These Auburn Tigers will be the keystones of the defense, tasked with slowing down a high-powered Ole Miss offense.

Auburn football needs Eric Winters and Jared Smith to step up against No. 1 Georgia with star linebacker Xavier Atkins unavailable. DJ Durkin's defense must generate more pressure on Gunner Stockton, improve consistency and prevent explosive plays to give the Tigers a chance in Athens.

It doesn't come as a surprise for this hero on Auburn's defense to pick up conference honors in Week 1.

Auburn safety Eric Winters won two national awards for his game-sealing tackle of Baylor tight end Matthew Klopfenstein.

Josh Pate praises the grit Auburn's defense showed across a 99-play night including a two-point conversion stop that won the game.

Auburn safety Eric Winters made the game-saving stop in a 17-16 win over Baylor, just hours after Alex Golesh predicted he'd make a difference. After a breakout Week 1 performance, Winters could be emerging as a key player and leader for Auburn football.