It goes without question for many, but [autotag]Bryan Harsin[/autotag]’s 2022 is more than just a sophomore campaign — it’s a year to prove he belongs, and early slip-ups simply cannot be afforded.
A new list by For the Win put Harsin as its first head coach in a group of them who need a strong first month of the season to fend off the hot seat. Here’s a little of what the list said about Harsin and the need for a crucial start to his second year:
(The Tigers) have a relatively friendly front half of the season and could start 4-0 if they can survive at home against Penn State in Week 3. But the recruiting is lagging behind in Auburn, and anything short of a nine or 10-win season may not be enough to protect Harsin from a second round of offseason turmoil.
Penn State will indeed be the biggest obstacle, as Mercer, San Jose State and Missouri aren’t likely to give Harsin and his squad any trouble. The first month may also not be enough, however, as Harsin will need to finish strong at the end of the season to convince the boosters that attempted to remove him that he deserves to continue coaching on the Plains.
Auburn will face off against Mercer to kick off the season on Sept. 3.
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