are the facts about A-Day.

Time: 1 p.m.
Place: You Know Where
Tickets: $5. Bring cash or checks if you plan to buy at the gate. Credit not accepted.
Television: Live on CSS. It'll re-air on Sunday and Tuesday, 6 p.m.
Radio: WKKR (97.7 FM) in Auburn
Other stuff: Autograph session with The Head Coach, The Assistant Coaches and players will be held after the event.

Now we may get to business. What other items of relevance are worth watching tomorrow? Here are a few non-player issues I find intriguing:

• Line of scrimmage: We've heard plenty this spring about how the defensive front has overpowered the offensive front once stunts and blitzes are in play. How big is that advantage? Auburn's offensive line will be in the spotlight today.
  
  
• The feel of Malzahn's attack: The Tigers' new offensive coordinator has gone to great lengths to differentiate his attack from what Tony Frankin attempted to run in 2008. How big is the difference? Look for more play-action runs. As for the passing, expect more deep throws. What to expect beyond that? I have no idea.
  
  
• Coaches' behavior: Gene Chizik said all nine assistants will spend their afternoon on the sideline. It'll be interesting (to me, at least) to see how some of these guys interact with players in real-time situations. If I had to choose, I'd keep my binoculars focused on Trooper Taylor and Jay Boulware. They seem most likely to become entertainingly animated.
  
  
• The crowd: Big? Average? Are Auburn fans really geeked about things overall?
  
  
• Other things: After watching Auburn operate under Tommy Tuberville's tutelage for 10 seasons, what looks different? Do players appear to hustle on and off the field more often? Do the huddles look different? Is Meerkat Manor officially over? Do the offensive tackles use two- or three-point stances more often? How does the team operate as a unit?
  
  

Photo credit: Todd Van Emst/Auburn University