Auburn coach Gus Malzahn released the team's official depth chart for its season opener against Arkansas.  Nick Marshall was not listed as the starter because of of his suspension following a misdemeanor marijuana possession charge, so sophomore Jeremy Johnson will get the start at QB.

Malzahn remained mum on the extent of Marshall's suspension, but hinted that it is less than a full game, meaning Marshall will take some snaps against Arkansas.

"Jeremy Johnson will start and then Nick Marshall will play," Malzahn said about the quarterback situation.  "I'm not ready to say exactly when and where and all that, but he definitely will play."

Malzahn was not willing to give up any of his gameplan, keeping most of it a secret in his weekly game plan on Tuesday.  Either way, both QBs will play, and I'm guessing Marshall's workload will depend on the game.

If Arkansas gets out to an early lead, Marshall will probably get the call as soon as possible to try to lead a comeback.  However, if Auburn controls the Razorbacks from the get-go, Johnson should get plenty of playing time.

Marshall had a breakout year in his first year as the Tigers quarterback.  A former Georgia defensive back, Marshall was one of the most effective running quarterbacks in the country in 2013, racking up 1,068 yards on the ground and 26 total touchdowns.

He enters this year as a potential Heisman Trophy candidate, but will miss some of the first game due to his poor decisions off the field.

Malzahn has said repeatedly that the coaching staff has total confidence that Johnson can run the offense at a high level.  He logged significant playing time in two games last year, and totaled 422 passing yards in all in mainly mop-up duty.

This is a big game for Johnson because it is his chance to show the country what he can do.  Marshall will graduate after this year, and Johnson, a former ESPN 300 recruit, will be handed the reins.

He is a solid dual-threat quarterback and should fit right in to Malzhan's hurry-up spread option attack.  

It is a shame that Marshall cannot keep his off-the-field actions in check, but at least it gives Johnson a prime opportunity.  

Johnson is getting thrown into the fire with a rival SEC opponent, but he should do fine.  Auburn has plenty of returning talent from last year's SEC championship squad.  And even though they lost stud running back Tre Mason, Cameron Artis-Payne and Corey Grant will fill in admirably.  

Auburn should win handily, and if they do, Johnson should get plenty of playing time.  But even if they are stuck in a close game, they can always bring in Marshall for relief.