Dyer To See Increased Role

     Thank God. All signs point towards Mike Dyer (he's recently requested to go by "Mike") seeing a significant increase in playing time this weekend against Clemson.

     Dyer was put in the game and given the ball several times late in last weeks win over Mississippi State. Many think that is a good sign that Dyer will slowly be transitioned into the starting back. When asked whether Dyer would see more playing time and more touches this week, Chizik responded by saying “I think circumstances in the game will determine that. We certainly feel confident enough for that to happen.” Since Chizik is known for keeping details of his program fairly quiet, I will translate that as a 'Yes, Dyer will see a significant increase in playing time as the season progresses.'


     As a huge fan of Mario Fanin, I can only say that I see him better suited as an H-Back / slot receiver type guy...similar to his role last year. Simply put, I do not see Fanin being a successful every-down back.

     To top it off, the timing of this comes just one week before Dyer will face off against South Carolina and Marcus Lattimore. Lattimore and Dyer were the undisputed top two running backs in last years recruting class and continue to be friends. Although he is from South Carolina, many expected to see Lattimore sign with Auburn last spring...joining Dyer in what would have been the scariest two-back system since Cadillac and Ronnie. Lattimore instead chose in-state USC, surprising even Dyer. "(Did you think he was going to come here?) To be honest, yea I did."

     All of this means you can expect to see Dyer on the field much more against Clemson, as well as a very exciting freshmen duel between the two highly-touted backs next week.