I'll be ready in the morning. This will be our last chance to see Auburn football, excluding next spring, until September. Let's enjoy!
I'll say Auburn wins 31 to 30 with our defense holding on at the end.
Let's see Ben Tate go out in style with over a 100 yards rushing. Let's see big plays from Terrel Zachary and Darvin Adams. Let's see some turnovers.
I'll be ready in the morning.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Auburn's Bowl History
Even though Auburn has played in a bowl game almost every year since 1968, when I started keeping up, I do not have great memories of Auburn bowl games. I remember regular season games more than bowl games.
I do know that Auburn has been to the Gator Bowl more than any other---6 times with a 4 & 2 record. The SEC returns to this prestigious bowl next year.
I remember us getting waxed 36 to 7 by Houston in the 1969 Bluebonnet Bowl.
We beat Archie Manning and Ole Miss 35 to 28 in the 1970 Gator Bowl---the biggest offensive bowl shootout that I can remember. This game Friday may rival that one.
We beat Texas 27 to 3 in the 1974 Gator Bowl.
The win over Michigan 9 to 7 in the '84 Sugar Bowl stands out because we had the best team in the country in 1983 but got leapfrogged in the polls by Miami.
I hope this upcoming one is a memorable victory.
I do know that Auburn has been to the Gator Bowl more than any other---6 times with a 4 & 2 record. The SEC returns to this prestigious bowl next year.
I remember us getting waxed 36 to 7 by Houston in the 1969 Bluebonnet Bowl.
We beat Archie Manning and Ole Miss 35 to 28 in the 1970 Gator Bowl---the biggest offensive bowl shootout that I can remember. This game Friday may rival that one.
We beat Texas 27 to 3 in the 1974 Gator Bowl.
The win over Michigan 9 to 7 in the '84 Sugar Bowl stands out because we had the best team in the country in 1983 but got leapfrogged in the polls by Miami.
I hope this upcoming one is a memorable victory.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
The End of the Tiger Year
The basketball team plays Charleston Southern tonight. I suppose we are supposed to win. The basketball team will struggle this year.
The bowl game cometh. Who knows what will happen. Everyone expects a high scoring affair. I see no reason to believe otherwise.
I see where Cameron Newton has delayed his announcement. His father mentions Dan Mullen. I'm thinking he's going to Mississippi State.
So far we're in the Top Ten recruiting lists of Rivals, Scout, and ESPN.
The bowl game cometh. Who knows what will happen. Everyone expects a high scoring affair. I see no reason to believe otherwise.
I see where Cameron Newton has delayed his announcement. His father mentions Dan Mullen. I'm thinking he's going to Mississippi State.
So far we're in the Top Ten recruiting lists of Rivals, Scout, and ESPN.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
The Outback Bowl is Coming
Our football players meet up today in Florida. I am trying not to think of the bowl game. It would be nice to win it but you just never know how your team will play in a bowl game. It would be bigger to continue with the good recruiting year.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
What Lies Ahead?
We enter the Christmas break. What lies ahead for Auburn athletics?
Predicting bowl games is foolish. Auburn has sometimes done well in bowl games, and sometimes we have done not so well. What about this year? Who knows. All we know is that Northwestern finished the season strong and they score a lot of points. It would figure to be an offensive shootout.
The basketball team beat Alabama State as it should have, but I see no reason for optimism. At this point I see a difficult year and then it's up to the AD etc. if Lebo survives.
Philip Marshall predicts today that Auburn will sign the JC quarterback and Lattimore. If he is correct, this will be a banner football recruiting year.
Predicting bowl games is foolish. Auburn has sometimes done well in bowl games, and sometimes we have done not so well. What about this year? Who knows. All we know is that Northwestern finished the season strong and they score a lot of points. It would figure to be an offensive shootout.
The basketball team beat Alabama State as it should have, but I see no reason for optimism. At this point I see a difficult year and then it's up to the AD etc. if Lebo survives.
Philip Marshall predicts today that Auburn will sign the JC quarterback and Lattimore. If he is correct, this will be a banner football recruiting year.
Monday, December 21, 2009
I've Had it with Lebo
The 18-point loss to Sam Houston State sticks in my craw. There is no excuse for this. This is a team that has never beaten an SEC team before. We play FSU close and then lose big to a team we have no businss losing to. I dread the conference season because I think it's over for Coach Lebo.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Updates
It's good to see that we are selling lots of tickets to the Outback Bowl. I wish I could go.
The inherent uncertainty of recruiting is shown once again as Tim Hawthorne leaves the Auburn program. This highly regarded receiver caught only 13 passes in his entire Auburn career. At least he leaves with a degree.
The basketball team lost a close one last night in Tallahassee. At least we were competitive. The problem is that we got behind, and when you get behind on the road against a good team, it's almost impossible to come back and win.
I see that are receiving an official visit from a highly regarded JC quarterback. It would be great to get him. You can't too many QBs on scholarship.
The inherent uncertainty of recruiting is shown once again as Tim Hawthorne leaves the Auburn program. This highly regarded receiver caught only 13 passes in his entire Auburn career. At least he leaves with a degree.
The basketball team lost a close one last night in Tallahassee. At least we were competitive. The problem is that we got behind, and when you get behind on the road against a good team, it's almost impossible to come back and win.
I see that are receiving an official visit from a highly regarded JC quarterback. It would be great to get him. You can't too many QBs on scholarship.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Beating Virginia
I am happy we beat Virginia last night on a last second tip in. Maybe this will give the team some confidence.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Bleak Basketball Outlook
I listened with amazement last night as Auburn lost to Troy. There is no way this should ever happen. It's gonna be a long, cold winter for Auburn basketball.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
After the Game
We are pleasantly surprised to hear that Auburn is heading to the Outback Bowl. We had been led to believe it would be the Independence, Liberty, or Music City. This is the best bowl we could have gotten.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Post Game
On this Monday after the Friday game we await word on Auburn's bowl status. We hope for the Liberty since maybe Freddy and I would be able to go.
Friday, November 27, 2009
The Game
One thing I say. I do not call this The Iron Bowl. I know that Coach Jordan gave the game this name, but I have never liked it and never will. It's the Auburn-Alabama Game.
We have a 1:45 kickoff on CBS. I'm glad it's an afternoon game.
First downs are the key down for Auburn. We can't have 3rd and long. We must mix up the offense. We need to frustrate their running game. We can't stop it, but must slow it down and make the QB beat us. So says Stan White as the game starts.
Alabama wins the toss and receives. The kickoff goes out of bounds. Already we are off to a bad start. Alabama starts from their 40.
The Tide goes 3 and out.
After the punt, Auburn starts at their 20.
First down Auburn.
Lightening strikes! On the first down, Terrel Zachary runs the end around for a touchdown!!! 67 yards. Auburn scores first with 11:40 left in the first. Auburn 7 Ala 0. A 4-play 80 yd. drive.
Auburn stuns the world and recovers an onside kick!!! One first down. But then a holding penalty and we have to back up. After the penalty it's first and 20 on our 45. A pass and it's first down at the Bama 29. The Tigers move to the 11. First down at the 2 after ofsetting penalites and a bull-headed run by Ben Tate. On third from the one Todd connects with Eric Smith. Touchdown Auburn! 12 plays. 58 yards after the onside recovery.
Just beyond midway of the first quarter, 5:42 left, the Tigers are stunning Alabama 14 to 0.
We have another out of bounds kickoff. Alabama starts again at their 40.
The Tide goes 3 and out again.
Auburn starts again on their 18. Tate runs for 5.
Todd overshoots Trott twice on a perfect play call, and the Tigers have to punt for the first time. Would have been a first without a sailing pass by Todd.
Alabama starts on their 42 after a 36-yd. punt.
The first quarter ends with Alabama driving at the Auburn 26.
Auburn 14 Alabama 0 after the first quarter.
Alabama has 37 yards of total offense vs. Auburn's 139.
Alabama runs for a first down to the Auburn 21.
Alabama throws for a first down at the Auburn 8. First and goal.
The Tide runs it in from the 2.
With 13:26 left in the first half it's Auburn 14 Alabama 7. 10 plays. 58 yards.
Our offense needs to pick it back up.
Todd is sacked at the Auburn 32 on third down and Auburn is 3 and out. Alabama starts on their 35 as Auburn kicks away from Arenas. At this point Auburn has had two straight 3 and outs. This has to stop if we have any chance of winning this game.
We need a turnover bad.
The Tide moves inside Auburn territory. Auburn holds! But we start on our 6 after a scramble when Washington drops the punt and they get Auburn for a personal foul in the melee.
The Tigers can't go and we have to punt from our 5. That's 3 straight 3 & outs. This has to stop.
Arenas produces an 11-yd. return after a 51 yard punt and Alabama starts at the Auburn 45.
Alabama moves to the Auburn 34.
Alabama gets a 33-yd TD pass and the game is tied with 5:31 left in the half. The Tigers get Alabama to third down but their QB makes a great throw to their tight end.
Auburn 14 Alabama 14. Our announcers say this has started like the Georgia game where we start strong but fade eventually.
Auburn starts from their 20 as the second quarter winds down. Will our offense get going again.
Auburn begins a drive but TODD fumbles it away. Todd has made mistakes all year. Alabama is on the Auburn 48. Alabama misses a 42-yd FG attempt! Our defense holds after a turnover.
The Tigers mount a drive and move to the Tide 36. Then it's 3 and 13 from the 39 as Todd is pressured. Then it's 4th 7 13 from the 39. The Tigers punt and with 39 seconds left the Tide is on their 13.
The clock runs out.
At the half it's Auburn 14 Alabama 14. So far we have a game. Auburn won the first quarter; Alabama won the second quarter. Can the Tigers hold up in the second half? Probably not. Alabama is the stronger team, and the stronger team usually wins. I will be very surprised if we manage to win this game. If we do have a chance, I predict that Chris Todd will not make the necessary plays. It seems that we would be doing much better with a better quarterback.
Auburn receives to start the second half.
The Tigers start at their 24 after the kickoff.
Tate carries to the 27. Second and 7 just underway in the second half. A short pass to Tate leaves us but a yard short but then unexplicably we try a pass and Tate is tackled for a loss. Here we have an unexplainable play call on 3rd and 1. Why pass?
The Tigers are 3 and out after failing on a 3rd and short on a strange play call. Alabama starts on their 20. That last playcall leaves me baffled.
Alabama is 3 and out. The Tide punts to the Auburn 24. Both teams start the half going 3 and out. A good physical going on.
Todd connects with Darvin Adams for an electrifying 71 yd. TD pass!!! Two plays. 47 seconds.
Auburn 21 Alabama 14. So far we have a ballgame.
Alabama gets a good return from Arenas and starts at their 46.
AUBURN STOPS Alabama TWICE ON 3RD AND THEN 4TH AND 1. WHAT A DEFENSIVE STAND AROUND MIDFIELD! We stop Ingram twice with only a yard to go!
The Tigers are 3 and out and we are punting from near midfield. There you have a good Alabama defensive stand. THEN Arenas makes a huge punt return to the Auburn 33.
Our defense holds Alabama to a 28 yd. FG. Our defense bends but does not break. So far we still have a ballgame.
Auburn 21 Alabama 17 with 5:32 left in the third.
Alabama kicks off our of bounds and we start at our 40.
Todd is intercepted as another pass sails on him. Todd throws too high. As I said earlier, Chris Todd dooms us.
A complete pass and Alabama is at the Auburn 25. Auburn jumps and the Tide moves to the Auburn 20. A run to the 16. A run to the 13. A loss leads to 3rd and 11. The Tigers hold AGAIN. Alabama kicks the field goal.
Auburn 21 Alabama 20 with 24 seconds left in the 3rd quarter. Despite the Arenas runback and the Todd turnovers, Auburn is hanging in this game. Two turnovers and Auburn is till leading in this game. So far our defense is playing its best game of the year.
Washington runs the kickoff back to the Auburn 35. A holding penaly moves us back. We are at first 20 from our 25 leading 21 to 20 heading into the 4th quarter. I am very pleased with our effort. If we had a better quarterback, we would win this game. In this case, I doubt it.
After one first down, Auburn has to punt. Durst punts to the Alabama 3. Two false starts pushes Ala back. After a pass to the 7, Auburn punishes their QB and he goes down at the 5. An incomplete pass and Ala is punting from their end zone. Another great stand by the Auburn defense!
Washington fields the punt and Auburn starts at the Ala 44 yard line.
With 10:37 left in this game, Auburn still leads 21 to 20.
Two plays and Auburn backs up 6 yards.
Todd is sacked at the Auburn 40 and Auburn goes backward 17 yards on this possession. We can't block the rush.
The punt rolls dead at the Alabama 21. We had good field position but went backward. OK. What happens now? Can the Auburn defense do it again? I don't see this game ending 21 to 20. I think a turnover is the only thing that will save us, for our defense won't hold up the rest of the game with 8:27 left.
Alabama moves to their 37 after a pass to Jones. A sack and Ala backs up 5 yards. A pass to Ingram nets 10 yards. Ala is 3rd and 5. A pass to Jones is just enough for the first down. Richards runs for 2 yards. A pass to Jones yields a first down at the Auburn 39 with about 4 minutes left. A short run by Richardson moves the ball to the 35. The clock is running down to about 3:40. A pass to Jones and there's a first down to the Auburn 28. We must get a turnover. Ala is moving the ball on short passes. Ingram goes up the middle for a yard with 2:44 to go. A pass to Richardson takes the ball to the Auburn 11. It will take something special for Auburn to hold on. Richardson runs to the 7. This is a real gutcheck for our defense. It's hard to believe we can hold Ala to no points. Richardson runs inside the 5. Ala goes to third down from the 4. They can get a first down inside the 1. They fake the run and pass for the TD to Roy Upchurch. With a minute twenty-four left, Auburn loses the lead for the first time in the game. Alabama makes what should be the winning TD drive using up over 7 minutes on the clock. We intercept the point after attempt.
Auburn 21 Alabama 26
With 1:24 left we need a miracle.
Auburn starts at our 25. We have no chance with Chris Todd. McCalebb drops a pass at the 30. After one first down, we are left with a Hail Mary situation with 10 seconds to go. We see poor clock management by Auburn in this last possession. With one second to go, Auburn is at the Alabama 37. The pass is swatted away in the end zone and Alabama wins 26 to 21.
Great peformance and effort by Auburn. There are no moral victories, but our effort gives hope for the future, that this coaching staff is here to stay. Auburn puts forth the great effort and makes it a game to the end. Alabama does what they have to do to win.
We have a 1:45 kickoff on CBS. I'm glad it's an afternoon game.
First downs are the key down for Auburn. We can't have 3rd and long. We must mix up the offense. We need to frustrate their running game. We can't stop it, but must slow it down and make the QB beat us. So says Stan White as the game starts.
Alabama wins the toss and receives. The kickoff goes out of bounds. Already we are off to a bad start. Alabama starts from their 40.
The Tide goes 3 and out.
After the punt, Auburn starts at their 20.
First down Auburn.
Lightening strikes! On the first down, Terrel Zachary runs the end around for a touchdown!!! 67 yards. Auburn scores first with 11:40 left in the first. Auburn 7 Ala 0. A 4-play 80 yd. drive.
Auburn stuns the world and recovers an onside kick!!! One first down. But then a holding penalty and we have to back up. After the penalty it's first and 20 on our 45. A pass and it's first down at the Bama 29. The Tigers move to the 11. First down at the 2 after ofsetting penalites and a bull-headed run by Ben Tate. On third from the one Todd connects with Eric Smith. Touchdown Auburn! 12 plays. 58 yards after the onside recovery.
Just beyond midway of the first quarter, 5:42 left, the Tigers are stunning Alabama 14 to 0.
We have another out of bounds kickoff. Alabama starts again at their 40.
The Tide goes 3 and out again.
Auburn starts again on their 18. Tate runs for 5.
Todd overshoots Trott twice on a perfect play call, and the Tigers have to punt for the first time. Would have been a first without a sailing pass by Todd.
Alabama starts on their 42 after a 36-yd. punt.
The first quarter ends with Alabama driving at the Auburn 26.
Auburn 14 Alabama 0 after the first quarter.
Alabama has 37 yards of total offense vs. Auburn's 139.
Alabama runs for a first down to the Auburn 21.
Alabama throws for a first down at the Auburn 8. First and goal.
The Tide runs it in from the 2.
With 13:26 left in the first half it's Auburn 14 Alabama 7. 10 plays. 58 yards.
Our offense needs to pick it back up.
Todd is sacked at the Auburn 32 on third down and Auburn is 3 and out. Alabama starts on their 35 as Auburn kicks away from Arenas. At this point Auburn has had two straight 3 and outs. This has to stop if we have any chance of winning this game.
We need a turnover bad.
The Tide moves inside Auburn territory. Auburn holds! But we start on our 6 after a scramble when Washington drops the punt and they get Auburn for a personal foul in the melee.
The Tigers can't go and we have to punt from our 5. That's 3 straight 3 & outs. This has to stop.
Arenas produces an 11-yd. return after a 51 yard punt and Alabama starts at the Auburn 45.
Alabama moves to the Auburn 34.
Alabama gets a 33-yd TD pass and the game is tied with 5:31 left in the half. The Tigers get Alabama to third down but their QB makes a great throw to their tight end.
Auburn 14 Alabama 14. Our announcers say this has started like the Georgia game where we start strong but fade eventually.
Auburn starts from their 20 as the second quarter winds down. Will our offense get going again.
Auburn begins a drive but TODD fumbles it away. Todd has made mistakes all year. Alabama is on the Auburn 48. Alabama misses a 42-yd FG attempt! Our defense holds after a turnover.
The Tigers mount a drive and move to the Tide 36. Then it's 3 and 13 from the 39 as Todd is pressured. Then it's 4th 7 13 from the 39. The Tigers punt and with 39 seconds left the Tide is on their 13.
The clock runs out.
At the half it's Auburn 14 Alabama 14. So far we have a game. Auburn won the first quarter; Alabama won the second quarter. Can the Tigers hold up in the second half? Probably not. Alabama is the stronger team, and the stronger team usually wins. I will be very surprised if we manage to win this game. If we do have a chance, I predict that Chris Todd will not make the necessary plays. It seems that we would be doing much better with a better quarterback.
Auburn receives to start the second half.
The Tigers start at their 24 after the kickoff.
Tate carries to the 27. Second and 7 just underway in the second half. A short pass to Tate leaves us but a yard short but then unexplicably we try a pass and Tate is tackled for a loss. Here we have an unexplainable play call on 3rd and 1. Why pass?
The Tigers are 3 and out after failing on a 3rd and short on a strange play call. Alabama starts on their 20. That last playcall leaves me baffled.
Alabama is 3 and out. The Tide punts to the Auburn 24. Both teams start the half going 3 and out. A good physical going on.
Todd connects with Darvin Adams for an electrifying 71 yd. TD pass!!! Two plays. 47 seconds.
Auburn 21 Alabama 14. So far we have a ballgame.
Alabama gets a good return from Arenas and starts at their 46.
AUBURN STOPS Alabama TWICE ON 3RD AND THEN 4TH AND 1. WHAT A DEFENSIVE STAND AROUND MIDFIELD! We stop Ingram twice with only a yard to go!
The Tigers are 3 and out and we are punting from near midfield. There you have a good Alabama defensive stand. THEN Arenas makes a huge punt return to the Auburn 33.
Our defense holds Alabama to a 28 yd. FG. Our defense bends but does not break. So far we still have a ballgame.
Auburn 21 Alabama 17 with 5:32 left in the third.
Alabama kicks off our of bounds and we start at our 40.
Todd is intercepted as another pass sails on him. Todd throws too high. As I said earlier, Chris Todd dooms us.
A complete pass and Alabama is at the Auburn 25. Auburn jumps and the Tide moves to the Auburn 20. A run to the 16. A run to the 13. A loss leads to 3rd and 11. The Tigers hold AGAIN. Alabama kicks the field goal.
Auburn 21 Alabama 20 with 24 seconds left in the 3rd quarter. Despite the Arenas runback and the Todd turnovers, Auburn is hanging in this game. Two turnovers and Auburn is till leading in this game. So far our defense is playing its best game of the year.
Washington runs the kickoff back to the Auburn 35. A holding penaly moves us back. We are at first 20 from our 25 leading 21 to 20 heading into the 4th quarter. I am very pleased with our effort. If we had a better quarterback, we would win this game. In this case, I doubt it.
After one first down, Auburn has to punt. Durst punts to the Alabama 3. Two false starts pushes Ala back. After a pass to the 7, Auburn punishes their QB and he goes down at the 5. An incomplete pass and Ala is punting from their end zone. Another great stand by the Auburn defense!
Washington fields the punt and Auburn starts at the Ala 44 yard line.
With 10:37 left in this game, Auburn still leads 21 to 20.
Two plays and Auburn backs up 6 yards.
Todd is sacked at the Auburn 40 and Auburn goes backward 17 yards on this possession. We can't block the rush.
The punt rolls dead at the Alabama 21. We had good field position but went backward. OK. What happens now? Can the Auburn defense do it again? I don't see this game ending 21 to 20. I think a turnover is the only thing that will save us, for our defense won't hold up the rest of the game with 8:27 left.
Alabama moves to their 37 after a pass to Jones. A sack and Ala backs up 5 yards. A pass to Ingram nets 10 yards. Ala is 3rd and 5. A pass to Jones is just enough for the first down. Richards runs for 2 yards. A pass to Jones yields a first down at the Auburn 39 with about 4 minutes left. A short run by Richardson moves the ball to the 35. The clock is running down to about 3:40. A pass to Jones and there's a first down to the Auburn 28. We must get a turnover. Ala is moving the ball on short passes. Ingram goes up the middle for a yard with 2:44 to go. A pass to Richardson takes the ball to the Auburn 11. It will take something special for Auburn to hold on. Richardson runs to the 7. This is a real gutcheck for our defense. It's hard to believe we can hold Ala to no points. Richardson runs inside the 5. Ala goes to third down from the 4. They can get a first down inside the 1. They fake the run and pass for the TD to Roy Upchurch. With a minute twenty-four left, Auburn loses the lead for the first time in the game. Alabama makes what should be the winning TD drive using up over 7 minutes on the clock. We intercept the point after attempt.
Auburn 21 Alabama 26
With 1:24 left we need a miracle.
Auburn starts at our 25. We have no chance with Chris Todd. McCalebb drops a pass at the 30. After one first down, we are left with a Hail Mary situation with 10 seconds to go. We see poor clock management by Auburn in this last possession. With one second to go, Auburn is at the Alabama 37. The pass is swatted away in the end zone and Alabama wins 26 to 21.
Great peformance and effort by Auburn. There are no moral victories, but our effort gives hope for the future, that this coaching staff is here to stay. Auburn puts forth the great effort and makes it a game to the end. Alabama does what they have to do to win.
Before the Game
I write this on Friday morning before the game. Freddy is driving down. I wanted to go, but was deterred by Doo-Rail's situation. We are trying to get him to eat to get over this diabetic episode.
We've been here before. The Tigers are a 10-point underdog. We've been an underdog before and won. You can never predict upsets. One is unlikely in this case. But then upsets are always unlikely. That's why they are called upsets.
I can't imagine Auburn winning this game. Alabama is the better team and they seem to have no weaknesses. Auburn has weaknesses: defense, inconsistent offense, special teams. How on earth could Auburn win this game? I don't see it.
We've been here before. The Tigers are a 10-point underdog. We've been an underdog before and won. You can never predict upsets. One is unlikely in this case. But then upsets are always unlikely. That's why they are called upsets.
I can't imagine Auburn winning this game. Alabama is the better team and they seem to have no weaknesses. Auburn has weaknesses: defense, inconsistent offense, special teams. How on earth could Auburn win this game? I don't see it.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Pick 'Em (13)
Pick the winner. Home team in CAPS.
1. Alabama (10) vs. AUBURN
2. Nebraska (10 1/2) vs. COLORADO
3. Pittsburgh vs. WEST VIRGINIA (pick 'em)
4. Clemson (3) vs. SOUTH CAROLINA
5. Mississippi (7 1/2) vs. MISSISSIPPI STATE
6. Oklahoma State vs. (9 1/2) OKLAHOMA
7. Miami (5 1/2) vs. SOUTH FLORIDA
8. Utah vs. (7 1/2) BYU
9. Arkansas vs. (3 1/2) LSU
10.Georgia vs. (7 1/2) GEORGIA TECH
11.UCLA vs. (13) USC
12.Notre Dame vs. (10) STANFORD
13.Florida State vs. (24 1/2) FLORIDA
14.Central Florida (3) vs. UAB
15.Missouri (3) vs. KANSAS
16.Tennessee (2 1/2) vs. KENTUCKY
17.Texas (21) vs. TEXAS A&M
18.Arizona (3) vs. ARIZONA STATE
19.Troy (9 1/2) vs. LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE
20.Wake Forest (4 1/2) vs. DUKE
Freddy's Picks
1. Auburn
2. Nebraska
3. WVU
4. Clemson
5. Mississippi
6. OSU
7. Miami
8. BYU
9. Arkansas
10.Tech
11.USC
12.Stanford
13.Florida
14.UAB
15.Kansas
16.Tennessee
17.Texas
18.Arizona
19.Troy
20.Wake Forest
Fred's Picks
1. Auburn
2. Nebraska
3. West Virginia
4. South Carolina
5. Mississippi State
6. Oklahoma
7. Miami
8. BYU
9. Arkansas
10. Georgia Tech
11. USC
12. Stanford
13. Florida
14. UAB
15. Missouri
16. Kentucky
17. Texas
18. Arizona State
19. Troy
20. Wake forest
Moyna's Picks
1. Auburn
2. Nebraska
3. Pittsburgh
4. South Carolina
5. Ole Miss
6. Oklahoma State
7. Miami
8. Utah
9. LSU
10.Georgia Tech
11.USC
12.Stanford
13.Florida
14.UAB
15.Kansas
16.Tennessee
17.Texas
18.Arizona
19.Troy
20.Wake Forest
1. Alabama (10) vs. AUBURN
2. Nebraska (10 1/2) vs. COLORADO
3. Pittsburgh vs. WEST VIRGINIA (pick 'em)
4. Clemson (3) vs. SOUTH CAROLINA
5. Mississippi (7 1/2) vs. MISSISSIPPI STATE
6. Oklahoma State vs. (9 1/2) OKLAHOMA
7. Miami (5 1/2) vs. SOUTH FLORIDA
8. Utah vs. (7 1/2) BYU
9. Arkansas vs. (3 1/2) LSU
10.Georgia vs. (7 1/2) GEORGIA TECH
11.UCLA vs. (13) USC
12.Notre Dame vs. (10) STANFORD
13.Florida State vs. (24 1/2) FLORIDA
14.Central Florida (3) vs. UAB
15.Missouri (3) vs. KANSAS
16.Tennessee (2 1/2) vs. KENTUCKY
17.Texas (21) vs. TEXAS A&M
18.Arizona (3) vs. ARIZONA STATE
19.Troy (9 1/2) vs. LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE
20.Wake Forest (4 1/2) vs. DUKE
Freddy's Picks
1. Auburn
2. Nebraska
3. WVU
4. Clemson
5. Mississippi
6. OSU
7. Miami
8. BYU
9. Arkansas
10.Tech
11.USC
12.Stanford
13.Florida
14.UAB
15.Kansas
16.Tennessee
17.Texas
18.Arizona
19.Troy
20.Wake Forest
Fred's Picks
1. Auburn
2. Nebraska
3. West Virginia
4. South Carolina
5. Mississippi State
6. Oklahoma
7. Miami
8. BYU
9. Arkansas
10. Georgia Tech
11. USC
12. Stanford
13. Florida
14. UAB
15. Missouri
16. Kentucky
17. Texas
18. Arizona State
19. Troy
20. Wake forest
Moyna's Picks
1. Auburn
2. Nebraska
3. Pittsburgh
4. South Carolina
5. Ole Miss
6. Oklahoma State
7. Miami
8. Utah
9. LSU
10.Georgia Tech
11.USC
12.Stanford
13.Florida
14.UAB
15.Kansas
16.Tennessee
17.Texas
18.Arizona
19.Troy
20.Wake Forest
Friday, November 20, 2009
Scoreboard (11)
For the Week:
Moyna 11-9
Freddy 13-7
Fred 12-8
For the season:
Moyna 124-75-1
Freddy 127-72-1
Fred 125-74-1
Moyna 11-9
Freddy 13-7
Fred 12-8
For the season:
Moyna 124-75-1
Freddy 127-72-1
Fred 125-74-1
Pick 'Em (12)
Pick the winner. Home team in CAPS.
1. Ohio State (11 1/2) vs. MICHIGAN
2. Maryland vs. (19) FLORIDA STATE
3. LSU vs. (4) MISSISSIPPI
4. Penn State (3) vs. MICHIGAN STATE
5. Mississippi State vs. (11 1/2) ARKANSAS
6. Virginia vs. (21) CLEMSON
7. California vs. (7 1/2) STANFORD
8. Kentucky vs. (10) GEORGIA
9. Vanderbilt vs. (17) TENNESSEE
10.Kansas State vs. (16 1/2) NEBRASKA
11.UAB vs. (12 1/2) EAST CAROLINA
12.Oklahoma (6 1/2) vs. TEXAS TECH
13.Minnesota vs. (10) IOWA
14.North Carolina vs. (3 1/2) BOSTON COLLEGE
15.Wisconsin (7) vs. NORTHWESTERN
16.Oregon (6) vs. ARIZONA
17.Connecticut vs. (6) NOTRE DAME
18.Arizona State vs. (4 1/2) UCLA
19.Florida Atlantic vs. (16 1/2) TROY
20.Florida International vs. (45) FLORIDA
Freddy's Picks
1. Ohio State
2. FSU
3. LSU
4. Michigan State
5. Arkansas
6. Clemson
7. Stanford
8. Kentucky
9. Tennssee
10.Nebraska
11.East Carolina
12.Texas Tech
13.Iowa
14.North Carolina
15.Wisconsin
16.Oregon
17.ND
18.Arizona State
19.Troy
20.Florida
Fred's Picks
1. Ohio State
2. Florida State
3. Mississippi
4. Michigan State
5. Arkansas
6. Clemson
7. Cal
8. Georgia
9. Tennessee
10. Nebraska
11. UAB
12. Oklahoma
13. Iowa
14. BC
15. Wisconsin
16. Arizona
17. Notre Dame
18. UCLA
19. Troy
20. Florida
Moyna's Picks
1. Ohio State
2. FSU
3. LSU
4. Penn. St.
5. ARkansas
6. Clemson
7. Cal
8. Georgia
9. Tennessee
10.Nebraska
11.UAB
12.Texas Tech
13.Iowa
14.BC
15.Wisconsin
16.Oregon
17.Notre Dame
18.UCLA
19.TRoy
20.Florida
1. Ohio State (11 1/2) vs. MICHIGAN
2. Maryland vs. (19) FLORIDA STATE
3. LSU vs. (4) MISSISSIPPI
4. Penn State (3) vs. MICHIGAN STATE
5. Mississippi State vs. (11 1/2) ARKANSAS
6. Virginia vs. (21) CLEMSON
7. California vs. (7 1/2) STANFORD
8. Kentucky vs. (10) GEORGIA
9. Vanderbilt vs. (17) TENNESSEE
10.Kansas State vs. (16 1/2) NEBRASKA
11.UAB vs. (12 1/2) EAST CAROLINA
12.Oklahoma (6 1/2) vs. TEXAS TECH
13.Minnesota vs. (10) IOWA
14.North Carolina vs. (3 1/2) BOSTON COLLEGE
15.Wisconsin (7) vs. NORTHWESTERN
16.Oregon (6) vs. ARIZONA
17.Connecticut vs. (6) NOTRE DAME
18.Arizona State vs. (4 1/2) UCLA
19.Florida Atlantic vs. (16 1/2) TROY
20.Florida International vs. (45) FLORIDA
Freddy's Picks
1. Ohio State
2. FSU
3. LSU
4. Michigan State
5. Arkansas
6. Clemson
7. Stanford
8. Kentucky
9. Tennssee
10.Nebraska
11.East Carolina
12.Texas Tech
13.Iowa
14.North Carolina
15.Wisconsin
16.Oregon
17.ND
18.Arizona State
19.Troy
20.Florida
Fred's Picks
1. Ohio State
2. Florida State
3. Mississippi
4. Michigan State
5. Arkansas
6. Clemson
7. Cal
8. Georgia
9. Tennessee
10. Nebraska
11. UAB
12. Oklahoma
13. Iowa
14. BC
15. Wisconsin
16. Arizona
17. Notre Dame
18. UCLA
19. Troy
20. Florida
Moyna's Picks
1. Ohio State
2. FSU
3. LSU
4. Penn. St.
5. ARkansas
6. Clemson
7. Cal
8. Georgia
9. Tennessee
10.Nebraska
11.UAB
12.Texas Tech
13.Iowa
14.BC
15.Wisconsin
16.Oregon
17.Notre Dame
18.UCLA
19.TRoy
20.Florida
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Georgia & Basketball
Freddy corrected me. Georgia is favored by 4 1/2. Who knows how this game will go tonight. I certainly don't know. If we lose, it will either be because the Bulldogs come out ready to play and get the upper hand early at home, our weaknesses do us in, or we outscore them with our offense producing like it can on a good day and our defense making necessary stops.
We enjoyed listening to the basketball team start the season by beating Niagara 69 to 65. It looked hopeless before Auburn scored the last 11 points of the game led by Dwayne Reed, overcoming a 7-point deficit. Reed sounds like a much improved player from last year. The team hit 84% of its free throws. This was the biggest difference in the game.
I hope to see some basketball games this year as we phase out Beard-Eaves.
We enjoyed listening to the basketball team start the season by beating Niagara 69 to 65. It looked hopeless before Auburn scored the last 11 points of the game led by Dwayne Reed, overcoming a 7-point deficit. Reed sounds like a much improved player from last year. The team hit 84% of its free throws. This was the biggest difference in the game.
I hope to see some basketball games this year as we phase out Beard-Eaves.
Friday, November 13, 2009
The Georgia Game (2)
I was shocked this morning to see that Auburn is a 4 1/2 point favorite. This game is hard to figure.
Facts that favor Auburn:
Georgia is the most penalized team in the SEC.
Auburn runs the ball better than Georgia.
Georgia is turnover prone.
Facts that favor Georgia:
The home field although in this series this has been a dubious advantage.
Our defense is subject to breakdowns.
Our kicking game, except for place kicking, can get us beat by itself.
Everyone expects a high-scoring game. It's hard to feel otherwise.
I have the feeling this will be another Auburn-Georgia classic.
Facts that favor Auburn:
Georgia is the most penalized team in the SEC.
Auburn runs the ball better than Georgia.
Georgia is turnover prone.
Facts that favor Georgia:
The home field although in this series this has been a dubious advantage.
Our defense is subject to breakdowns.
Our kicking game, except for place kicking, can get us beat by itself.
Everyone expects a high-scoring game. It's hard to feel otherwise.
I have the feeling this will be another Auburn-Georgia classic.
Pick 'Em (11)
Pick the winner. Home team in CAPS.
1. Auburn vs. (4 1/2) GEORGIA*
2. Alabama (12 1/2)* vs. MISSISSIPPI STATE
3. West Virginia vs. (10) CINCINNATI*
4. Tennessee vs. (5 1/2) OLE MISS*
5. Kentucky (3 1/2)* vs. VANDERBILT
6. Iowa vs. (17) OHIO STATE*
7. Florida (17 1/2)* vs. SOUTH CAROLINA
8. Miami (3 1/2) vs. NORTH CAROLINA*
9. Texas A&M vs. (20) OKLAHOMA*
10.Notre Dame vs. (7) PITTSBURGH*
11.Stanford* vs. (10 1/2) USC
12.Virginia Tech* (18 1/2) vs. MARYLAND
13.Michigan State* (3) vs. PURDUE
14.Michigan vs. (9) WISCONSIN*
15.Florida State* vs. (5) WAKE FOREST
16.Nebraska (4 1/2)* vs. KANSAS
17.Texas Tech vs. (4 1/2) OKLAHOMA STATE*
18.UAB (1 1/2)* vs. MEMPHIS
19.Missouri (1)* vs. KANSAS STATE
20.Colorado vs. (5) IOWA STATE*
Freddy's Picks
1. Auburn
2. Alabama*
3. West Virginia
4. Tennessee
5. Kentucky*
6. Ohio State*
7. Florida*
8. Miami
9. Oklahoma*
10.Pitt*
11.USC
12.Tech*
13.Purdue
14.Wisconsin*
15.FSU*
16.Kansas
17.Oklahoma State*
18.UAB*
19.Kansas State
20.Iowa State*
Moyna's Picks
1. Auburn
2. Alabama*
3. West Virginia
4. Tennessee
5. Kentucky*
6. Ohio State*
7. Florida*
8. Miami
9. Oklahoma*
10.Notre Dame
11.USC
12.Virginia Tech*
13.Michigan State*
14.Michigan
15.Florida State*
16.Nebraska*
17.Oklahoma State
18.Memphis
19.Missouri*
20.Iowa State*
Fred's Picks
1. Auburn
2. Alabama*
3. Cincinnati*
4. Ole Miss*
5. Kentucky*
6. Ohio State*
7. Florida*
8. Miami
9.Oklahoma*
10.Notre Dame
11.USC
12.Virginia Tech*
13.Purdue
14.Wisconsin*
15.Florida St.*
16.Nebraska*
17.Oklahoma St.*
18.UAB*
19.Kansas St.
20.Iowa St.*
1. Auburn vs. (4 1/2) GEORGIA*
2. Alabama (12 1/2)* vs. MISSISSIPPI STATE
3. West Virginia vs. (10) CINCINNATI*
4. Tennessee vs. (5 1/2) OLE MISS*
5. Kentucky (3 1/2)* vs. VANDERBILT
6. Iowa vs. (17) OHIO STATE*
7. Florida (17 1/2)* vs. SOUTH CAROLINA
8. Miami (3 1/2) vs. NORTH CAROLINA*
9. Texas A&M vs. (20) OKLAHOMA*
10.Notre Dame vs. (7) PITTSBURGH*
11.Stanford* vs. (10 1/2) USC
12.Virginia Tech* (18 1/2) vs. MARYLAND
13.Michigan State* (3) vs. PURDUE
14.Michigan vs. (9) WISCONSIN*
15.Florida State* vs. (5) WAKE FOREST
16.Nebraska (4 1/2)* vs. KANSAS
17.Texas Tech vs. (4 1/2) OKLAHOMA STATE*
18.UAB (1 1/2)* vs. MEMPHIS
19.Missouri (1)* vs. KANSAS STATE
20.Colorado vs. (5) IOWA STATE*
Freddy's Picks
1. Auburn
2. Alabama*
3. West Virginia
4. Tennessee
5. Kentucky*
6. Ohio State*
7. Florida*
8. Miami
9. Oklahoma*
10.Pitt*
11.USC
12.Tech*
13.Purdue
14.Wisconsin*
15.FSU*
16.Kansas
17.Oklahoma State*
18.UAB*
19.Kansas State
20.Iowa State*
Moyna's Picks
1. Auburn
2. Alabama*
3. West Virginia
4. Tennessee
5. Kentucky*
6. Ohio State*
7. Florida*
8. Miami
9. Oklahoma*
10.Notre Dame
11.USC
12.Virginia Tech*
13.Michigan State*
14.Michigan
15.Florida State*
16.Nebraska*
17.Oklahoma State
18.Memphis
19.Missouri*
20.Iowa State*
Fred's Picks
1. Auburn
2. Alabama*
3. Cincinnati*
4. Ole Miss*
5. Kentucky*
6. Ohio State*
7. Florida*
8. Miami
9.Oklahoma*
10.Notre Dame
11.USC
12.Virginia Tech*
13.Purdue
14.Wisconsin*
15.Florida St.*
16.Nebraska*
17.Oklahoma St.*
18.UAB*
19.Kansas St.
20.Iowa St.*
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Finally
I can hope that Shawn Kemp, Jr. is finally the BIG man that I've looking for all my years of watching Auburn roundball.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
The Georgia Game
There have so many great Auburn-Georgia games over the years. I couldn't pick out any one that I remember most of all---too many to pick from.
I do recall 2005, the last time we won. It's hard to believe they've beaten us three years in a row.
I just hope it's a good game and that, of course, we win.
I do recall 2005, the last time we won. It's hard to believe they've beaten us three years in a row.
I just hope it's a good game and that, of course, we win.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Scoreboard (10)
For the week:
Moyna 8-12
Freddy 13-7
Fred 10-10
For the season:
Moyna 113-66-1
Freddy 114-65-1
Fred 113-66-1
Moyna 8-12
Freddy 13-7
Fred 10-10
For the season:
Moyna 113-66-1
Freddy 114-65-1
Fred 113-66-1
Saturday, November 7, 2009
The Furman Game
So we beat Furman as expected 63 to 31. The game was never in doubt. We give up 31 points after two early turnovers in the second half and emptying the bench. We still have the weaknesses of poor punt receptions and poor kickoff coverage. What will happen next week in Athens I have no idea.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Pick 'Em (10)
Pick the winner. Home team in CAPS.
1. Furman vs. AUBURN*
2. LSU vs. (7 1/2) ALABAMA*
3. South Carolina vs. (7) ARKANSAS*
4. Texas A&M (3) vs. COLORADO*
5. Ohio State vs.* (5) PENN STATE
6. Oklahoma State* (7) vs. IOWA STATE
7. USC (10)* vs. ARIZONA STATE
8. Memphis vs. (26) TENNESSEE*
9. Houston *(1 1/2) vs. TULSA
10.Oregon (7) vs. STANFORD*
11.Wake Forest vs. (14 1/2) GEORGIA TECH*
12.Oregon State* vs. (7) CALIFORNIA
13.Navy *vs. (12) NOTRE DAME
14.Kansas (2 1/2) vs. KANSAS STATE*
15.Purdue* vs. (6) MICHIGAN
16.Washington vs. (4 1/2) UCLA*
17.Northwestern* vs. (16 1/2) IOWA
18.Oklahoma (5 1/2) vs. NEBRASKA*
19.Florida State vs. (9) CLEMSON*
20.Florida Atlantic vs. (6 1/2) UAB*
Freddy's Picks
1. Auburn*
2. LSU
3. Arkansas*
4. Colorado*
5. Penn State
6. Oklahoma State*
7. USC*
8. Tennesee*
9. Houston*
10.Oregon
11.Tech*
12.Cal
13.Notre Dame
14.Kansas State*
15.Purdue*
16.UCLA*
17.Iowa
18.Nebraska*
19.FSU
20.UAB*
Fred's Picks
1. Auburn*
2. LSU
3. Arkansas*
4. A & M
5. Penn State
6. Oklahoma State*
7. USC*
8. Tennessee*
9. Houston*
10.Oregon
11.Ga. Tech*
12.Cal
13.Notre Dame
14.Kansas St.*
15.Michigam
16.UCLA*
17.Iowa
18.Oklahoma
19.Florida St.
20.UAB*
Moyna's Picks
1. Auburn*
2. LSU
3. Arkansas*
4. Colorado*
5. Penn.St.
6. Iowa St.
7. USC*
8. Tennessee*
9. Houston*
10.Oregon
11.Ga. Tech*
12.Cal
13.Notre Dame
14.Kansas
15.Michigan
16.Washington
17.Iowa
18.Oklahoma
19.FSU
20.UAB*
1. Furman vs. AUBURN*
2. LSU vs. (7 1/2) ALABAMA*
3. South Carolina vs. (7) ARKANSAS*
4. Texas A&M (3) vs. COLORADO*
5. Ohio State vs.* (5) PENN STATE
6. Oklahoma State* (7) vs. IOWA STATE
7. USC (10)* vs. ARIZONA STATE
8. Memphis vs. (26) TENNESSEE*
9. Houston *(1 1/2) vs. TULSA
10.Oregon (7) vs. STANFORD*
11.Wake Forest vs. (14 1/2) GEORGIA TECH*
12.Oregon State* vs. (7) CALIFORNIA
13.Navy *vs. (12) NOTRE DAME
14.Kansas (2 1/2) vs. KANSAS STATE*
15.Purdue* vs. (6) MICHIGAN
16.Washington vs. (4 1/2) UCLA*
17.Northwestern* vs. (16 1/2) IOWA
18.Oklahoma (5 1/2) vs. NEBRASKA*
19.Florida State vs. (9) CLEMSON*
20.Florida Atlantic vs. (6 1/2) UAB*
Freddy's Picks
1. Auburn*
2. LSU
3. Arkansas*
4. Colorado*
5. Penn State
6. Oklahoma State*
7. USC*
8. Tennesee*
9. Houston*
10.Oregon
11.Tech*
12.Cal
13.Notre Dame
14.Kansas State*
15.Purdue*
16.UCLA*
17.Iowa
18.Nebraska*
19.FSU
20.UAB*
Fred's Picks
1. Auburn*
2. LSU
3. Arkansas*
4. A & M
5. Penn State
6. Oklahoma State*
7. USC*
8. Tennessee*
9. Houston*
10.Oregon
11.Ga. Tech*
12.Cal
13.Notre Dame
14.Kansas St.*
15.Michigam
16.UCLA*
17.Iowa
18.Oklahoma
19.Florida St.
20.UAB*
Moyna's Picks
1. Auburn*
2. LSU
3. Arkansas*
4. Colorado*
5. Penn.St.
6. Iowa St.
7. USC*
8. Tennessee*
9. Houston*
10.Oregon
11.Ga. Tech*
12.Cal
13.Notre Dame
14.Kansas
15.Michigan
16.Washington
17.Iowa
18.Oklahoma
19.FSU
20.UAB*
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Moving Along
The update on Zac Etheridge is good. A full recovery is expected and he is being released from the hospital. I see that Demond Washington will take his place.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Scoreboard (9)
For the week:
Freddy 14-6
Moyna 13-7
Fred 14-6
For the season:
Freddy 101-57-1
Moyna 105-54-1
Fred 103-56-1
Freddy 14-6
Moyna 13-7
Fred 14-6
For the season:
Freddy 101-57-1
Moyna 105-54-1
Fred 103-56-1
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Auburn 33 Ole Miss 20
We are all together to watch the game at home. It's the early game. At first it seemed it was going to be Auburn's typical performance in a morning game as the Rebels drive 94 yard to take an early 7 to 0 lead after the kick returner fumbled and Auburn should have recovered but didn't.
The Auburn defense stiffened the rest of the half and Auburn led 10 to 7 at intermission. The Auburn offense exploded in the third quarter and the Tigers led 31 to 7 in the middle of the third. But Ole Miss runs a kickoff back and quickly it's 31 to 14. Our offense stalls and it's 33 to 20 after Mississippi scores another TD but we block the point after and run it back for 2 points.
That's the way it ends as our defense gets a late interception as Ole Miss was driving and we run out the clock.
Our defense looks the best it's looked all year. We got pressure on their QB Jevan Snead, our tackeling was better, and our secondary played well. The offense improved certainly over the last 3 games.
Our kickoff coverage is still terrible. Chris Todd is always capable of a bonehead play at any time. We get little out of punt and kickoff returns.
Auburn is 6 & 3. I suppose we will win next week. We could finish 9 and 3 or 7 and 5.
The Auburn defense stiffened the rest of the half and Auburn led 10 to 7 at intermission. The Auburn offense exploded in the third quarter and the Tigers led 31 to 7 in the middle of the third. But Ole Miss runs a kickoff back and quickly it's 31 to 14. Our offense stalls and it's 33 to 20 after Mississippi scores another TD but we block the point after and run it back for 2 points.
That's the way it ends as our defense gets a late interception as Ole Miss was driving and we run out the clock.
Our defense looks the best it's looked all year. We got pressure on their QB Jevan Snead, our tackeling was better, and our secondary played well. The offense improved certainly over the last 3 games.
Our kickoff coverage is still terrible. Chris Todd is always capable of a bonehead play at any time. We get little out of punt and kickoff returns.
Auburn is 6 & 3. I suppose we will win next week. We could finish 9 and 3 or 7 and 5.
Scoreboard (8)
For the week:
Fred 12-8
Freddy 12-8
Moyna 12-8
For the season:
Fred 89-50-1
Freddy 87-51-1
Moyna 92-47-1
Fred 12-8
Freddy 12-8
Moyna 12-8
For the season:
Fred 89-50-1
Freddy 87-51-1
Moyna 92-47-1
Friday, October 30, 2009
Pick 'Em (9)
Pick the winner. Home team in CAPS.
1. Mississippi (6) vs. AUBURN
2. Purdue vs. WISCONSIN (7)
3. Nebraska (13) vs. BAYLOR
4. UAB vs. UTEP (7)
5. Michigan (7) vs. ILLINOIS
6. Kansas vs. TEXAS TECH (6 1/2)
7. Miami (6 1/2) vs. WAKE FOREST
8. Iowa State vs. TEXAS A&M (6)
9. California (6) vs. ARIZONA STATE
10. Georgia vs. FLORIDA (14 1/2)
11. Mississippi State vs. KENTUCKY (3 1/2)
12. Georgia Tech (11) vs. VANDERBILT
13. South Carolina vs. TENNESSEE (6)
14. USC (3) vs. OREGON
15. Air Force (6 1/2) vs. COLORADO STATE
16. Duke vs. VIRGINIA (7)
17. Arkansas State vs. LOUISVILLE (2 1/2)
18. Western Michigan vs. KENT STATE (2 1/2)
19. Indiana vs. IOWA (17 1/2)
20. Texas (9 1/2) vs. OKLAHOMA STATE
Freddy's Picks
1. Auburn
2. Wisconsin
3. Baylor
4. UTEP
5. Michigan
6. Texas Tech
7. Miami
8. A&M
9. Cal
10.Georgia
11.Kentucky
12.Tech
13.Tennessee
14.Oregon
15.Air Force
16.Duke
17.Arkansas State
18.Kent State
19.Iowa
20.Texas
Fred's Picks
1. Auburn
2. Wisconsin
3. Nebraska
4. UAB
5. Michigan
6. Kansas
7. Miami
8. Texas A & M
9. Cal
10.Florida
11.Kentucky
12.Ga. Tech
13.Tennessee
14.USC
15.Colorado State
16.Virginia
17.Louisville
18.Kent State
19.Iowa
20.Texas
Moyna's Picks
1. Ole Miss
2. Wisconsin
3. Nebraska
4. UTEP
5. Illinois
6. Texas Tech
7. Miami
8. Iowa State
9. Cal
10.Florida
11.MSU
12.Tech
13.Tennessee
14.USC
15.Colorado State
16.Virginia
17.Louisville
18.Western Michigan
19.Iowa
20.Texas
1. Mississippi (6) vs. AUBURN
2. Purdue vs. WISCONSIN (7)
3. Nebraska (13) vs. BAYLOR
4. UAB vs. UTEP (7)
5. Michigan (7) vs. ILLINOIS
6. Kansas vs. TEXAS TECH (6 1/2)
7. Miami (6 1/2) vs. WAKE FOREST
8. Iowa State vs. TEXAS A&M (6)
9. California (6) vs. ARIZONA STATE
10. Georgia vs. FLORIDA (14 1/2)
11. Mississippi State vs. KENTUCKY (3 1/2)
12. Georgia Tech (11) vs. VANDERBILT
13. South Carolina vs. TENNESSEE (6)
14. USC (3) vs. OREGON
15. Air Force (6 1/2) vs. COLORADO STATE
16. Duke vs. VIRGINIA (7)
17. Arkansas State vs. LOUISVILLE (2 1/2)
18. Western Michigan vs. KENT STATE (2 1/2)
19. Indiana vs. IOWA (17 1/2)
20. Texas (9 1/2) vs. OKLAHOMA STATE
Freddy's Picks
1. Auburn
2. Wisconsin
3. Baylor
4. UTEP
5. Michigan
6. Texas Tech
7. Miami
8. A&M
9. Cal
10.Georgia
11.Kentucky
12.Tech
13.Tennessee
14.Oregon
15.Air Force
16.Duke
17.Arkansas State
18.Kent State
19.Iowa
20.Texas
Fred's Picks
1. Auburn
2. Wisconsin
3. Nebraska
4. UAB
5. Michigan
6. Kansas
7. Miami
8. Texas A & M
9. Cal
10.Florida
11.Kentucky
12.Ga. Tech
13.Tennessee
14.USC
15.Colorado State
16.Virginia
17.Louisville
18.Kent State
19.Iowa
20.Texas
Moyna's Picks
1. Ole Miss
2. Wisconsin
3. Nebraska
4. UTEP
5. Illinois
6. Texas Tech
7. Miami
8. Iowa State
9. Cal
10.Florida
11.MSU
12.Tech
13.Tennessee
14.USC
15.Colorado State
16.Virginia
17.Louisville
18.Western Michigan
19.Iowa
20.Texas
Auburn Vocabulary
Tradition, History, and Legend
Here's a quick look at what makes the Auburn football phenomena uniquely "Auburn."
All-America x 11
Jimmy "Red" Phillips made 11 All-America teams in 1957 before becoming an All-Pro with the Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings and leading the NFL in receiving in 1961.
Aubie
Auburn's award-winning mascot is a favorite for Tiger fans, both young and old. On the job since 1979, Aubie's existence began as a cartoon character drawn by Birmingham Post-Herald artist Phil Neel in 1959 for the Oct. 3, football game program.
Bacardi Bowl
Auburn's first bowl trip and the only bowl game to ever be played outside the United States. Auburn and Villanova battled to a 7-7 tie in Havana, Cuba on New Year's day in 1937. Billy Hitchcock scored the Tigers' only touchdown of the game on a 40-yard run.
Beard, Jeff
Garland Washington "Jeff" Beard could generally be considered the father of modern Auburn athletics. Serving as athletic director from 1951 through 1972, Beard hired legendary coach Ralph "Shug" Jordan, increased the capacity of what is now Jordan-Hare Stadium from 21,500 to 61,500 seats and is responsible for bringing Auburn's football games with Georgia Tech, Georgia and Tennessee to campus. His tenure also produced the basketball arena now named in his honor, the Wilbur Hutsell Track and Field complex and Sewell Hall. Beard is one of only six Auburn athletic directors who didn't serve as head football coach.
Bo over the top
The climax to a 23-22 Auburn victory over Alabama in 1982 which broke a nine-year losing skid to the Crimson Tide. Bo Jackson's 1-yard leap over the Alabama goal line capped a 66-yard drive and set the stage for what Auburn people consider the Tigers' "coming out" party in the 1980s.
December 2, 1989
Alabama came to Auburn's Jordan-Hare Stadium for the first time in the history of the rivalry. Prior to that, all games in the series had been played at Birmingham's Legion Field since the series was resumed in 1948. A 30-20 Auburn victory settled the score of the game, but the cross-state journey for the Tide settled a score which had brewed for nearly a century in the hearts of Auburn people. Alabama coach Ray Perkins once said "it won't happen". On Dec. 2, 1989, it did.
The Deep South's Oldest Rivalry
Auburn and Georgia. It began on Feb. 20, 1892 at Piedmont Park in Atlanta. Since 1898 the Tigers and the Bulldogs have played every year, 106 meetings total, with the exception of 1943, when Auburn didn't field a team due to World War II. To date, Auburn leads the series 52-48-8.
Donahue, Mike
"Iron" Mike Donahue won 99 games in two different stints as Auburn's head coach, tying him with Pat Dye for second on the all-time Auburn victories list. Donahue's 1913 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association championship team not only went undefeated at 8-0, but did not allow a single point to be scored on them. On the flip side, his 1920 team averaged 42.5 points per game, despite being shut out twice. During his tenure, 38 players were named as All-Southern Conference. Donahue also served as the basketball, baseball and track coach as well athletic director.
Don't Make us go there
For years some of Auburn's chief rivals - Georgia, Tennessee, Georgia Tech and Alabama - never made it to The Plains. Auburn's "home" games with those schools were played in Montgomery, Mobile, Columbus and Birmingham. Athletic Director Jeff Beard changed all that starting in 1960. The Auburn-Georgia game was played in Columbus, Athens, Atlanta, Macon or Savannah from 1892 through 1959. In 1960 the Bulldogs finally came to Auburn and lost, 9-6. From 1906 until 1970 Auburn and Georgia Tech played in either Atlanta or Birmingham - 53 straight times in Atlanta - before the Yellow Jackets finally gave in and came to Auburn to lose 31-7. In a series that began in 1900, Tennessee finally played at Auburn in 1974, losing 21-0. In 1989, cross-state rival Alabama made the trip and left with a 30-20 defeat and dreams of an undefeated season ended.
Dye, Pat
Patrick Fain Dye won 99 games and four Southeastern Conference championships in 12 years as Auburn's head coach, but perhaps he will be remembered most for bringing Auburn's "home" game with Alabama to the Auburn campus on Dec. 2, 1989, a 30-20 Tiger victory. He also fielded such superstars as Bo Jackson, Kurt Crain and Tracy Rocker. Under his leadership as athletic director, Auburn football facilities were elevated to some of the finest in the nation with additions to Jordan-Hare Stadium increasing the seating capacity to 85,214 and 70 luxury suites.
Eleven and Ohhhhh!!!!!
In 1993, first-year coach Terry Bowden directed Auburn to its first undefeated, 11-win season while the Tigers suffered through the first year of NCAA imposed sanctions which kept AU off television and out of the bowl scene. The 11 wins in 1993 were the opening act of a 20-game winning streak which would set the Auburn record for consecutive victories.
The Entrance
The Auburn team began a new tradition in 2000, entering the field from the middle of the south end zone through a cloud of smoke.
Four in '05
Auburn set a team and Southeastern Conference record when four Tigers were selected in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft. Ronnie Brown went second overall to Miami, Carnell Williams fifth to Tampa Bay, Carlos Rogers ninth to Washington and Jason Campbell 25th to the Redskins. Auburn became just the 11th school to have four players selected in the first round of the same draft. Meanwhile, the backfield of Brown, Campbell and Williams became the first to all be selected in the first round in the same year.
Hare, Cliff
Cliff Hare was a member of Auburn's first football team who went on to serve as chair of the Auburn Faculty Athletic Committee. Auburn's football stadium is named for the longtime professor and dean of the School of Chemistry. He served as president of the Southern Conference before the formation of the Southeastern Conference.
Heisman, John
The legendary coach for which college football's top honor is named coached at Auburn from 1895-99, posting a 12-4-2 record. Auburn is the only school where John Heisman coached to have a Heisman Trophy winner. Heisman left Auburn for Clemson and then Georgia Tech, where he lost 10 of 15 meetings with Auburn.
Heisman Trophy
Auburn has two. Pat Sullivan won the coveted award in 1971. Bo Jackson did the same in 1985.
Jordan, Ralph
Over the years no name has been more synonymous with Auburn football than Ralph "Shug" Jordan. The all-time winningest football coach at Auburn, Jordan won 176 games over a 25-year career on The Plains. A four-time Southeastern Conference coach of the year, he was also named national coach of the year in 1957 after leading Auburn to its only football out-right national championship.
Jordan-Hare Stadium
Auburn's showcase football stadium which seats 87,451 with 70 luxury suites located between the lower level and upper deck on the East side of the stadium. The stadium was dedicated Nov. 30, 1939 with 7,500 seats that are now incorporated into the West stands. Ten years later 14,000 more seats were added and the stadium was named Cliff Hare Stadium, although only 12 home games were played there over that 10-year span. Additional seats were added in 1955, 1960 and 1970. The West upper deck was completed in 1980 and the East upper deck and suites were finished for the 1987 season. The facility was renamed Jordan-Hare Stadium in 1973.
Kick It Again
In September 2004, on its way to a perfect 13-0 season, Auburn played host to LSU just days after Hurricane Ivan swept through Alabama. The game, close until the end, came to a climax when Jason Campbell connected with Courtney Taylor with 1:14 to play. The ensuing extra point was missed, but an LSU penalty allowed for another attempt. John Vaughn promptly nailed the second chance, giving the Tigers the 10-9 advantage and ensuring Auburn's place in the record books.
Lovelace Museum
Auburn's showcase of a rich athletic history is located off the lobby area of the Auburn Athletic Complex. Opened in April 1996, the John B. Lovelace Museum and Hall of Honor features displays and interactive exhibits which takes visitors from the training table to the Olympic games with Auburn athletes past and present. The museum is open during regular business hours, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and during most campus Auburn athletic events. Admission is free.
Lupton, Frank
Frank Lupton, a halfback and captain of the 1892 football squad, scored the first touchdown and kicked the first conversion in Auburn football history in a 10-0 Auburn victory over Georgia on Feb. 20, 1892.
Nicknames
There is only one ... Tigers. There is no such thing as an Auburn War Eagle, an Auburn Plainsman or Plainsmen or an Auburn Lady Tiger. It is simply Tigers. "War Eagle" is a battle cry and The Plainsman is the of name Auburn's student newspaper.
Nix-to-Sanders
With starting quarterback Stan White lying in pain on the turf of Jordan-Hare Stadium and Auburn's undefeated season hanging in the balance against Alabama in 1993, sophomore quarterback Patrick Nix was summoned to the huddle to face a 4th-and-15 at the Alabama 35-yard line with Auburn trailing 14-5 and 6:09 left on the third quarter clock. Offensive coordinator Tommy Bowden relayed the call to the sidelines and "278Z Takeoff" would become a part of Auburn football lore. Nix, without a chance to loosen up, hung the ball up and receiver Frank Sanders pulled it down for a touchdown. Auburn went on to win 22-14.
Outland Trophy
Auburn players have won two. Zeke Smith won the first in 1958, Tracy Rocker the second in 1988. Rocker made it a clean sweep in 1988 by also winning the Lombardi Award.
The Perfect Season
It began with a 31-0 win over Louisiana-Monroe and culminated with a 16-13 victory over Virginia Tech in the NOKIA Sugar Bowl. The 2004 season will be forever known as Auburn's Perfect Season, a year in which the Tigers defeated four top 10 teams en route to a No. 2 national finish, their highest since ending the season No. 1 in 1957. Auburn rode one of the nation's top offenses and a dominating defense to its sixth-ever Southeastern Conference Championship and third straight bowl victory.
"Phantom of Union Springs"
Jimmy Hitchcock, a Union Springs, Ala., native, was Auburn's first football All-American. The "Phantom of Union Springs" was also a baseball All-American who later returned to coach and hold a position on the Auburn University Board of Trustees. He earned his nickname, The Phantom, from his speed and ability to elude defenders on the football field. Auburn's baseball facility, Hitchcock Field at Plainsman Park, is named in honor of Jimmy and Billy Hitchcock, brothers who made a lasting impact on Auburn.
Picked off
Those who witnessed Auburn's 30-26 victory over LSU in 1994 saw one of the most bizarre finishes ever to a college football game. With LSU leading 23-9 going into the fourth quarter, Auburn safety Ken Alvis picked off an LSU pass and rambled 42 yards for a touchdown. Before the final horn had sounded Fred Smith followed suit for 32 yards and a score, then Brian Robinson returned yet another pickoff for a 41-yard TD. In all, the Tigers intercepted five LSU passes in the fourth quarter to keep a 14-game winning streak alive.
Piedmont Park
The site of the first Auburn football game on Feb. 20, 1892 in Atlanta. Auburn defeated Georgia, 10-0, in that game, kicking off the oldest rivalry in the South. The Auburn and Georgia athletic departments held a joint ceremony at Piedmont Park on February 20, 1992 to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of football at both universities.
Petrie, Dr. George
Dr. George Petrie, a faculty member in the Agricultural and Mechanical College in 1892, organized and was the coach of Auburn's first football team. One of Auburn's academic buildings, Petrie Hall, was named in his honor.
"Punt Bama Punt"
Maybe the most famous and easily the most talked about Auburn-Alabama football game. Trailing 16-0 heading into the fourth quarter in the 1972 contest, Auburn's Gardner Jett made a field goal. Then lightning struck - twice. Bill Newton blocked an Alabama punt and David Langner returned it 25 yards for an Auburn touchdown. Three minutes later Newton blocked another punt and Langner ran 20 yards for the score. The Tigers defeated the Tide 17-16.
Retired Jerseys
There are only three at Auburn; Pat Sullivan's 7, Terry Beasley's 88 and Bo Jackson's 34. Sullivan and Beasley's jerseys were retired following Sullivan's 1971 Heisman Trophy season and Jackson's jersey was retired as part of Auburn's football centennial celebration in 1992.
Sullivan-to-Beasley
Auburn's most prolific passing combination. From 1969 to 1971 Pat Sullivan and Terry Beasley connected for more than 2,500 passing yards and nearly 30 touchdowns. Thirty-four years after the end of their careers, both Sullivan and Beasley still hold Auburn's career passing and receiving records, respectively.
Tiger
The name of Auburn's golden eagle mascot. Not to be confused with "Tigers", which is the correct and only nickname for Auburn athletic teams.
Tiger Walk
An Auburn tradition which began in the early 1960s when Auburn players would walk from Sewell Hall to the football stadium and fans would line Donahue Drive to wish them well. Over the years the Tiger Walk has grown into a major part of game day at Auburn, so much so that it is listed on the players' game weekend itinerary. The largest Tiger Walk is believed to have taken place prior to the 1989 Alabama game when more than 20,000 well wishers lined the street. Every Tiger Walk prior to home games draws thousands and over the last couple of years the Tiger Walk has become a standard as Auburn football players enter stadiums on the road. Tiger Walk is two hours before kickoff for every game.
Toomer's Corner
The center of town, where the Auburn University campus meets the City of Auburn. Toomer's Corner, where College Street intersects Magnolia Avenue, has long been the gathering place for Auburn athletic celebrations. After any football win, and significant victories in other sports, Auburn students and citizens alike join forces to "roll" the trees (and anything else that doesn't move) at Toomer's Corner with toilet tissue. Celebrations after significant football victories can go on for hours and leave the heart of town looking like a blizzard passed through.
Toomer's Drug Store
An Auburn landmark at the corner of College and Magnolia reputed to serve the best lemonade in the country. It is Auburn legend that John Heisman used to frequent Toomer's Drugs for a taste of the now famous lemonade.
Walk-ons
Auburn has a long and storied past of football walk-ons who have gone on to very successful football careers. One success story belongs to former three-time All-Pro and Defensive MVP (1995) defensive end Kevin Greene. After being cut once, Greene walked on at Auburn a second time and made the team. He went on to play 15 seasons in the NFL.
"War Eagle"
Auburn's battle cry, not Auburn's nickname. There are several legends concerning the origin of the War Eagle battle cry, dating back to 1864 and the Civil War at the Battle of the Wilderness in Virginia.
Here's a quick look at what makes the Auburn football phenomena uniquely "Auburn."
All-America x 11
Jimmy "Red" Phillips made 11 All-America teams in 1957 before becoming an All-Pro with the Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings and leading the NFL in receiving in 1961.
Aubie
Auburn's award-winning mascot is a favorite for Tiger fans, both young and old. On the job since 1979, Aubie's existence began as a cartoon character drawn by Birmingham Post-Herald artist Phil Neel in 1959 for the Oct. 3, football game program.
Bacardi Bowl
Auburn's first bowl trip and the only bowl game to ever be played outside the United States. Auburn and Villanova battled to a 7-7 tie in Havana, Cuba on New Year's day in 1937. Billy Hitchcock scored the Tigers' only touchdown of the game on a 40-yard run.
Beard, Jeff
Garland Washington "Jeff" Beard could generally be considered the father of modern Auburn athletics. Serving as athletic director from 1951 through 1972, Beard hired legendary coach Ralph "Shug" Jordan, increased the capacity of what is now Jordan-Hare Stadium from 21,500 to 61,500 seats and is responsible for bringing Auburn's football games with Georgia Tech, Georgia and Tennessee to campus. His tenure also produced the basketball arena now named in his honor, the Wilbur Hutsell Track and Field complex and Sewell Hall. Beard is one of only six Auburn athletic directors who didn't serve as head football coach.
Bo over the top
The climax to a 23-22 Auburn victory over Alabama in 1982 which broke a nine-year losing skid to the Crimson Tide. Bo Jackson's 1-yard leap over the Alabama goal line capped a 66-yard drive and set the stage for what Auburn people consider the Tigers' "coming out" party in the 1980s.
December 2, 1989
Alabama came to Auburn's Jordan-Hare Stadium for the first time in the history of the rivalry. Prior to that, all games in the series had been played at Birmingham's Legion Field since the series was resumed in 1948. A 30-20 Auburn victory settled the score of the game, but the cross-state journey for the Tide settled a score which had brewed for nearly a century in the hearts of Auburn people. Alabama coach Ray Perkins once said "it won't happen". On Dec. 2, 1989, it did.
The Deep South's Oldest Rivalry
Auburn and Georgia. It began on Feb. 20, 1892 at Piedmont Park in Atlanta. Since 1898 the Tigers and the Bulldogs have played every year, 106 meetings total, with the exception of 1943, when Auburn didn't field a team due to World War II. To date, Auburn leads the series 52-48-8.
Donahue, Mike
"Iron" Mike Donahue won 99 games in two different stints as Auburn's head coach, tying him with Pat Dye for second on the all-time Auburn victories list. Donahue's 1913 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association championship team not only went undefeated at 8-0, but did not allow a single point to be scored on them. On the flip side, his 1920 team averaged 42.5 points per game, despite being shut out twice. During his tenure, 38 players were named as All-Southern Conference. Donahue also served as the basketball, baseball and track coach as well athletic director.
Don't Make us go there
For years some of Auburn's chief rivals - Georgia, Tennessee, Georgia Tech and Alabama - never made it to The Plains. Auburn's "home" games with those schools were played in Montgomery, Mobile, Columbus and Birmingham. Athletic Director Jeff Beard changed all that starting in 1960. The Auburn-Georgia game was played in Columbus, Athens, Atlanta, Macon or Savannah from 1892 through 1959. In 1960 the Bulldogs finally came to Auburn and lost, 9-6. From 1906 until 1970 Auburn and Georgia Tech played in either Atlanta or Birmingham - 53 straight times in Atlanta - before the Yellow Jackets finally gave in and came to Auburn to lose 31-7. In a series that began in 1900, Tennessee finally played at Auburn in 1974, losing 21-0. In 1989, cross-state rival Alabama made the trip and left with a 30-20 defeat and dreams of an undefeated season ended.
Dye, Pat
Patrick Fain Dye won 99 games and four Southeastern Conference championships in 12 years as Auburn's head coach, but perhaps he will be remembered most for bringing Auburn's "home" game with Alabama to the Auburn campus on Dec. 2, 1989, a 30-20 Tiger victory. He also fielded such superstars as Bo Jackson, Kurt Crain and Tracy Rocker. Under his leadership as athletic director, Auburn football facilities were elevated to some of the finest in the nation with additions to Jordan-Hare Stadium increasing the seating capacity to 85,214 and 70 luxury suites.
Eleven and Ohhhhh!!!!!
In 1993, first-year coach Terry Bowden directed Auburn to its first undefeated, 11-win season while the Tigers suffered through the first year of NCAA imposed sanctions which kept AU off television and out of the bowl scene. The 11 wins in 1993 were the opening act of a 20-game winning streak which would set the Auburn record for consecutive victories.
The Entrance
The Auburn team began a new tradition in 2000, entering the field from the middle of the south end zone through a cloud of smoke.
Four in '05
Auburn set a team and Southeastern Conference record when four Tigers were selected in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft. Ronnie Brown went second overall to Miami, Carnell Williams fifth to Tampa Bay, Carlos Rogers ninth to Washington and Jason Campbell 25th to the Redskins. Auburn became just the 11th school to have four players selected in the first round of the same draft. Meanwhile, the backfield of Brown, Campbell and Williams became the first to all be selected in the first round in the same year.
Hare, Cliff
Cliff Hare was a member of Auburn's first football team who went on to serve as chair of the Auburn Faculty Athletic Committee. Auburn's football stadium is named for the longtime professor and dean of the School of Chemistry. He served as president of the Southern Conference before the formation of the Southeastern Conference.
Heisman, John
The legendary coach for which college football's top honor is named coached at Auburn from 1895-99, posting a 12-4-2 record. Auburn is the only school where John Heisman coached to have a Heisman Trophy winner. Heisman left Auburn for Clemson and then Georgia Tech, where he lost 10 of 15 meetings with Auburn.
Heisman Trophy
Auburn has two. Pat Sullivan won the coveted award in 1971. Bo Jackson did the same in 1985.
Jordan, Ralph
Over the years no name has been more synonymous with Auburn football than Ralph "Shug" Jordan. The all-time winningest football coach at Auburn, Jordan won 176 games over a 25-year career on The Plains. A four-time Southeastern Conference coach of the year, he was also named national coach of the year in 1957 after leading Auburn to its only football out-right national championship.
Jordan-Hare Stadium
Auburn's showcase football stadium which seats 87,451 with 70 luxury suites located between the lower level and upper deck on the East side of the stadium. The stadium was dedicated Nov. 30, 1939 with 7,500 seats that are now incorporated into the West stands. Ten years later 14,000 more seats were added and the stadium was named Cliff Hare Stadium, although only 12 home games were played there over that 10-year span. Additional seats were added in 1955, 1960 and 1970. The West upper deck was completed in 1980 and the East upper deck and suites were finished for the 1987 season. The facility was renamed Jordan-Hare Stadium in 1973.
Kick It Again
In September 2004, on its way to a perfect 13-0 season, Auburn played host to LSU just days after Hurricane Ivan swept through Alabama. The game, close until the end, came to a climax when Jason Campbell connected with Courtney Taylor with 1:14 to play. The ensuing extra point was missed, but an LSU penalty allowed for another attempt. John Vaughn promptly nailed the second chance, giving the Tigers the 10-9 advantage and ensuring Auburn's place in the record books.
Lovelace Museum
Auburn's showcase of a rich athletic history is located off the lobby area of the Auburn Athletic Complex. Opened in April 1996, the John B. Lovelace Museum and Hall of Honor features displays and interactive exhibits which takes visitors from the training table to the Olympic games with Auburn athletes past and present. The museum is open during regular business hours, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and during most campus Auburn athletic events. Admission is free.
Lupton, Frank
Frank Lupton, a halfback and captain of the 1892 football squad, scored the first touchdown and kicked the first conversion in Auburn football history in a 10-0 Auburn victory over Georgia on Feb. 20, 1892.
Nicknames
There is only one ... Tigers. There is no such thing as an Auburn War Eagle, an Auburn Plainsman or Plainsmen or an Auburn Lady Tiger. It is simply Tigers. "War Eagle" is a battle cry and The Plainsman is the of name Auburn's student newspaper.
Nix-to-Sanders
With starting quarterback Stan White lying in pain on the turf of Jordan-Hare Stadium and Auburn's undefeated season hanging in the balance against Alabama in 1993, sophomore quarterback Patrick Nix was summoned to the huddle to face a 4th-and-15 at the Alabama 35-yard line with Auburn trailing 14-5 and 6:09 left on the third quarter clock. Offensive coordinator Tommy Bowden relayed the call to the sidelines and "278Z Takeoff" would become a part of Auburn football lore. Nix, without a chance to loosen up, hung the ball up and receiver Frank Sanders pulled it down for a touchdown. Auburn went on to win 22-14.
Outland Trophy
Auburn players have won two. Zeke Smith won the first in 1958, Tracy Rocker the second in 1988. Rocker made it a clean sweep in 1988 by also winning the Lombardi Award.
The Perfect Season
It began with a 31-0 win over Louisiana-Monroe and culminated with a 16-13 victory over Virginia Tech in the NOKIA Sugar Bowl. The 2004 season will be forever known as Auburn's Perfect Season, a year in which the Tigers defeated four top 10 teams en route to a No. 2 national finish, their highest since ending the season No. 1 in 1957. Auburn rode one of the nation's top offenses and a dominating defense to its sixth-ever Southeastern Conference Championship and third straight bowl victory.
"Phantom of Union Springs"
Jimmy Hitchcock, a Union Springs, Ala., native, was Auburn's first football All-American. The "Phantom of Union Springs" was also a baseball All-American who later returned to coach and hold a position on the Auburn University Board of Trustees. He earned his nickname, The Phantom, from his speed and ability to elude defenders on the football field. Auburn's baseball facility, Hitchcock Field at Plainsman Park, is named in honor of Jimmy and Billy Hitchcock, brothers who made a lasting impact on Auburn.
Picked off
Those who witnessed Auburn's 30-26 victory over LSU in 1994 saw one of the most bizarre finishes ever to a college football game. With LSU leading 23-9 going into the fourth quarter, Auburn safety Ken Alvis picked off an LSU pass and rambled 42 yards for a touchdown. Before the final horn had sounded Fred Smith followed suit for 32 yards and a score, then Brian Robinson returned yet another pickoff for a 41-yard TD. In all, the Tigers intercepted five LSU passes in the fourth quarter to keep a 14-game winning streak alive.
Piedmont Park
The site of the first Auburn football game on Feb. 20, 1892 in Atlanta. Auburn defeated Georgia, 10-0, in that game, kicking off the oldest rivalry in the South. The Auburn and Georgia athletic departments held a joint ceremony at Piedmont Park on February 20, 1992 to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of football at both universities.
Petrie, Dr. George
Dr. George Petrie, a faculty member in the Agricultural and Mechanical College in 1892, organized and was the coach of Auburn's first football team. One of Auburn's academic buildings, Petrie Hall, was named in his honor.
"Punt Bama Punt"
Maybe the most famous and easily the most talked about Auburn-Alabama football game. Trailing 16-0 heading into the fourth quarter in the 1972 contest, Auburn's Gardner Jett made a field goal. Then lightning struck - twice. Bill Newton blocked an Alabama punt and David Langner returned it 25 yards for an Auburn touchdown. Three minutes later Newton blocked another punt and Langner ran 20 yards for the score. The Tigers defeated the Tide 17-16.
Retired Jerseys
There are only three at Auburn; Pat Sullivan's 7, Terry Beasley's 88 and Bo Jackson's 34. Sullivan and Beasley's jerseys were retired following Sullivan's 1971 Heisman Trophy season and Jackson's jersey was retired as part of Auburn's football centennial celebration in 1992.
Sullivan-to-Beasley
Auburn's most prolific passing combination. From 1969 to 1971 Pat Sullivan and Terry Beasley connected for more than 2,500 passing yards and nearly 30 touchdowns. Thirty-four years after the end of their careers, both Sullivan and Beasley still hold Auburn's career passing and receiving records, respectively.
Tiger
The name of Auburn's golden eagle mascot. Not to be confused with "Tigers", which is the correct and only nickname for Auburn athletic teams.
Tiger Walk
An Auburn tradition which began in the early 1960s when Auburn players would walk from Sewell Hall to the football stadium and fans would line Donahue Drive to wish them well. Over the years the Tiger Walk has grown into a major part of game day at Auburn, so much so that it is listed on the players' game weekend itinerary. The largest Tiger Walk is believed to have taken place prior to the 1989 Alabama game when more than 20,000 well wishers lined the street. Every Tiger Walk prior to home games draws thousands and over the last couple of years the Tiger Walk has become a standard as Auburn football players enter stadiums on the road. Tiger Walk is two hours before kickoff for every game.
Toomer's Corner
The center of town, where the Auburn University campus meets the City of Auburn. Toomer's Corner, where College Street intersects Magnolia Avenue, has long been the gathering place for Auburn athletic celebrations. After any football win, and significant victories in other sports, Auburn students and citizens alike join forces to "roll" the trees (and anything else that doesn't move) at Toomer's Corner with toilet tissue. Celebrations after significant football victories can go on for hours and leave the heart of town looking like a blizzard passed through.
Toomer's Drug Store
An Auburn landmark at the corner of College and Magnolia reputed to serve the best lemonade in the country. It is Auburn legend that John Heisman used to frequent Toomer's Drugs for a taste of the now famous lemonade.
Walk-ons
Auburn has a long and storied past of football walk-ons who have gone on to very successful football careers. One success story belongs to former three-time All-Pro and Defensive MVP (1995) defensive end Kevin Greene. After being cut once, Greene walked on at Auburn a second time and made the team. He went on to play 15 seasons in the NFL.
"War Eagle"
Auburn's battle cry, not Auburn's nickname. There are several legends concerning the origin of the War Eagle battle cry, dating back to 1864 and the Civil War at the Battle of the Wilderness in Virginia.
The Ole Miss Game (2)
Philip Marshall picks Auburn to beat Ole Miss on a hunch. I've never had any hunches when it comes picking college football winners. I'd rather look at the facts as best I can. It would take a miraculous turnaround for Auburn to rebound from the last 3 games and win Saturday. This is a fact which is bigger than any hunch I might have.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
The Ole Miss Game
I think about the game Saturday and I can't convince myself that anything is going to change. I read about what is going on with what Chizik says and what some of the players say and I still don't think anything will be different come this Saturday. We will play a better team and we will get beat and it won't be close. I hope I'm wrong but this is the way I see it today.
Monday, October 26, 2009
I'm Disappointed
I'm disappointed that we are sticking with Chris Todd. You'd think they would give Neil Caudle a chance. We will likely lose again decisively to Ole Miss. Will Caudle get a chance in the second half of this game? What will Chizik do after we lose big again? Everyone assumes we will beat Furman. Can we be sure of that?
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Scoreboard (7)
For the week:
Fred 13-7
Freddy 13-7
Moyna 15-5
For the year:
Fred 77-42-1
Freddy 75-44-1
Moyna 80-39-1
Fred 13-7
Freddy 13-7
Moyna 15-5
For the year:
Fred 77-42-1
Freddy 75-44-1
Moyna 80-39-1
Pick 'Em (8)
Pick the winner. Home team in CAPS.
1. Auburn vs. LSU* (8)
2. ALABAMA (15 1/2)* vs. Tennessee
3. Florida (23)* vs. MISSISSIPPI STATE
4. MISSISSIPPI (6 1/2)* vs. Arkansas
5. SOUTH CAROLINA (12 1/2)* vs. Vanderbilt
6. KENTUCKY (17)* vs. La. Monroe
7. DUKE (5 1/2)* vs. Maryland
8. Georgia Tech (5 1/2)* vs. VIRGINIA
9. NEBRASKA (17) vs. Iowa State*
10. TEXAS TECH (21) vs. Texas A & M*
11. Iowa* vs. MICHIGAN STATE (Pick 'em)
12. TROY (18 1/2)* vs. North Texas
13. MARSHALL (7)* vs. UAB
14. MIAMI (4 1/2) vs. Clemson*
15. UTAH STATE (2)* vs. La. Tech
16. PITTSBURGH (7)* vs. South Florida
17. Oklahoma (7 1/2)* vs. KANSAS
18. Texas (13)* vs. MISSOURI
19. NOTRE DAME* (8) vs. Boston College
20. Oregon (10)* vs. WASHINGTON
Fred's Picks
1. Auburn
2. Alabama
3. Florida
4. Arkansas
5. South Carolina
6. Kentucky
7. Maryland
8. Georgia Tech
9. Nebraska
10.Texas Tech
11.Michigan State
12.Troy
13.Marshall
14.Miami
15.Utah State
16.Pittsburgh
17.Oklahoma
18.Texas
19.Notre Dame
20.Washington
Moyna's Picks
1. LSU
2. Alabama
3. Florida
4. Arkansas
5. South Carolina
6. Kentucky
7. Duke
8. Ga. Tech
9. Nebraska
10.Texas Tech
11.Michigan State
12.Troy
13.UAB
14.Miami
15.La. Tech
16.Pittsburgh
17.Oklahoma
18.Texas
19.Boston College
20.Oregon
Freddy's Picks
1. Auburn
2. Tennessee
3. Florida
4. Arkansas
5. South Carolina
6. Kentucky
7. Maryland
8. Georgia Tech
9. Nebraska
10.Texas Tech
11.Iowa
12.Troy
13.Marshall
14.Miami
15.Utah State
16.Pitt
17.Kansas
18.Texas
19.BC
20.Oregon
1. Auburn vs. LSU* (8)
2. ALABAMA (15 1/2)* vs. Tennessee
3. Florida (23)* vs. MISSISSIPPI STATE
4. MISSISSIPPI (6 1/2)* vs. Arkansas
5. SOUTH CAROLINA (12 1/2)* vs. Vanderbilt
6. KENTUCKY (17)* vs. La. Monroe
7. DUKE (5 1/2)* vs. Maryland
8. Georgia Tech (5 1/2)* vs. VIRGINIA
9. NEBRASKA (17) vs. Iowa State*
10. TEXAS TECH (21) vs. Texas A & M*
11. Iowa* vs. MICHIGAN STATE (Pick 'em)
12. TROY (18 1/2)* vs. North Texas
13. MARSHALL (7)* vs. UAB
14. MIAMI (4 1/2) vs. Clemson*
15. UTAH STATE (2)* vs. La. Tech
16. PITTSBURGH (7)* vs. South Florida
17. Oklahoma (7 1/2)* vs. KANSAS
18. Texas (13)* vs. MISSOURI
19. NOTRE DAME* (8) vs. Boston College
20. Oregon (10)* vs. WASHINGTON
Fred's Picks
1. Auburn
2. Alabama
3. Florida
4. Arkansas
5. South Carolina
6. Kentucky
7. Maryland
8. Georgia Tech
9. Nebraska
10.Texas Tech
11.Michigan State
12.Troy
13.Marshall
14.Miami
15.Utah State
16.Pittsburgh
17.Oklahoma
18.Texas
19.Notre Dame
20.Washington
Moyna's Picks
1. LSU
2. Alabama
3. Florida
4. Arkansas
5. South Carolina
6. Kentucky
7. Duke
8. Ga. Tech
9. Nebraska
10.Texas Tech
11.Michigan State
12.Troy
13.UAB
14.Miami
15.La. Tech
16.Pittsburgh
17.Oklahoma
18.Texas
19.Boston College
20.Oregon
Freddy's Picks
1. Auburn
2. Tennessee
3. Florida
4. Arkansas
5. South Carolina
6. Kentucky
7. Maryland
8. Georgia Tech
9. Nebraska
10.Texas Tech
11.Iowa
12.Troy
13.Marshall
14.Miami
15.Utah State
16.Pitt
17.Kansas
18.Texas
19.BC
20.Oregon
Friday, October 23, 2009
Officiating
The SEC reprimanded Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino for criticizing the officials following his team's loss to Florida. Petrino was rebuked for these comments:
1) "It's unfortunate that in the fourth quarter there's probably three plays that the officials made the difference in the game."
2) "When they hit you when you're on the white, it's supposed to be a late hit, a 15-yard penalty. Unfortunately, in Florida, they don't call it that way."
I am disgusted that the SEC reprimanded Petrino. Obviously, his comments seem to violate SEC Bylaw 10.5.4, which prohibits coaches and players from criticizing officials. However, I think Petrino's comments were mild. Additionally, I think officials should be criticized when warranted, and I think head coaches should be allowed to speak their mind about officials without penalty. If the officials make a mistake, then coaches should be able to say so. If the officials deserve criticism, then coaches should be able to criticize them. I do not understand the conference's protection of officials to the point of censorship. The officials are not that special. They are not untouchable or infallible: They are just officials.
1) "It's unfortunate that in the fourth quarter there's probably three plays that the officials made the difference in the game."
2) "When they hit you when you're on the white, it's supposed to be a late hit, a 15-yard penalty. Unfortunately, in Florida, they don't call it that way."
I am disgusted that the SEC reprimanded Petrino. Obviously, his comments seem to violate SEC Bylaw 10.5.4, which prohibits coaches and players from criticizing officials. However, I think Petrino's comments were mild. Additionally, I think officials should be criticized when warranted, and I think head coaches should be allowed to speak their mind about officials without penalty. If the officials make a mistake, then coaches should be able to say so. If the officials deserve criticism, then coaches should be able to criticize them. I do not understand the conference's protection of officials to the point of censorship. The officials are not that special. They are not untouchable or infallible: They are just officials.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
The LSU Game
While driving through Montgomery today I was able to listen to some of the Auburn radio show. By the way, the show is available on http://www.sportscallonline.com.
They talked to a sportswriter from Baton Rouge. He says the LSU people are not happy. The Bengal Tigers are 5 and 1 and 9th in the BCS yet nobody is happy. They should have lost to Mississippi State. They squeezed by lowly Washington. Their offense is 11th in the conference. Such a poor offense so far. Their running game is poor. You're going to have their struggling running game vs. our struggling run defense.
I am reminded that this is probably Auburn's strangest series. Weird things have happened over the years in this storied series. The weirdness may work in our favor. We need something to work in our favor!
They talked to a sportswriter from Baton Rouge. He says the LSU people are not happy. The Bengal Tigers are 5 and 1 and 9th in the BCS yet nobody is happy. They should have lost to Mississippi State. They squeezed by lowly Washington. Their offense is 11th in the conference. Such a poor offense so far. Their running game is poor. You're going to have their struggling running game vs. our struggling run defense.
I am reminded that this is probably Auburn's strangest series. Weird things have happened over the years in this storied series. The weirdness may work in our favor. We need something to work in our favor!
Friday, October 16, 2009
Scoreboard (6)
For the week:
Fred 13-7
Freddy 14-6
Moyna 12-8
For the season:
Fred 64-35-1
Freddy 62-37-1
Moyna 65-34-1
So close!
Fred 13-7
Freddy 14-6
Moyna 12-8
For the season:
Fred 64-35-1
Freddy 62-37-1
Moyna 65-34-1
So close!
PIck 'em (7)
Pick the winner. Home team in CAPS.
1. AUBURN (13 1/2) vs. Kentucky*
2. ALABAMA (17)* vs. South Carolina
3. OLE MISS (22)* vs. UAB
4. Troy (9)* vs. FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL
5. FLORIDA (25)* vs. Arkansas
6. Texas (3)* vs. Oklahoma (Cotton Bowl)
7. IOWA (2)* vs. Baylor
8. Southern Cal (10)* vs. NOTRE DAME
9. California (3 1/2)* vs. UCLA
10. NEBRASKA (10) vs. Texas Tech*
11. Georgia (8 1/2)* vs. VANDERBILT
12. Miami (14 1/2)* vs. CENTRAL FLORIDA
13. PENN ST. (16 1/2)* vs. Minnesota
14. WEST VIRGINA* (20) vs. Marshall
15. Texas A & M (5 1/2) vs. KANSAS STATE*
16. Illinois (3)* vs. INDIANA
17. Virginia (4)* vs. MARYLAND
18. Louisiana Tech (20)* vs. New Mexico State
19. SOUTHERN MISS (13 1/2)* vs. Memphis
20. Houston* (17) vs. TULANE
Fred's Picks
1. Auburn
2. Alabama*
3. Ole Miss*
4. Troy*
5. Florida*
6. Texas*
7. Iowa*
8. Notre Dame
9. UCLA
10. Nebraska
11. Georgia*
12. Miami*
13. Penn. St.*
14. West Virginia*
15. Texas A & M
16. Indiana
17. Maryland
18. La Tech*
19. Southern Miss*
20. Houston*
Moyna's Picks
1. Auburn
2. Alabama*
3. Ole Miss*
4. Troy*
5. Florida*
6. Oklahoma*
7. Iowa*
8. USC*
9. Cal*
10. Nebraska
11. Georgia*
12. Central Florida
13. Penn. St.*
14. WVU*
15. Texas A & M
16. Indiana
17. Virginia*
18. La. Tech*
19. Southern Miss*
20. Houston*
Freddy's Picks
1. Auburn
2. Alabama*
3. Ole Miss*
4. Troy*
5. Florida*
6. Texas*
7. Iowa*
8. USC*
9. Cal*
10.Nebraska
11.Georgia*
12.Miami*
13.PSU*
14.WVU*
15.A & M
16.Indiana
17.Maryland
18.Tech*
19.Memphis
20.Tulane
1. AUBURN (13 1/2) vs. Kentucky*
2. ALABAMA (17)* vs. South Carolina
3. OLE MISS (22)* vs. UAB
4. Troy (9)* vs. FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL
5. FLORIDA (25)* vs. Arkansas
6. Texas (3)* vs. Oklahoma (Cotton Bowl)
7. IOWA (2)* vs. Baylor
8. Southern Cal (10)* vs. NOTRE DAME
9. California (3 1/2)* vs. UCLA
10. NEBRASKA (10) vs. Texas Tech*
11. Georgia (8 1/2)* vs. VANDERBILT
12. Miami (14 1/2)* vs. CENTRAL FLORIDA
13. PENN ST. (16 1/2)* vs. Minnesota
14. WEST VIRGINA* (20) vs. Marshall
15. Texas A & M (5 1/2) vs. KANSAS STATE*
16. Illinois (3)* vs. INDIANA
17. Virginia (4)* vs. MARYLAND
18. Louisiana Tech (20)* vs. New Mexico State
19. SOUTHERN MISS (13 1/2)* vs. Memphis
20. Houston* (17) vs. TULANE
Fred's Picks
1. Auburn
2. Alabama*
3. Ole Miss*
4. Troy*
5. Florida*
6. Texas*
7. Iowa*
8. Notre Dame
9. UCLA
10. Nebraska
11. Georgia*
12. Miami*
13. Penn. St.*
14. West Virginia*
15. Texas A & M
16. Indiana
17. Maryland
18. La Tech*
19. Southern Miss*
20. Houston*
Moyna's Picks
1. Auburn
2. Alabama*
3. Ole Miss*
4. Troy*
5. Florida*
6. Oklahoma*
7. Iowa*
8. USC*
9. Cal*
10. Nebraska
11. Georgia*
12. Central Florida
13. Penn. St.*
14. WVU*
15. Texas A & M
16. Indiana
17. Virginia*
18. La. Tech*
19. Southern Miss*
20. Houston*
Freddy's Picks
1. Auburn
2. Alabama*
3. Ole Miss*
4. Troy*
5. Florida*
6. Texas*
7. Iowa*
8. USC*
9. Cal*
10.Nebraska
11.Georgia*
12.Miami*
13.PSU*
14.WVU*
15.A & M
16.Indiana
17.Maryland
18.Tech*
19.Memphis
20.Tulane
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Arkansas
Nothing makes me fret more than playing Arkansas. I would rather play LSU, Georgia, or Alabama, or even USC or Texas, than play Arkansas.
I knew coming in this was a setup. Besides the inherent trepidation of playing Arkansas, consider the following: 1) It was a road game, 2) Tuberville predicted an easy Auburn win, 3) We jumped into the Top 25, 4) It was a morning game, and 5) We were receiving more recognition.
Fate was swirling against us today. I thought we would at least play better, however.
I knew coming in this was a setup. Besides the inherent trepidation of playing Arkansas, consider the following: 1) It was a road game, 2) Tuberville predicted an easy Auburn win, 3) We jumped into the Top 25, 4) It was a morning game, and 5) We were receiving more recognition.
Fate was swirling against us today. I thought we would at least play better, however.
The Arkansas Game (3)
The Tigers are dominated 44 to 23. Early in the 3rd quarter, Ben Tate fumbles inside the Razorback 5. At the end of the quarter, the Tigers close to 34 to 23 after 20 unanaswered points and we have the momentum. But then we give up a long kickoff return; Arkansas scores and that's the game.
The Arkansas Game (2)
The Tigers have a first half meltdown. Arkansas completely dominates, leading 27 to 3 at intermission. We have no pass rush. We struggle with the same poor tackling that we've seen all year. Fanin fumbles a kickoff to set up one Arkansas touchdown. Todd overthrows receivers. We had Zachary open on what would have been a TD, but Todd overthrows him. A play like that might have a big difference in the game. Auburn has played from behind all year, but not from this far back. It looks hopeless at the half. The deficit is too great.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Pick 'Em (6)
Pick the winner. Home team in CAPS.
1. Auburn (2) vs. ARKANSAS *
2. Alabama (5)* vs. OLE MISS
3. TENNESSEE (1 1/2)* vs. Georgia
4. FLORIDA STATE (3) vs. Georgia Tech *
5. OHIO STATE (16)* vs. Wisconsin
6. Oregon (3 1/2) * vs. UCLA
7. SOUTH CAROLINA (9 1/2)* vs. Kentucky
8. Florida (8)* vs. LSU
9. IOWA (8)* vs. Michigan
10. Nebraska (4)* vs. MISSOURI
11. West Virginia (10)* vs. SYRACUSE
12. Vanderbilt (10 1/2) vs. ARMY *
13. NORTH CAROLINA STATE (14 1/2) vs. Duke *
14. TEXAS (33)* vs. Colorado
15. Southern Miss (3) vs. LOUISVILLE *
16. VIRGINIA (7) * vs. Indiana
17. TEXAS TECH (16)* vs. Kansas State
18. OKLAHOMA (25)* vs. Baylor
19. KANSAS (19 1/2)* vs. Iowa St.
20. MISSISSIPPI STATE (1 1/2) vs. Houston *
Fred's Picks
1. Auburn
2. Alabama *
3. Georgia
4. Georgia Tech *
5. Ohio State *
6. UCLA
7. South Carolina *
8. Florida *
9. Iowa *
10.Nebraska *
11. West Virginia *
12.Vanderbilt
13.Duke *
14.Texas *
15.Southern Miss
16.Indiana
17.Texas Tech *
18.Oklahoma *
19.Kansas *
20.Mississippi State
Moyna's Picks
1. Auburn
2. Alabama *
3. Georgia
4. Florida St
5. Ohio St. *
6, Oregon *
7. South Carolina *
8. Florida *
9. Michigan
10.Nebraska *
11.West Virginia *
12.Vanderbilt
13.North Carolina St.
14.Texas *
15.Southern MIss
16.Virginia *
17.Texas Tech *
18.Oklahoma *
19.Kansas *
20.Mississippi State
Freddy's Picks:
1. Auburn
2. Alabama *
3. Tennessee *
4. FSU
5. OSU *
6. Oregon *
7. SC *
8. Florida *
9. Iowa *
10.Nebraska *
11.WVU *
12.Vandy
13.NC State
14.Texas *
15.Louisville *
16.Indiana
17.Texas Tech *
18.Oklahoma *
19.Kansas *
20.MSU
1. Auburn (2) vs. ARKANSAS *
2. Alabama (5)* vs. OLE MISS
3. TENNESSEE (1 1/2)* vs. Georgia
4. FLORIDA STATE (3) vs. Georgia Tech *
5. OHIO STATE (16)* vs. Wisconsin
6. Oregon (3 1/2) * vs. UCLA
7. SOUTH CAROLINA (9 1/2)* vs. Kentucky
8. Florida (8)* vs. LSU
9. IOWA (8)* vs. Michigan
10. Nebraska (4)* vs. MISSOURI
11. West Virginia (10)* vs. SYRACUSE
12. Vanderbilt (10 1/2) vs. ARMY *
13. NORTH CAROLINA STATE (14 1/2) vs. Duke *
14. TEXAS (33)* vs. Colorado
15. Southern Miss (3) vs. LOUISVILLE *
16. VIRGINIA (7) * vs. Indiana
17. TEXAS TECH (16)* vs. Kansas State
18. OKLAHOMA (25)* vs. Baylor
19. KANSAS (19 1/2)* vs. Iowa St.
20. MISSISSIPPI STATE (1 1/2) vs. Houston *
Fred's Picks
1. Auburn
2. Alabama *
3. Georgia
4. Georgia Tech *
5. Ohio State *
6. UCLA
7. South Carolina *
8. Florida *
9. Iowa *
10.Nebraska *
11. West Virginia *
12.Vanderbilt
13.Duke *
14.Texas *
15.Southern Miss
16.Indiana
17.Texas Tech *
18.Oklahoma *
19.Kansas *
20.Mississippi State
Moyna's Picks
1. Auburn
2. Alabama *
3. Georgia
4. Florida St
5. Ohio St. *
6, Oregon *
7. South Carolina *
8. Florida *
9. Michigan
10.Nebraska *
11.West Virginia *
12.Vanderbilt
13.North Carolina St.
14.Texas *
15.Southern MIss
16.Virginia *
17.Texas Tech *
18.Oklahoma *
19.Kansas *
20.Mississippi State
Freddy's Picks:
1. Auburn
2. Alabama *
3. Tennessee *
4. FSU
5. OSU *
6. Oregon *
7. SC *
8. Florida *
9. Iowa *
10.Nebraska *
11.WVU *
12.Vandy
13.NC State
14.Texas *
15.Louisville *
16.Indiana
17.Texas Tech *
18.Oklahoma *
19.Kansas *
20.MSU
Scoreboard (5)
For the week:
Moyna 16-4
Freddy 13-7
Fred 10-10
For the season:
Moyna 53-26-1
Freddy 48-31-1
Fred 51-28-1
Moyna 16-4
Freddy 13-7
Fred 10-10
For the season:
Moyna 53-26-1
Freddy 48-31-1
Fred 51-28-1
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Tuberville says Auburn will win by three TDs
BY Chris Low
7 October 2009
ESPN
Former Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville isn’t much of a believer in Arkansas.
Appearing Wednesday on WJOX Radio in Birmingham, Ala., Tuberville said Auburn would beat Arkansas “by three touchdowns” this Saturday.
Tuberville said he attended the Arkansas-Texas A&M game last weekend and wasn’t impressed with the Hogs’ defense.
“Arkansas can’t stop a cold, but they’ll try to score some points,” said Tuberville, predicting that Auburn would win by three touchdowns, yet warning that this also sets up as a trap game for the Tigers.
Of course, there is a history between Tuberville and Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino, although both men have said there are no ill feelings.
Petrino was Tuberville’s offensive coordinator at Auburn in 2002 before taking the Louisville head job following the season. That next year, Petrino was at the center of “Jetgate” when Auburn officials secretly flew to meet with Petrino about replacing Tuberville before the season was even over.
Tuberville said he remains a big Auburn fan and complimented the job offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn has done with the offense.
“I love these kids,” Tuberville said. “They laid it on the line for me last year. That’s why I’m so excited for them, especially the seniors and what they went through last year and what they’re having an opportunity to go through this year. They deserve it. I put them in a tough situation. Now they’re in a very good situation for them. They just need to keep it going.”
7 October 2009
ESPN
Former Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville isn’t much of a believer in Arkansas.
Appearing Wednesday on WJOX Radio in Birmingham, Ala., Tuberville said Auburn would beat Arkansas “by three touchdowns” this Saturday.
Tuberville said he attended the Arkansas-Texas A&M game last weekend and wasn’t impressed with the Hogs’ defense.
“Arkansas can’t stop a cold, but they’ll try to score some points,” said Tuberville, predicting that Auburn would win by three touchdowns, yet warning that this also sets up as a trap game for the Tigers.
Of course, there is a history between Tuberville and Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino, although both men have said there are no ill feelings.
Petrino was Tuberville’s offensive coordinator at Auburn in 2002 before taking the Louisville head job following the season. That next year, Petrino was at the center of “Jetgate” when Auburn officials secretly flew to meet with Petrino about replacing Tuberville before the season was even over.
Tuberville said he remains a big Auburn fan and complimented the job offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn has done with the offense.
“I love these kids,” Tuberville said. “They laid it on the line for me last year. That’s why I’m so excited for them, especially the seniors and what they went through last year and what they’re having an opportunity to go through this year. They deserve it. I put them in a tough situation. Now they’re in a very good situation for them. They just need to keep it going.”
The Arkansas Game
There seems to be a broad consensus on this game. To wit:
1) It will be a "shootout." Meaning: a high scoring game.
2) Auburn will have to find some way to pressure Arkansas QB Ryan Mallet. No doubt he is very good. Arkansas leads the league in passing. They haven't done much running so far this year. I think Mallet is averaging 281 yards passing a game. If he gets more than that, we're in trouble.
3) The Auburn defense will have to play some people. Do we have the necessary defensive depth? Maybe that's why Coach Roof has been playing so many people in the second halves which has had the negative effect of so many points being given up in the 4th quarter.
Sometimes football games do not go according to predictions. In this instance, I find no reason to question the convention wisdom.
1) It will be a "shootout." Meaning: a high scoring game.
2) Auburn will have to find some way to pressure Arkansas QB Ryan Mallet. No doubt he is very good. Arkansas leads the league in passing. They haven't done much running so far this year. I think Mallet is averaging 281 yards passing a game. If he gets more than that, we're in trouble.
3) The Auburn defense will have to play some people. Do we have the necessary defensive depth? Maybe that's why Coach Roof has been playing so many people in the second halves which has had the negative effect of so many points being given up in the 4th quarter.
Sometimes football games do not go according to predictions. In this instance, I find no reason to question the convention wisdom.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Malzahn Links
Here is an interesting dissection of the Malzahn offense.
And another discussion of Malzahn from Sports Illustrated.
And another discussion of Malzahn from Sports Illustrated.
DeWanna Bonner
I am happy for DeWanna Bonner. The former Auburn star is playing in the WNBA Finals for the Phoenix Mercury. She was named WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year, and I read that she could be named Rookie of the Year too.
It is too bad the WNBA is apparently not making any money and the league may fold soon.
It is too bad the WNBA is apparently not making any money and the league may fold soon.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Pick 'Em (5)
Pick the winner. Home team in CAPS.
1. Auburn * vs. TENNESSEE (2)
2. Alabama * (10) vs. KENTUCKY
3. Arkansas (1) *k vs. Texas A & M (in Arlington, Tx)
4. GEORGIA (3) vs. LSU *
5. Georgia Tech (6) * vs. MISSISSIPPI STATE
6. Ohio State (17)* vs. INDIANA
7. STANFORD (5) * vs. UCLA
8. Southern Miss (9) vs. UAB *
9. Clemson (13) vs. MARYLAND *
10.NOTRE DAME (13) * vs. Washington
11.Florida State (4 1/2) vs. BOSTON COLLEGE *
12. Oklahoma (7) vs. MIAMI *
13.Penn. State (7) * vs. ILLINOIS
14.USC (5) * vs. CALIFORNIA
15.Ole Miss (9) * vs. VANDERBILT
16.PURDUE (7) vs. Northwestern *
17.Pittsburgh (6 1/2) * vs. LOUISVILLE
18.NORTH CAROLINA (13) vs. Virginia *
19.IOWA (21) * vs. Arkansas State
20.CENTRAL FLORIDA (7) *vs. Memphis
Fred's Picks
1. Auburn *
2. Alabama *
3. Texas A & M
4. Georgia
5. Mississippi State
6. Ohio State *
7. UCLA
8. Southern Miss
9. Clemson
10.Notre Dame *
11.Florida State
12.Miami *
13.Penn. St. *
14. USC *
15.Vanderbilt
16.Purdue
17.Pittsburgh *
18.North Carolina
19.Iowa *
20.Central Florida *
Moyna's Picks
1. Auburn *
2. Alabama *
3. Arkansas *
4. LSU *
5. Georgia Tech *
6. Ohio State *
7. Stanford *
8. Southern Miss
9. Clemson
10.Notre Dame *
11.Florida State
12.Oklahoma
13.Penn.St. *
14.USC *
15.Ole Miss *
16.Northwestern *
17.Pittsburgh *
18.Virginia *
19.Iowa *
20.Central Florida *
Freddy's Picks
1. Auburn *
2. Alabama *
3. A & M
4. Georgia
5. Tech *
6. Ohio State *
7. Stanford *
8. Southern Miss
9. Maryland *
10. Notre Dame *
11. BC *
12. Oklahoma
13. PSU *
14. Cal
15. Ole Miss *
16. Purdue
17. Pitt *
18. NC
19. Iowa *
20. Central Florida*
1. Auburn * vs. TENNESSEE (2)
2. Alabama * (10) vs. KENTUCKY
3. Arkansas (1) *k vs. Texas A & M (in Arlington, Tx)
4. GEORGIA (3) vs. LSU *
5. Georgia Tech (6) * vs. MISSISSIPPI STATE
6. Ohio State (17)* vs. INDIANA
7. STANFORD (5) * vs. UCLA
8. Southern Miss (9) vs. UAB *
9. Clemson (13) vs. MARYLAND *
10.NOTRE DAME (13) * vs. Washington
11.Florida State (4 1/2) vs. BOSTON COLLEGE *
12. Oklahoma (7) vs. MIAMI *
13.Penn. State (7) * vs. ILLINOIS
14.USC (5) * vs. CALIFORNIA
15.Ole Miss (9) * vs. VANDERBILT
16.PURDUE (7) vs. Northwestern *
17.Pittsburgh (6 1/2) * vs. LOUISVILLE
18.NORTH CAROLINA (13) vs. Virginia *
19.IOWA (21) * vs. Arkansas State
20.CENTRAL FLORIDA (7) *vs. Memphis
Fred's Picks
1. Auburn *
2. Alabama *
3. Texas A & M
4. Georgia
5. Mississippi State
6. Ohio State *
7. UCLA
8. Southern Miss
9. Clemson
10.Notre Dame *
11.Florida State
12.Miami *
13.Penn. St. *
14. USC *
15.Vanderbilt
16.Purdue
17.Pittsburgh *
18.North Carolina
19.Iowa *
20.Central Florida *
Moyna's Picks
1. Auburn *
2. Alabama *
3. Arkansas *
4. LSU *
5. Georgia Tech *
6. Ohio State *
7. Stanford *
8. Southern Miss
9. Clemson
10.Notre Dame *
11.Florida State
12.Oklahoma
13.Penn.St. *
14.USC *
15.Ole Miss *
16.Northwestern *
17.Pittsburgh *
18.Virginia *
19.Iowa *
20.Central Florida *
Freddy's Picks
1. Auburn *
2. Alabama *
3. A & M
4. Georgia
5. Tech *
6. Ohio State *
7. Stanford *
8. Southern Miss
9. Maryland *
10. Notre Dame *
11. BC *
12. Oklahoma
13. PSU *
14. Cal
15. Ole Miss *
16. Purdue
17. Pitt *
18. NC
19. Iowa *
20. Central Florida*
Scoreboard (4)
FOR THE WEEK:
Freddy 15-5
Fred 17-3
Moyna 15-5
FOR THE YEAR:
Freddy 35-24-1
Fred 41-18-1
Moyna 37-22-1
Freddy 15-5
Fred 17-3
Moyna 15-5
FOR THE YEAR:
Freddy 35-24-1
Fred 41-18-1
Moyna 37-22-1
Back to Knoxville
It will be glorious to return to Knoxville where we haven't been since 1999. We hope that this time the Tigers will be better equipped than we were 10 years ago. Of course, we've won 4 in a row against the Vols since then.
This rivalry looms large in my Auburn football memories. We used to play every year before 1992 and so there are lots of those memories.
My first Auburn-Tennessee memory was 1968, my freshman year, when we won (I think) 28 to 14 in Legion Field. I was there for that first one in my time.
I remember the 1970 game in Legion Field. We won but I do not remember the score without looking it up.
There was 1972 also in Legion Field, one of the most satifying Auburn wins in my lifetime. Auburn opened the season beating Mississippi State and then squeaking by Chattanoga 14 to 7. There wasn't a sole in this universe that thought Auburn would be Tennessee, but we did beat them 10 to 6. I remember to this day leaving the Legion Field as proud of an Auburn team as I've been for winning a game that NO ONE thought we would win. That '72 team would go on to distinguish itself by losing only one game all year.
I remember Freddy and I going to the 1998 game in Auburn when we lost. Little did we know at that time that Terry Bowden would be gone before the end of the year.
I'm hoping for additional great memories come this Saturday.
This rivalry looms large in my Auburn football memories. We used to play every year before 1992 and so there are lots of those memories.
My first Auburn-Tennessee memory was 1968, my freshman year, when we won (I think) 28 to 14 in Legion Field. I was there for that first one in my time.
I remember the 1970 game in Legion Field. We won but I do not remember the score without looking it up.
There was 1972 also in Legion Field, one of the most satifying Auburn wins in my lifetime. Auburn opened the season beating Mississippi State and then squeaking by Chattanoga 14 to 7. There wasn't a sole in this universe that thought Auburn would be Tennessee, but we did beat them 10 to 6. I remember to this day leaving the Legion Field as proud of an Auburn team as I've been for winning a game that NO ONE thought we would win. That '72 team would go on to distinguish itself by losing only one game all year.
I remember Freddy and I going to the 1998 game in Auburn when we lost. Little did we know at that time that Terry Bowden would be gone before the end of the year.
I'm hoping for additional great memories come this Saturday.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
What I Saw (2)
Auburn beat Ball State like it was supposed to. The first mark of a good team is that you win the ones you are supposed to win. Yet Auburn wasn't exactly crisp in beating an inferior team.
The team scored 54 points. You have to be pleased by the offense, though inconsistent at times last night. You have to pleased with the defense continuing to pile up turnovers. You have to be pleased with the resilience of this team.
Yet the defense must get much better given the competition that is coming. Better tackling and better consistency has to begin somewhere at some point. Next Sunday night in Knoxville would be a good time to start! A dominant defense is not in the works this year. I do hope big improvement IS in the works.
Wes Byrun is perfect on place kicking. Othewise, special teams are a mess. We must find someone who can catch a punt. Our kickoff coverage is atrocious. Our kickoff returns are medicore. Soon or later if special teams do not improve they will cost us a game.
I have no idea how good Tennessee is. All I can think of is the tradition of this series, and memories of winning and losing in Knoxville. We HAVE won some big ones up there. I remember 1983 and 2004 in particular. We have a 4-game winning streak against the Vols (2003, two in '04, and last year). It needs to continue next Saturday night.
The team scored 54 points. You have to be pleased by the offense, though inconsistent at times last night. You have to pleased with the defense continuing to pile up turnovers. You have to be pleased with the resilience of this team.
Yet the defense must get much better given the competition that is coming. Better tackling and better consistency has to begin somewhere at some point. Next Sunday night in Knoxville would be a good time to start! A dominant defense is not in the works this year. I do hope big improvement IS in the works.
Wes Byrun is perfect on place kicking. Othewise, special teams are a mess. We must find someone who can catch a punt. Our kickoff coverage is atrocious. Our kickoff returns are medicore. Soon or later if special teams do not improve they will cost us a game.
I have no idea how good Tennessee is. All I can think of is the tradition of this series, and memories of winning and losing in Knoxville. We HAVE won some big ones up there. I remember 1983 and 2004 in particular. We have a 4-game winning streak against the Vols (2003, two in '04, and last year). It needs to continue next Saturday night.
Why I am an Auburn Fan
BY Kevin Ives
25 September 2009
Tigers Corner
I am an Auburn fan because of family. It never is said enough and it never rings hollow. Auburn is family. I know that where ever I am, whenever I hear a friendly “War Eagle,” I just met another of my brothers or sisters.
I am an Auburn fan because of friends. From the best friends I will ever make while I was a student to the 87,000 friends who make those eight Saturdays in the fall worth drudging through the other 357 days of the year.
I am an Auburn fan because of Shug Jordan. A soft spoken gentleman who coached for the right reasons. Lewis Grizzard once asked Georgia Coach Harry Mehre if Shug Jordan would ever retire. The response remains the truest words ever spoken about Coach Jordan: "Shug will coach as long as he can. He still loves the things most coaches don't think about anymore. He still loves the rah-rah part of this thing. He walks onto the field and hears all that War Eagle business they do down there, and Shug knows it's all worthwhile.”
I am an Auburn fan because, I too, hear “all that War Eagle business” and, I too, know “it’s all worthwhile”.
I am an Auburn fan because “The Amazins” and “Punt, Bama, Punt” and the story of a team that seems unbelievable when told today, but happened, and happened to Auburn.
I am an Auburn fan because of Sullivan, Beasley, Carnell, Bo, Ronnie, and Rocker. Of “Little Train”, Nix, Sanders, Dameyune, “Red”, Zeke, “Iron Mike”, the “Phantom of Union Springs” and the players before, the players since, and the players yet to come.
I am an Auburn fan because of Kevin Greene, still my favorite Auburn player. A walk-on who became an All-Pro and a player who still reminds me to never quit.
I am an Auburn fan because of Monk Gafford, a humble man with amazing talent, who made his mother proud.
I am an Auburn fan because of my Dad and some of my favorite memories involving a red Mazda truck, parking at the amphitheatre, and lifetime lessons taught on unforgettable Saturdays.
I am an Auburn fan because of other Dads. Who beam on game days teaching their children about Auburn. Who carry their little Tigers on their shoulders and make the same memories I made years earlier.
I am an Auburn fan because of my Grandfather, an Auburn grad and Auburn grad who called me his own “Little Tiger” and whose API class ring remains my most cherished possession.
I am an Auburn fan because of Jim Fyffe and the love he had for Auburn. August 30, 2003, my first game without Jim Fyffe, is the only time I’ve ever cried at an Auburn game. I still, to this day, wish he could have seen the 2004 team.
I am an Auburn fan because of Carl Stephens and “The Correct Jordan-Hare Stadium Time.”
I am an Auburn fan because of pain and how every Auburn loss ruins my week until the next Saturday.
I am an Auburn fan because of joy and how every Auburn win makes the following week fly by.
I am an Auburn fan because of Tiger Walk, and the eagle flight, and traditions that are uniquely Auburn.
I am an Auburn fan because “The Auburn Creed” and how simple words, written by an inspired coach, have moved me more than Keats, Coleridge, and Shakespeare ever could.
I am an Auburn fan because every Auburn man and woman has their own reasons, their own stories, and their own list of why, they too, are Auburn fans.
I am an Auburn fan because of whatever mistakes I may make in my life, I did one thing right: I went to Auburn and became an Auburn man.
25 September 2009
Tigers Corner
I am an Auburn fan because of family. It never is said enough and it never rings hollow. Auburn is family. I know that where ever I am, whenever I hear a friendly “War Eagle,” I just met another of my brothers or sisters.
I am an Auburn fan because of friends. From the best friends I will ever make while I was a student to the 87,000 friends who make those eight Saturdays in the fall worth drudging through the other 357 days of the year.
I am an Auburn fan because of Shug Jordan. A soft spoken gentleman who coached for the right reasons. Lewis Grizzard once asked Georgia Coach Harry Mehre if Shug Jordan would ever retire. The response remains the truest words ever spoken about Coach Jordan: "Shug will coach as long as he can. He still loves the things most coaches don't think about anymore. He still loves the rah-rah part of this thing. He walks onto the field and hears all that War Eagle business they do down there, and Shug knows it's all worthwhile.”
I am an Auburn fan because, I too, hear “all that War Eagle business” and, I too, know “it’s all worthwhile”.
I am an Auburn fan because “The Amazins” and “Punt, Bama, Punt” and the story of a team that seems unbelievable when told today, but happened, and happened to Auburn.
I am an Auburn fan because of Sullivan, Beasley, Carnell, Bo, Ronnie, and Rocker. Of “Little Train”, Nix, Sanders, Dameyune, “Red”, Zeke, “Iron Mike”, the “Phantom of Union Springs” and the players before, the players since, and the players yet to come.
I am an Auburn fan because of Kevin Greene, still my favorite Auburn player. A walk-on who became an All-Pro and a player who still reminds me to never quit.
I am an Auburn fan because of Monk Gafford, a humble man with amazing talent, who made his mother proud.
I am an Auburn fan because of my Dad and some of my favorite memories involving a red Mazda truck, parking at the amphitheatre, and lifetime lessons taught on unforgettable Saturdays.
I am an Auburn fan because of other Dads. Who beam on game days teaching their children about Auburn. Who carry their little Tigers on their shoulders and make the same memories I made years earlier.
I am an Auburn fan because of my Grandfather, an Auburn grad and Auburn grad who called me his own “Little Tiger” and whose API class ring remains my most cherished possession.
I am an Auburn fan because of Jim Fyffe and the love he had for Auburn. August 30, 2003, my first game without Jim Fyffe, is the only time I’ve ever cried at an Auburn game. I still, to this day, wish he could have seen the 2004 team.
I am an Auburn fan because of Carl Stephens and “The Correct Jordan-Hare Stadium Time.”
I am an Auburn fan because of pain and how every Auburn loss ruins my week until the next Saturday.
I am an Auburn fan because of joy and how every Auburn win makes the following week fly by.
I am an Auburn fan because of Tiger Walk, and the eagle flight, and traditions that are uniquely Auburn.
I am an Auburn fan because “The Auburn Creed” and how simple words, written by an inspired coach, have moved me more than Keats, Coleridge, and Shakespeare ever could.
I am an Auburn fan because every Auburn man and woman has their own reasons, their own stories, and their own list of why, they too, are Auburn fans.
I am an Auburn fan because of whatever mistakes I may make in my life, I did one thing right: I went to Auburn and became an Auburn man.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Pick 'Em (4)
Pick the Winner. Home team in CAPS.
1. AUBURN (31) vs. Ball State AUBURN WINS
2. ALABAMA (15) vs. Arkansas ALABAMA WINS
3. Mississippi (3) vs. SOUTH CAROLINA SOUTH CAROLINA WINS
4. TEXAS A & M (15) vs. UAB A & M WINS
5. ARKANSAS STATE (1 1/2) vs. Troy TROY WINS
6. Miami (2) vs. VIRGINIA TECH VIRGINIA WINS
7. GEORGIA TECH (2 1/2) vs. North Carolina GEORGIA TECH WINS
8. Florida (22) vs. KENTUCKY FLORIDA WINS
9. Vanderbilt (8) vs. RICE VANDERBILT WINS
10. LSU (13 1/2) vs. MISSISSIPPI STATE LSU WINS
11. PENN ST. (10) vs. Iowa PENN ST. WINS
12. Arizona (1) vs. OREGON STATE ARIZONA WINS
13. OHIO STATE (14) vs. Illinois OHIO STATE WINS
14. NORTHWESTERN (2 1/2) vs. Minnesota MINNESOTA WINS
15. KANSAS (13) vs. Southern Miss KANSAS WINS
16. IOWA STATE (10) vs. Army IOWA STATE WINS
17. FLORIDA STATE (14 1/2) vs. South Florida SOUTH FLORIDA WINS
18. TENNESSEE (21) vs. Ohio TENNESSEE WINS
19. MICHIGAN (20 1/2) vs. Indiana MICHIGAN WINS
20. CALIFORNIA (7) vs. Oregon OREGON WINS
Fred's Picks (17-3)
1. Auburn *
2. Alabama *
3. South Carolina *
4. Texas A & M *
5. Troy *
6. Miami
7. North Carolina
8. Florida *
9. Vanderbilt *
10.LSU *
11. Penn.St. *
12.Oregon St.
13.Ohio St. *
14.Minnesota *
15.Kansas *
16.Iowa St. *
17.FSU *
18.Tennessee *
19.Michigan *
20.Oregon *
Moyna's Picks (15-5)
1. Auburn *
2. Alabama *
3. Ole Miss
4. Texas A & M *
5. Arkansas State
6. Virginia Tech *
7. Georgia Tech *
8. Florida *
9. Vanderbilt *
10. LSU *
11. Penn State *
12. Oregon State
13. Ohio State
14. Northwestern *
15. Kansas *
16. Iowa State *
17. FSU
18. Tennessee *
19. Michigan *
20. Oregon *
Freddy's Picks (15-5)
1. Auburn *
2. Alabama *
3. Ole Miss
4. A&M *
5. Arkansas State
6. Virginia Tech *
7. North Carolina
8. Florida *
9. Vanderbilt *
10. LSU *
11. PSU *
12. Arizona *
13. Ohio State *
14. Northwestern *
15. Kansas *
16. ISU *
17. FSU
18. Tennessee *
19. Michigan *
20. California
1. AUBURN (31) vs. Ball State AUBURN WINS
2. ALABAMA (15) vs. Arkansas ALABAMA WINS
3. Mississippi (3) vs. SOUTH CAROLINA SOUTH CAROLINA WINS
4. TEXAS A & M (15) vs. UAB A & M WINS
5. ARKANSAS STATE (1 1/2) vs. Troy TROY WINS
6. Miami (2) vs. VIRGINIA TECH VIRGINIA WINS
7. GEORGIA TECH (2 1/2) vs. North Carolina GEORGIA TECH WINS
8. Florida (22) vs. KENTUCKY FLORIDA WINS
9. Vanderbilt (8) vs. RICE VANDERBILT WINS
10. LSU (13 1/2) vs. MISSISSIPPI STATE LSU WINS
11. PENN ST. (10) vs. Iowa PENN ST. WINS
12. Arizona (1) vs. OREGON STATE ARIZONA WINS
13. OHIO STATE (14) vs. Illinois OHIO STATE WINS
14. NORTHWESTERN (2 1/2) vs. Minnesota MINNESOTA WINS
15. KANSAS (13) vs. Southern Miss KANSAS WINS
16. IOWA STATE (10) vs. Army IOWA STATE WINS
17. FLORIDA STATE (14 1/2) vs. South Florida SOUTH FLORIDA WINS
18. TENNESSEE (21) vs. Ohio TENNESSEE WINS
19. MICHIGAN (20 1/2) vs. Indiana MICHIGAN WINS
20. CALIFORNIA (7) vs. Oregon OREGON WINS
Fred's Picks (17-3)
1. Auburn *
2. Alabama *
3. South Carolina *
4. Texas A & M *
5. Troy *
6. Miami
7. North Carolina
8. Florida *
9. Vanderbilt *
10.LSU *
11. Penn.St. *
12.Oregon St.
13.Ohio St. *
14.Minnesota *
15.Kansas *
16.Iowa St. *
17.FSU *
18.Tennessee *
19.Michigan *
20.Oregon *
Moyna's Picks (15-5)
1. Auburn *
2. Alabama *
3. Ole Miss
4. Texas A & M *
5. Arkansas State
6. Virginia Tech *
7. Georgia Tech *
8. Florida *
9. Vanderbilt *
10. LSU *
11. Penn State *
12. Oregon State
13. Ohio State
14. Northwestern *
15. Kansas *
16. Iowa State *
17. FSU
18. Tennessee *
19. Michigan *
20. Oregon *
Freddy's Picks (15-5)
1. Auburn *
2. Alabama *
3. Ole Miss
4. A&M *
5. Arkansas State
6. Virginia Tech *
7. North Carolina
8. Florida *
9. Vanderbilt *
10. LSU *
11. PSU *
12. Arizona *
13. Ohio State *
14. Northwestern *
15. Kansas *
16. ISU *
17. FSU
18. Tennessee *
19. Michigan *
20. California
Scoreboard (3)
FOR THE WEEK:
FREDDY 10-10
FRED 14-6
MOYNA 17-3
CUMULATIVE TO DATE
FREDDY 20-19-1
FRED 24-15-1
MOYNA 22-17-1
FREDDY 10-10
FRED 14-6
MOYNA 17-3
CUMULATIVE TO DATE
FREDDY 20-19-1
FRED 24-15-1
MOYNA 22-17-1
Sunday, September 20, 2009
What I Saw
I saw a resilient Auburn football team that came back from a quick 14-0 deficit.
I saw poor technique and poor tackling early but a defense that got stronger as the game went along and a defense that got 6 turnovers, the big difference in the game.
I saw an electric Jordan-Hare stadium.
I saw a receiver named Darvin Adams who apparently knows how to get open and catch the football.
I saw an offense that struggled to run the ball but ran the ball effectively when it had to.
I saw a football team that can win any game on its remaining schedule.
I saw poor technique and poor tackling early but a defense that got stronger as the game went along and a defense that got 6 turnovers, the big difference in the game.
I saw an electric Jordan-Hare stadium.
I saw a receiver named Darvin Adams who apparently knows how to get open and catch the football.
I saw an offense that struggled to run the ball but ran the ball effectively when it had to.
I saw a football team that can win any game on its remaining schedule.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
PIck 'Em (3)
Pick the winner. Home team in caps.
1. AUBURN (7) vs. West Virginia AUBURN WINS
2. ALABAMA (34 1/2) vs. North Texas ALABAMA WINS
3. TROY (7) vs. UAB TROY WINS
4. ARKANSAS (1) vs. Georgia GEORGIA WINS
5. MIAMI (7 1/2) vs. Georgia Tech MIAMI WINS
6. Northwestern (4) vs. SYRACUSE SYRACUSE WINS
7. IOWA (5) vs. Arizona IOWA WINS
8. San Diego State (3 1/2) vs. IDAHO IDAHO WINS
9. CENTRAL FLORIDA (4) vs. Buffalo CENTRAL FLORIDA WINS
10. Iowa State (3) vs. KENT STATE IOWA STATE WINS
11. FLORIDA (28 1/2) vs. Tennessee FLORIDA WINS
12. BYU (7) vs. Florida State FLORIDA STATE WINS
13. PITTSBURGH (7) vs. Navy PITSBURGH WINS
14. VIRGINIA TECH (3 1/2) vs. Nebraska VIRGINIA TECH WINS
15. CLEMSON (6 1/2) vs. Boston College CLEMSON WINS
16. AKRON (4) vs. Indiana INDIANA WINS
17. OREGON STATE (1) vs. Cincinnati CINCINNATI WINS
18. MARYLAND (6 1/2) vs. Middle Tennessee MIDDLE TENNESSEE WINS
19. OREGON (4) vs. Utah OREGON WINS
20. UNLV (7) vs. Hawaii UNLV WINS
Fred's Picks
1. Auburn
2. Alabama
3. UAB
4. Georgia
5. Miami
6. Northwestern
7. Iowa
8. San Diego St.
9. Central Florida
10. Iowa State
11. Florida
12. BYU
13. Pittsburgh
14. Nebraska
15. Clemson
16. Indiana
17. Oregon State
18. Middle Tennessee
19. Oregon
20. UNLV
FREDDY'S PICKS
1. Auburn
2. Alabama
3. Troy
4. Arkansas
5. Tech
6. Northwestern
7. Iowa
8. San Diego State
9. Buffalo
10. Kent State
11. Florida
12. BYU
13. Pitt
14. Nebraska
15. Clemson
16. Akron
17. Cinci
18. Maryland
19. Oregon
20. UNLV
Moyna's Picks
1. Auburn
2. Alabama
3. Troy
4. Georgia
5. Ga. Tech
6. Syracuse
7. Iowa
8. Idaho
9. Central Florida
10.Iowa State
11. Florida
12.Florida State
13. Pittsburgh
14.Virginia Tech
15. Clemson
16. Indiana
17. Oregon State
18. Maryland
19. Oregon
20. UNLV
1. AUBURN (7) vs. West Virginia AUBURN WINS
2. ALABAMA (34 1/2) vs. North Texas ALABAMA WINS
3. TROY (7) vs. UAB TROY WINS
4. ARKANSAS (1) vs. Georgia GEORGIA WINS
5. MIAMI (7 1/2) vs. Georgia Tech MIAMI WINS
6. Northwestern (4) vs. SYRACUSE SYRACUSE WINS
7. IOWA (5) vs. Arizona IOWA WINS
8. San Diego State (3 1/2) vs. IDAHO IDAHO WINS
9. CENTRAL FLORIDA (4) vs. Buffalo CENTRAL FLORIDA WINS
10. Iowa State (3) vs. KENT STATE IOWA STATE WINS
11. FLORIDA (28 1/2) vs. Tennessee FLORIDA WINS
12. BYU (7) vs. Florida State FLORIDA STATE WINS
13. PITTSBURGH (7) vs. Navy PITSBURGH WINS
14. VIRGINIA TECH (3 1/2) vs. Nebraska VIRGINIA TECH WINS
15. CLEMSON (6 1/2) vs. Boston College CLEMSON WINS
16. AKRON (4) vs. Indiana INDIANA WINS
17. OREGON STATE (1) vs. Cincinnati CINCINNATI WINS
18. MARYLAND (6 1/2) vs. Middle Tennessee MIDDLE TENNESSEE WINS
19. OREGON (4) vs. Utah OREGON WINS
20. UNLV (7) vs. Hawaii UNLV WINS
Fred's Picks
1. Auburn
2. Alabama
3. UAB
4. Georgia
5. Miami
6. Northwestern
7. Iowa
8. San Diego St.
9. Central Florida
10. Iowa State
11. Florida
12. BYU
13. Pittsburgh
14. Nebraska
15. Clemson
16. Indiana
17. Oregon State
18. Middle Tennessee
19. Oregon
20. UNLV
FREDDY'S PICKS
1. Auburn
2. Alabama
3. Troy
4. Arkansas
5. Tech
6. Northwestern
7. Iowa
8. San Diego State
9. Buffalo
10. Kent State
11. Florida
12. BYU
13. Pitt
14. Nebraska
15. Clemson
16. Akron
17. Cinci
18. Maryland
19. Oregon
20. UNLV
Moyna's Picks
1. Auburn
2. Alabama
3. Troy
4. Georgia
5. Ga. Tech
6. Syracuse
7. Iowa
8. Idaho
9. Central Florida
10.Iowa State
11. Florida
12.Florida State
13. Pittsburgh
14.Virginia Tech
15. Clemson
16. Indiana
17. Oregon State
18. Maryland
19. Oregon
20. UNLV
QUESTION
I'm thinking of switching to just picking winners. Picking the line is not fun. Maybe 20 games just picking the winner. What do you think?
Sunday, September 13, 2009
At this Point in the Season
At this point in the season we are happy to be 2 & 0. We expected to be 2 & 0 at this point before the season began. What we did not expect was such a potent offense. It is a delight to watch after last season and after 10 years of mostly conservative offense under Tuberville. The offensive production is nothing short of astounding.
The special teams certainly need some work. The defense needs to tighten up some and avoid injuries. The tough games are ahead. Yet we have to pleased so far.
West Virginia will be interesting. You would think that this will be an offensive shoot-out. If this is the case, I have to think we can win that type of game. But now watch it be a 10-7 game! Now that would be astounding, wouldn't it?
The special teams certainly need some work. The defense needs to tighten up some and avoid injuries. The tough games are ahead. Yet we have to pleased so far.
West Virginia will be interesting. You would think that this will be an offensive shoot-out. If this is the case, I have to think we can win that type of game. But now watch it be a 10-7 game! Now that would be astounding, wouldn't it?
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Pick 'Em! (2)
Pick the line. Home team in caps.
1. AUBURN (14 1/2) vs. Mississippi State / AUBURN COVERED
2. ALABAMA (34) vs. Florida International / ALABAMA FAILED TO COVER
3. GEORGIA TECH (5 1/2) vs. Clemson (Thursday night) TECH FAILED TO COVER
4. GEORGIA (7) vs. South Carolina / GEORGIA FAILED TO COVER
5. TENNESSEE (8 1/2) vs. UCLA / UCLA WON
6. UAB (11 1/2) vs. SMU / SMU WON
7. LSU (14 1/2) vs. Vanderbilt / LSU FAILED TO COVER
8. USC (6 1/2) vs. OHIO STATE / USC FAILED TO COVER
9. Notre Dame (3) vs. MICHIGAN / MICHIGAN WON
10. NAVY (7) vs. La. Tech/ NAVY COVERED
FRED'S PICKS
1. Auburn
2. FIU
3. Georgia Tech
4. South Carolina
5. Tennessee
6. UAB
7. Vanderbilt
8. Ohio State
9. Michigan
10. La. Tech
FREDDY'S PICKS
1. Auburn
2. Alabama
3. Tech
4. South Carolina - Ellis Johnson will take the bite out of the Dawgs.
5. Tennessee
6. UAB
7. LSU
8. Ohio State - Fr. QB Barkley going to the 'Shoe? I'm takin' the Buckeyes!
9. Notre Dame
10. Navy
MOYNA'S PICKS
1. Auburn
2. Alabama
3. Georgia Tech
4. Georgia
5. Tennessee
6. UAB
7. LSU
8. USC
9. Notre Dame
10.Navy
1. AUBURN (14 1/2) vs. Mississippi State / AUBURN COVERED
2. ALABAMA (34) vs. Florida International / ALABAMA FAILED TO COVER
3. GEORGIA TECH (5 1/2) vs. Clemson (Thursday night) TECH FAILED TO COVER
4. GEORGIA (7) vs. South Carolina / GEORGIA FAILED TO COVER
5. TENNESSEE (8 1/2) vs. UCLA / UCLA WON
6. UAB (11 1/2) vs. SMU / SMU WON
7. LSU (14 1/2) vs. Vanderbilt / LSU FAILED TO COVER
8. USC (6 1/2) vs. OHIO STATE / USC FAILED TO COVER
9. Notre Dame (3) vs. MICHIGAN / MICHIGAN WON
10. NAVY (7) vs. La. Tech/ NAVY COVERED
FRED'S PICKS
1. Auburn
2. FIU
3. Georgia Tech
4. South Carolina
5. Tennessee
6. UAB
7. Vanderbilt
8. Ohio State
9. Michigan
10. La. Tech
FREDDY'S PICKS
1. Auburn
2. Alabama
3. Tech
4. South Carolina - Ellis Johnson will take the bite out of the Dawgs.
5. Tennessee
6. UAB
7. LSU
8. Ohio State - Fr. QB Barkley going to the 'Shoe? I'm takin' the Buckeyes!
9. Notre Dame
10. Navy
MOYNA'S PICKS
1. Auburn
2. Alabama
3. Georgia Tech
4. Georgia
5. Tennessee
6. UAB
7. LSU
8. USC
9. Notre Dame
10.Navy
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Monday, September 7, 2009
It's good to see some Offense
It's good to see some offense for a change. We can watch Auburn football now and know that we can score and come from behind if necessary. We can power run AND speed run. We can throw short AND throw vertically downfield. Finally!
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Encouraged after the First Game
We can't help but be encouraged by the first game thrashing of La. Tech 37 to 13. Other than several silly penalties and occasionally giving up too many yards on third down, there isn't much to criticize.
The new offense is for real. It's hard to believe the offense accounted for 556 yards.
The defense was pretty solid. I didn't know until after the game that starters Eltoro Freeman and Zack Clayton did not play. That makes the defensive effort even more impressive.
There is hope for the future of Auburn football.
The new offense is for real. It's hard to believe the offense accounted for 556 yards.
The defense was pretty solid. I didn't know until after the game that starters Eltoro Freeman and Zack Clayton did not play. That makes the defensive effort even more impressive.
There is hope for the future of Auburn football.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
First Game
There is always excitement with the start of a new football season. I can recall many of Auburn's first game of the season going back to 1968 when I was a freshman. The first Auburn game I saw in person was the first game of that season. Auburn lost to SMU. The team looked terrible. I was so disappointed.
The first game of 1971 is one of the few times Auburn started the season in style. As best I can recall, we beat Chattanooga 60 to 7.
In 1972 we beat Mississippi State in a low-scoring game at Starkville. I remember listening to the game on the radio. That team went on to greatness.
In 1983 we beat Southern Miss 24 to 3. The 1983 was one Auburn team that was predicted to do well that DID well.
We lost to Miami 20 to 18 to start 1984.
I still remember when Freddy and I went to the first game of 1993 when we beat Ole Miss on a Thursday night. We had no idea that team would go undefeated.
Freddy's first game as a freshman in 2000 we beat Wyoming as I recall.
Who did we play in the first game last year? At the moment, I can't recall!
The first game of 1971 is one of the few times Auburn started the season in style. As best I can recall, we beat Chattanooga 60 to 7.
In 1972 we beat Mississippi State in a low-scoring game at Starkville. I remember listening to the game on the radio. That team went on to greatness.
In 1983 we beat Southern Miss 24 to 3. The 1983 was one Auburn team that was predicted to do well that DID well.
We lost to Miami 20 to 18 to start 1984.
I still remember when Freddy and I went to the first game of 1993 when we beat Ole Miss on a Thursday night. We had no idea that team would go undefeated.
Freddy's first game as a freshman in 2000 we beat Wyoming as I recall.
Who did we play in the first game last year? At the moment, I can't recall!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Pick 'Em!
Pick the line. Home team in CAPS
1. AUBURN (13 1/2) vs La. Tech
2. Alabama (6 1/2) vs. Virginia Tech (Georgia Dome)
3. NC STATE (4 1/2) vs. South Carolina (Thursday night)
4. UAB (5 1/2) vs. Rice
5. OKLAHOMA STATE (5 1/2) vs. Georgia
6. Ole Miss (16 1/2) vs. MEMPHIS (Sunday)
7. TEXAS (41) vs. La. Monroe
8. UCLA (19) vs. San Diego State
9. CLEMSON (19 1/2) vs. Middle Tennessee State
10. FSU (6) vs. Miami (Monday night)
FRED'S PICKS
1. Auburn. Maybe Jordan-Hare will help.
2. Virginia Tech. Counting on Beamer Ball
3. South Carolina. Maybe the Old Ball Coach still has some magic left.
4. UAB. Why not the Blazers?
5. Georgia. Going for the SEC.
6. Memphis. Hoping the Rebels are overrated.
7. Texas. Mack Brown likes to run up the score.
8. San Diego State. A little magic from Al Borges?
9. Clemson. Pulling against Tony Franklin.
10. FSU. No love for Miami.
MOYNA'S PICKS
1. Auburn
2. Virginia Tech
3. North Carolina State
4. Rice
5. Georgia
6. Ole Miss
7. Texas
8. San Diego State
9. Clemson
10. FSU
FREDDY'S PICKS
1. Auburn
2. Virginia Tech
3. North Carolina State
4. UAB
5. Oklahoma State
6. Ole Miss
7. Texas
8. UCLA
9. Clemson
10. Miami
1. AUBURN (13 1/2) vs La. Tech
2. Alabama (6 1/2) vs. Virginia Tech (Georgia Dome)
3. NC STATE (4 1/2) vs. South Carolina (Thursday night)
4. UAB (5 1/2) vs. Rice
5. OKLAHOMA STATE (5 1/2) vs. Georgia
6. Ole Miss (16 1/2) vs. MEMPHIS (Sunday)
7. TEXAS (41) vs. La. Monroe
8. UCLA (19) vs. San Diego State
9. CLEMSON (19 1/2) vs. Middle Tennessee State
10. FSU (6) vs. Miami (Monday night)
FRED'S PICKS
1. Auburn. Maybe Jordan-Hare will help.
2. Virginia Tech. Counting on Beamer Ball
3. South Carolina. Maybe the Old Ball Coach still has some magic left.
4. UAB. Why not the Blazers?
5. Georgia. Going for the SEC.
6. Memphis. Hoping the Rebels are overrated.
7. Texas. Mack Brown likes to run up the score.
8. San Diego State. A little magic from Al Borges?
9. Clemson. Pulling against Tony Franklin.
10. FSU. No love for Miami.
MOYNA'S PICKS
1. Auburn
2. Virginia Tech
3. North Carolina State
4. Rice
5. Georgia
6. Ole Miss
7. Texas
8. San Diego State
9. Clemson
10. FSU
FREDDY'S PICKS
1. Auburn
2. Virginia Tech
3. North Carolina State
4. UAB
5. Oklahoma State
6. Ole Miss
7. Texas
8. UCLA
9. Clemson
10. Miami
Lots of Question Marks
We will start this Auburn football season with lots of question marks. I can't remember a season when there were so many unknowns.
Has this coaching staff jelled?
Historically Auburn does not play so well in their opening game. Will that continue this year?
What about all of the freshmen and inexperienced players who are expected to play a big part? How will they do?
I think about Darren Bates starting at safety. That's scary. Montez Billings is out, which leaves very inexperienced wide receivers. Will they always run the right routes? Can they block downfield? Is Chris Todd really 100%? The offensive line and linebacking corps will have to play most of the game. Can they hold up and avoid injury?
Auburn seems to be a 13 or 14 point favorite. I hope that's right.
Has this coaching staff jelled?
Historically Auburn does not play so well in their opening game. Will that continue this year?
What about all of the freshmen and inexperienced players who are expected to play a big part? How will they do?
I think about Darren Bates starting at safety. That's scary. Montez Billings is out, which leaves very inexperienced wide receivers. Will they always run the right routes? Can they block downfield? Is Chris Todd really 100%? The offensive line and linebacking corps will have to play most of the game. Can they hold up and avoid injury?
Auburn seems to be a 13 or 14 point favorite. I hope that's right.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Game Week
Another game week is here for the start of a new Auburn football season. The excitement will build all week. Let's just hope for a happy outcome next Saturday night.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Never Know
Sometimes you never know how Auburn players will perform profesionally. Recently I saw a Chris Bootcheck highlight on ESPN. This morning, I saw a Devin Aromashodu clip. I don't know how well the former has done in MLB, but Devin has only 7 career catches for 96 yards. However, I read that he is competing for prominent playing time with the Chicago Bears.
It's Getting Closer
It's getting closer by the day to the start of another college football season. It's best not to think too much about it but in reading Philip's site each day I have to think about it.
I do enjoy reading about the depth chart---the likely two-deep depth chart---who will likely play and who might be redshirted. According the today's post, the backup QB position is still open. I suppose the decision on Rollison revolves around whether the coaches think it's worth burning a redshirt year if they think he can help win games this year.
It's fun to read good things about freshmen like Anthony Gulley and Darren Bates. Here are two guys who were not highly recruited and yet they are apparently pretty good. It makes you realize how misleading player ratings are coming out of high school.
I do enjoy reading about the depth chart---the likely two-deep depth chart---who will likely play and who might be redshirted. According the today's post, the backup QB position is still open. I suppose the decision on Rollison revolves around whether the coaches think it's worth burning a redshirt year if they think he can help win games this year.
It's fun to read good things about freshmen like Anthony Gulley and Darren Bates. Here are two guys who were not highly recruited and yet they are apparently pretty good. It makes you realize how misleading player ratings are coming out of high school.
Friday, August 21, 2009
The Start of Another Season
I haven't thought much about the impending start of another football season. It will come when it will come. Pelham HS had a scrimmage against Tuscaloosa County last night. I meant to go but it rained and I assumed it was rained out but lo & behold they had it anyway. I missed it! Auburn has commitment from Jake Holland, a Panther linebacker.
It will be an interesting start of the season with new Auburn coaches. Who knows how good this team will be. We like to think our starting 22 can compete with anybody but we have depth problems in certain areas.
La Tech is coming to town. By then I'll be ready to kick it off.
It will be an interesting start of the season with new Auburn coaches. Who knows how good this team will be. We like to think our starting 22 can compete with anybody but we have depth problems in certain areas.
La Tech is coming to town. By then I'll be ready to kick it off.
Friday, August 14, 2009
I'm Not Surprised
I am not surprised that Chris Todd is named the starting QB. I AM surprised about moving Kodi Burns to receiver. Now that I think about it, I remember hearing in the past intimations from some that Burns could end up at another position. Now it's happened.
I hope Neil Caudle is the backup and we reshirt the freshman, but I predict now that Rollison will be number 2 and Caudle will be out of luck.
Here we go!
I hope Neil Caudle is the backup and we reshirt the freshman, but I predict now that Rollison will be number 2 and Caudle will be out of luck.
Here we go!
Monday, August 3, 2009
The Start of Fall Practice
We come to the start of Fall practice. What will this season bring for Auburn? The question is always more pertinent than usual with the beginning of a new coaching staff. The short answer is that nobody knows. The long answer is that this team could be a good one but only IF certain things happen.
This coaching staff needs to jell and be as good as the impression they have created so far. Coach Chizik is low-key---he doesn't exactly fire anybody up---but we get good impressions about the assistants. Will they jell?
Who will start at QB? I'm guessing Neil Caudle or Chris Todd.
We read that we need to avoid injuries especially in the offensive line and at linebacker where there is little depth. There will always be some injuries. Let us hope there are no severe ones especially at these positions.
I think a big concern is Mike McNeil at safety. We certainly need him to come back from injury strong. And we will need some freshmen to step up.
By the time La Tech comes to town we will know about the injury situation and we will know the starting QB. We won't know anything for sure until we play that first game. It's mostly talk until then
This coaching staff needs to jell and be as good as the impression they have created so far. Coach Chizik is low-key---he doesn't exactly fire anybody up---but we get good impressions about the assistants. Will they jell?
Who will start at QB? I'm guessing Neil Caudle or Chris Todd.
We read that we need to avoid injuries especially in the offensive line and at linebacker where there is little depth. There will always be some injuries. Let us hope there are no severe ones especially at these positions.
I think a big concern is Mike McNeil at safety. We certainly need him to come back from injury strong. And we will need some freshmen to step up.
By the time La Tech comes to town we will know about the injury situation and we will know the starting QB. We won't know anything for sure until we play that first game. It's mostly talk until then
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Injuries
This seems like a good summary of the injury situation. I think Philip's first question was depth. We have depth issues mainly at offensive line and linebacker and maybe the defensive secondary.
Question No. 2: What about injuries?
By Phillip Marshall, Senior WriterPosted Jul 28, 2009Copyright © 2009 AuburnUndercover.com
Wide receiver Tim Hawthorne has a chance to be ready for opener/Todd Van Emst
Over the course of this week, we will examine five major questions facing Auburn football going into preseason practice, which begins Aug. 5. Today, we look at Question No. 2: What is the status of injured players?
AUBURN - First-year Auburn coach Gene Chizik doesn’t like to talk about injuries. And he usually doesn’t.
“I don’t think it’s fair to the players or their families,” Chizik said last Friday.
But there is no question that how some players rebound from injuries could have a significant impact on Auburn’s football season.
Here is a look at what we believe about some prominent players who are coming back from injuries:
Junior wide receiver Tim Hawthorne: Suffered a broken bone near his ankle during summer workouts. Will probably miss most of preseason practice but should be physically ready to play early in the season, probably in the opener against Louisiana Tech.
Junior safety Mike McNeil: Suffered a broken leg late in spring practice. Will probably be limited early in preseason practice but is expected to be ready to play in the opener.
Junior offensive lineman Bart Eddins: Underwent offseason knee surgery and missed much of spring practice. Should be ready to go if there are no further complications.
Redshirt freshman quarterback Barrett Trotter: Suffered a torn ACL during spring practice and underwent surgery. Is unlikely to be ready until sometime during the season.
Sophomore running back Eric Smith: Suffered a leg injury late in spring practice. It was not thought to be serious at the time. Should be ready at the start of preseason practice.
Junior defensive end Antoine Carter: Suffered a leg or knee injury during spring practice. Information about his status is sketchy. As far as we know, he also will be ready for practice.
Senior safety Aairon Savage: Suffered an Achilles injury during summer workouts and underwent surgery. After missing all last season because of a knee injury suffered in preseason practice, will probably miss all of this season. Has told teammates he will probably apply for a sixth year of eligibility.
Chizik said he and his staff will have to find a balance between having physical practices and trying to keep the injury list from growing in the month leading up to the season.
"We don't have a very deep football team," Chizik said. "Obviously, you want to keep the physical mentality, but you also have to be very smart on your approach. We’ll do that.
"We know that we have to take our best players into the game on Sept. 5. We have to have a fresh football team. That's our whole goal."
Question No. 2: What about injuries?
By Phillip Marshall, Senior WriterPosted Jul 28, 2009Copyright © 2009 AuburnUndercover.com
Wide receiver Tim Hawthorne has a chance to be ready for opener/Todd Van Emst
Over the course of this week, we will examine five major questions facing Auburn football going into preseason practice, which begins Aug. 5. Today, we look at Question No. 2: What is the status of injured players?
AUBURN - First-year Auburn coach Gene Chizik doesn’t like to talk about injuries. And he usually doesn’t.
“I don’t think it’s fair to the players or their families,” Chizik said last Friday.
But there is no question that how some players rebound from injuries could have a significant impact on Auburn’s football season.
Here is a look at what we believe about some prominent players who are coming back from injuries:
Junior wide receiver Tim Hawthorne: Suffered a broken bone near his ankle during summer workouts. Will probably miss most of preseason practice but should be physically ready to play early in the season, probably in the opener against Louisiana Tech.
Junior safety Mike McNeil: Suffered a broken leg late in spring practice. Will probably be limited early in preseason practice but is expected to be ready to play in the opener.
Junior offensive lineman Bart Eddins: Underwent offseason knee surgery and missed much of spring practice. Should be ready to go if there are no further complications.
Redshirt freshman quarterback Barrett Trotter: Suffered a torn ACL during spring practice and underwent surgery. Is unlikely to be ready until sometime during the season.
Sophomore running back Eric Smith: Suffered a leg injury late in spring practice. It was not thought to be serious at the time. Should be ready at the start of preseason practice.
Junior defensive end Antoine Carter: Suffered a leg or knee injury during spring practice. Information about his status is sketchy. As far as we know, he also will be ready for practice.
Senior safety Aairon Savage: Suffered an Achilles injury during summer workouts and underwent surgery. After missing all last season because of a knee injury suffered in preseason practice, will probably miss all of this season. Has told teammates he will probably apply for a sixth year of eligibility.
Chizik said he and his staff will have to find a balance between having physical practices and trying to keep the injury list from growing in the month leading up to the season.
"We don't have a very deep football team," Chizik said. "Obviously, you want to keep the physical mentality, but you also have to be very smart on your approach. We’ll do that.
"We know that we have to take our best players into the game on Sept. 5. We have to have a fresh football team. That's our whole goal."
Friday, July 24, 2009
About Gene Chizik
I read Philip Marshall's post on Coach Chizik at SEC Media Days. It is clear that Chizik is a low-key guy. He is not one to do alot of talking. He makes it clear that it's about Auburn and not about him. He is not exciting and motivating to listen to, but he seems to carry himself with dignity and class. Let's just hope he can coach.
Is this our Year?
Picked to finish 5th in the SEC West and with a history of doing well when least expected, the Auburn Tigers should have a great year. Is this our year?
Thursday, July 23, 2009
This & That
While commuting Auburn yesterday I was able to hear part of "Sportscall," the Auburn talk show that is on 93.9 FM in Montgomery. It was SO good to hear Auburn talk. You certainly don't hear any Auburn talk in Bamaham where I live.
So Bamer gets the Opelika running back. I hope that means that kid thinks we are going to get Dyer and Seastrunk. It will be interesting to see if that happens.
We do pick a 4-star receiver out of Atlanta. They get one and we get one.
So Bamer gets the Opelika running back. I hope that means that kid thinks we are going to get Dyer and Seastrunk. It will be interesting to see if that happens.
We do pick a 4-star receiver out of Atlanta. They get one and we get one.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Tom Watson - So Close!
Normally I don't pay much attention to professional golf. Then today I received an email update from the NY Times that said Tom Watson was in a playoff with Stewart Cink. I knew that the 59-yr. old Watson was leading the field going into the final round today. I turned the TV on to watch the playoff. Unfortunately Watson bogied the 18th in regulation to force the playoff. But then in the 4-hole playoff, Watson falls apart and loses the British Open. I found myself so hoping that this 59-yr. old would win this major golf tournament. We 59-yr. olds need to pull for one another!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
I Can't Help but Be Excited
I can't help but be excited at the thought of the start of another football season. Yet sometimes I wish college football weren't such a year round thing now. I think we need a true off-season. With the rise of interest in recruiting, I doubt this is possible now.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
This Weekend
We read about another recruiting event this weekend. It would be nice if Seastrunk and Dyer would commit.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Cries of War Eagle at Commencement
I read this post on "The War Eagle Reader" (http://thewareaglereader.wordpress.com/):
At a recent commencement ceremony at George Washington University, there were cries of “War Eagle.”
On her name card, Auburn alumna Sara Elisabeth Burson (class of ‘07) slipped our school’s illustrious battle cry in between her middle and last name.
She handed it to the announcer.
The announcer looked at it. A gag? Native American? Are you sure?
So sure.
So sure Sara graduated with a Masters in Tourism Administration from GWU not as Sara Elisabeth Burson, but as Sara Elisabeth War Eagle Burson.
At a recent commencement ceremony at George Washington University, there were cries of “War Eagle.”
On her name card, Auburn alumna Sara Elisabeth Burson (class of ‘07) slipped our school’s illustrious battle cry in between her middle and last name.
She handed it to the announcer.
The announcer looked at it. A gag? Native American? Are you sure?
So sure.
So sure Sara graduated with a Masters in Tourism Administration from GWU not as Sara Elisabeth Burson, but as Sara Elisabeth War Eagle Burson.
The All-Star Game
Of all the professional all-star games, the baseball one has always been the biggest. There was a time when this game meant something. I used to watch it and look forward to it. But then I virtually stopped keeping up with major league baseball and now I pay no attention to it. As you get older, some things that used to mean something can lose their significance over time.
Monday, July 13, 2009
I Agree
Jay G. Tate, the Auburn beat writer for the Montgomery Advertiser, has this prediction. I agree.
The crystal ball for 2009: Caudle begins the season as Auburn's No. 1 quarterback.
The crystal ball for 2009: Caudle begins the season as Auburn's No. 1 quarterback.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
It's Year Round Now
It's amazing how college football is a year round thing now. Recruits visit in the summer and commit before they start their senior years. There are constant postings and updates on websites. A player like Tim Hawthorne gets hurt in summer workouts. It never ends.
Talking to Coach Vakakis
Talking to Coach Vakakis
I happened to run into Fairfield head football coach Jim Vakakis at our local CVS drugstore this afternoon. Coach Vakakis coaches in Fairfield but he lives in Pelham. He used to sponsor Auburn bus trips to our away football games, but he had to give that up once he got the Fairfield head coaching job.It was good chatting with such a strong Auburn person. I asked him what he thought about Auburn football prospects. He tells me he liked Tuberville and wished they had not made a coaching change. He thinks we might win 7 games.He hears from his connections that sooner or later Alabama will receive another letter from the NCAA. They will likely not get the death penalty, but they should be severely penalized with scholarship reductions. Saban is a big cheater and everybody knows it. When the hammer drops, Saban will blame the boosters and walk away.He likes Kodi to win the QB job. He doesn't think much of Chris Todd. I mean he REALLY doesn't like Todd!Again, it was good to talk to a strong Auburn person.
I happened to run into Fairfield head football coach Jim Vakakis at our local CVS drugstore this afternoon. Coach Vakakis coaches in Fairfield but he lives in Pelham. He used to sponsor Auburn bus trips to our away football games, but he had to give that up once he got the Fairfield head coaching job.It was good chatting with such a strong Auburn person. I asked him what he thought about Auburn football prospects. He tells me he liked Tuberville and wished they had not made a coaching change. He thinks we might win 7 games.He hears from his connections that sooner or later Alabama will receive another letter from the NCAA. They will likely not get the death penalty, but they should be severely penalized with scholarship reductions. Saban is a big cheater and everybody knows it. When the hammer drops, Saban will blame the boosters and walk away.He likes Kodi to win the QB job. He doesn't think much of Chris Todd. I mean he REALLY doesn't like Todd!Again, it was good to talk to a strong Auburn person.
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