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Monday News and Notes

Good Monday to you. Outside of fall football Saturday's, it's hard to beat Master's weekend. Sunday's final round may have been the best ever despite only having one American in contention. One thing is for certain: Charl Schwartzel is the funniest name to ever claim the green jacket, barely edging out Jose Maria Olazabal...

Look for Auburn to have a big crowd at Saturday's A-Day game. With new faces at quarterback, on the offensive line and at linebacker just to name a few, the curiosity factor should bring a big audience.

As is normally the case, look for a lot of scoring. Traditionally, the defense is forced to play with one hand tied behind its back. They'll be no blitzing and the quarterbacks will wear those annoying orange jerseys signifying no contact. If we witness a low scoring affair, it's time to start worrying...

A note to Auburn officials: please anticipate a larger crowd than expected. We beg you to open up ALL the entrances around Jordan-Hare Stadium; and how about opening more than three or four concession stands on the lower level. The championship celebration was a logistical headache that could have been avoided with better planning...

Speaking of spring games, Stanford held its annual event on Saturday and drew 6,800 fans. With top Heisman contender Andrew Luck returning at quarterback, a new head coach, and the preseason favorites to win the PAC-12 you would think Cardinal fans would show a little more interest. There must have been a redwood festival in Palo Alto...

As early preseason predictions start to trickle out, it's becoming apparent there's not a lot of love for Auburn this year. Who can blame the prognosticators? When you must replace the two best players in college football and embark on the away schedule from hell, it's easy to dismiss this year's team.

While no one is suggesting another run at the national title, it would be foolish to write this group off completely. While it lacks numbers, the underclassmen are some of the most talented in the country. Two top recruiting classes in a row guarantees talent.

Defensive coordinator Ted Roof has proven he can get results with little depth and gaping holes at some positions. Anyone who underestimates Gus Malzahn does so at his own risk. Just because Cam Newton and the offensive line have departed, don't expect the offensive production to drop like a rock.

Malzahn's offense is built for plug-and-play. Regardless of who starts, the quarterback will be put in a position to be productive and win...

My guess is Barrett Trotter will be named starting quarterback following spring practice. It will take a lot for Clint Moseley to steal it away...

With the NFL Draft now only a few weeks away, Cam Newton is the favorite to be the first overall pick. ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay both put the former Auburn quarterback at the top of their mock drafts.

I'm still amazed at those who question his leadership qualities. Watching Newton be carried off the field on the shoulders of teammates following the SEC Championship Game tells me all I need to know about his leadership.