In some respect, Auburn had a disappointing 2016 season. The Tigers at one point won six straight games and looked to be playing as well as any team in the country.
But then it all seemed to come undone down the stretch, capped off with losses to Alabama in the Iron Bowl and Oklahoma in the Sugar Bowl.
Still, Auburn (8-5) largely exceeded preseason expectations, finishing second in the SEC West with visible improved play nearly across the board.
For instance, the Tigers defense ranked 28th nationally for the 2016 season – a significant jump from where it has been in recent years.