AUBURN, Ala. — A modest winning streak against questionable competition quickly became an afterthought once Auburn began SEC play last season, forgotten in the midst of a 1-3 start that brought coach Jeff Lebo’s job security into question.

The Tigers hope to avoid stumbling out of the blocks again when they begin league play against South Carolina today at 1:30 p.m.

Auburn (9-6) is riding a season-best four-game winning streak, but it has come against middling competition, bringing into question the team’s preparedness for the SEC after it already suffered embarrassing early-season losses to Central Florida, Troy and Sam Houston State.

“I think we are getting better, and I think we are getting healthier,” Lebo said. “We still have some limitations. We are missing some key parts and some very experienced players. Even though we do have some seniors, we have some guys who really weren’t integral parts for us that we are asking to be integral parts for us. They are changing their roles on our team.”